Mercedes E-class cabriolet W212 Diesel or Petrol ?

[Mactech]

I've often driven over 220 miles at motorway speeds in the SL with the top down and no problems.

Yes, top down motoring comfort has much more to do with the external conditions than the type of car.
The difference in noise level on a truck filled, concrete surfaced motorway is a whole world away from a quiet tarmac, deserted country road.
Tyre and traffic noise of other vehicles is by far the biggest factor in deciding wether I run with the top down or not.

 

[AVeliki]

Yes, top down motoring comfort has much more to do with the external conditions than the type of car.
The difference in noise level on a truck filled, concrete surfaced motorway is a whole world away from a quiet tarmac, deserted country road.
Tyre and traffic noise of other vehicles is by far the biggest factor in deciding wether I run with the top down or not.

What about the temperature, guys ? What is the comfort zone ? Do you drive your cabriolets during the autumn or spring?

 

[SmartAmg]

What about the temperature, guys ? What is the comfort zone ? Do you drive your cabriolets during the autumn or spring?

Heaters, Heated seats and Air Scarfs, all work well I presume.

 

[ToeKnee]

Yes, top down motoring comfort has much more to do with the external conditions than the type of car.
The difference in noise level on a truck filled, concrete surfaced motorway is a whole world away from a quiet tarmac, deserted country road.
Tyre and traffic noise of other vehicles is by far the biggest factor in deciding wether I run with the top down or not.

When I used to do long distances in the cobra, which has no side windows at all, I used to use ear plugs mainly for the wind and road noise although a lot of people thought I wore them because of the loud sidepipe exhausts.

 

[ToeKnee]

Heaters, Heated seats and Air Scarfs, all work well I presume.

I rarely drive the SL with the top up unless it's raining even in autumn and winter times because of the heating system in the car, I do get some funny looks though.

 

[SmartAmg]

I do get some funny looks though.

Let um look, enjoy it!

 

[anglaslt]

Welcome AVeliki.

If you can find one within your budget I would suggest an E400 petrol. The M276 V6 245 Kw engine is super smooth and quiet. Happy in town and in traffic but with performance when you feel like it. It came in 3.0 litre and later on 3.5 litre variants and is surprisingly economical. I had a C207 coupe for 2 or 3 faultless years and absolutely loved it.

Interesting your comment about the Bulgaria used car market. I think much the same as LT. All my LHD cars have ome from either Germany or UK.

Good luck with your search.

 

[AVeliki]

Welcome AVeliki.

If you can find one within your budget I would suggest an E400 petrol. The M276 V6 245 Kw engine is super smooth and quiet. Happy in town and in traffic but with performance when you feel like it. It came in 3.0 litre and later on 3.5 litre variants and is surprisingly economical. I had a C207 coupe for 2 or 3 faultless years and absolutely loved it.

Interesting your comment about the Bulgaria used car market. I think much the same as LT. All my LHD cars have ome from either Germany or UK.

Good luck with your search.

Thanks for your post, anglaslt. E400 is perfect I believe but it’s over my budget unfortunately. Anyway - if I found out one by fortune I definitely will keep in mind your opinion. ( E400 has adjustable suspension, right ?) About car market in Bulgaria - all cars here are up to 100K kilometres. All of them have been driven by old ladies which have used them only to the supermarket and back. And all of them are twice cheaper than similar cars in Germany.

 

[dmb007]

Welcome AVeliki,

I have had a 2011 E350 Diesel and currently run a 2015 E400. My wife runs a 2015 C220.

Nothing wrong with the E350 in fact it was great car, very smooth. But I wanted a change for various reasons.

I much prefer the E400 partly as it is newer with higher spec and partly because it is petrol (3.5). It is more powerful when I want it to be. I mainly run it in ECO mode but when you want to make progress SPORT really does make a difference. I do a low mileage.

Be careful if you look at this model as in the UK most dealers/sellers do not realise there are 2 different engine sizes. I had to look at V5 to make sure.

As far as top down motoring is concerned I use mine, top down, in all seasons when dry.

Funnily, hot summers (more often these days in UK) can be the worst time for my comfort as I burn easily.

The air scarf, heated seats, windows and rear wind deflector make the cabin a cosy and warm place.

As far as problems are concerned I have had the dreaded NOx problems (about 2.5 years ago), but, MB fixed FOC once the second dealer realised I had 4 sensors.

Personally I would plump for either the 350 or 400.

Regards
David

 

[AVeliki]

What about rainy days, guys ? Can A207 be driven in rain ? Thats not my purpose of course but… Is the soft top reliable enough ?

 

[AVeliki]

What about rainy days, guys ? Can A207 be driven in rain ? Thats not my purpose of course but… Is the soft top reliable enough ?

 

[BPD07]

What about rainy days, guys ? Can A207 be driven in rain ? Thats not my purpose of course but… Is the soft top reliable enough ?

What a strange question… with the top up it’s like a coupe. You seem to be thinking it will be akin to a 70s Spitfire/Midget ragtop fit. Also the rear visibility is probably the best in class for width of the rear window.

 

[AVeliki]

What a strange question… with the top up it’s like a coupe. You seem to be thinking it will be akin to a 70s Spitfire/Midget ragtop fit. Also the rear visibility is probably the best in class for width of the rear window.

Sorry, BPD07 - if I have to be honest - I don’t know what to think really. And there isn’t a MB forum in Bulgaria where I could ask. Or at least for such new cars.. My point was is there any leaks, weak points and etc. I found out only one topic for soft top’s leak here

 

[andyR43]

Never had a leak in mine. Soft top operates superbly so if it does start raining it is up in no time at all and can be operated at speeds of up to 30MPH. Just make sure to regularly clean the roof and its mechanism to ensure it stays operating smoothly. Also use a good quality fabric waterproofer ( gteqhnic, Fabsil, Renovo etc.) annually to maintain its integrity.

 

[geoffus]

The only problem I have ever had with my softop is to forget to keep a hat handy, when its warm and sunny the top is always down, but my head does burn easily as not much hair cover.

 

[AVeliki]

Another ”strange” question, guys. If you allow me. Is there spare tyre in the trunk ? I watched a video in youtube and saw that below trunk is the fuel tank only.. I am a little bit confused. Is it possible or I am missing something?

 

[AVeliki]

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App. 1:35

 

[geoffus]

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App. 1:35

That’s a nuisance, I have a 2014 E250 non Adblue version, it has a space saver in the boot, very useful.
Another reason to give the Adblue version a miss.

 

[TeddyRuxpin]

A must if ulez and future resale matters to you…

 

[geoffus]

A must if ulez and future resale matters to you…

Probably won't effect him too much living in Bulgaria.