Mobilo rescue and a 212 Sport E class for ME!!!

[splitpin]

My sympathies with your latest problems Steve.
Having had 90k experience with two past 5 speed box Mercedes & admittedly
limited experience with three E320 cdi 7 speed cars. I have not found any of them
to be significantly inferior to the 5 speed.

It is fair to say that in the cold weather my current gearbox does not enjoy being
hard pressed for the first 500 yards (Wife driving) but if this proves to be its
worst shortcoming, I am not unduly worried.

Splitpin

 

[ringway]

Good write-up Clarkson! Who needs to test drive the 212 now?

Hope you get it all resolved Steve.

 

[flango]

I'm sure I read recently that MB will be fitting the 7-speed box to all models soon?

I though they had abandoned that because the 7g is a dog and as I have pointed out numerous times they fit the 5G to the SLR for a reason It's bullet proof. MB have been testing a new box at the Ring but some people say its a 7 speed to try and get the existing box reliable and others say its a 8 Speed to compete with BM

 

[gIzzE]

My 212 sadly due to the power shortage would need to be a 250cdi and I suspect a 350 to get the sort of power and drive to make me love a car. I merely like this car.

I would finance a 212 and buy the E350cdi sport, as the residuals make it cheaper than the E250cdi and you get better spec. too.

Even Mercedes have them listed at £445 a month for the 250 and £455 a month for the 350. Friend had just spent 3 weeks in a loan 250cdi after pranging his 350cdi and he is getting 34mpg from the 250 and was getting 36mpg from his 350cdi, he says the killer for him is he sits at 85mph all day and the 350cdi is drinking less at this speed.

Mercedes-Benz UK - E-Class Saloon - Operating Lease

 

[MOCAŠ]

I though they had abandoned that because the 7g is a dog and as I have pointed out numerous times they fit the 5G to the SLR for a reason It's bullet proof.

I thought the reason the 5G was used with the V12 engines (not just in the SLR) was simply that it has a higher torque capacity than the 7G (796lb-ft v 542lb-ft)?

PS: looks like it may be a 9-ratio box that MB is testing at the 'Ring...
http://www.autocar.co.uk/News/NewsArticle/AllCars/251467/

 

[The _Don]

"Anyway, although there is a dealer bashing nature to a lot of threads and this rubs off on Mercedes, the service I have had has been nothing short of exceptional, and an inspiration I will take with me in my employment for a lifetime. The service I have received is really making me reconsider the merits of a specialist service my car as I would not get this and would have to organize a hire car, and it would be a right crapper in comparison to this. The dealer may be gash, and if I had a more reliable car a specialist the way to go, but that’s 2 breakdowns in 5 months. If this becomes a trend, I will stick with the dealers to get this Mobilo. Its world class"

Most people tend to forget this aspect (mobilo) when ripping apart main dealer service prices and moaning about how expensive they are but like you said its lost without a full/current fmbsh.

 

[gIzzE]

PS: looks like it may be a 9-ratio box that MB is testing at the 'Ring...
Merc plans nine-speed auto' - Autocar.co.uk

Hopefully it will be used to give superb mpg sat at higher speeds, you should be able to sit at around 1500rpm doing 100mph these days with a 9th gear.

 

[st4]

Hopefully it will be used to give superb mpg sat at higher speeds, you should be able to sit at around 1500rpm doing 100mph these days with a 9th gear.

I really hope they do not make a 9g box.

Everything about this 5spd box is better. Nice spread of ratio's.

What I have noticed that this is one areodynamic car. Its unbelievably quiet and I am not driving it slowly at all, seen well into 3 digits (KMPH for the holier than thou) and it simply does not generate nearly as much wind noise as my car.

For pretty much most folk this 170bhp engine is enough, and for a 4 banger its rather good.

Just not a 6.

My ideal 212 would have the 350cdi 265bhp engine with the 5spd box.

Co-incidentally although this car feels like it handles well, it seems very good at resisting body roll, but the seating is set so high, you do not feel so connected to it as you do a 211.

I've also managed to get comfy and find a good driving position.

Can I see a gapping 212 hole in my life.

Nope, the 211 is still damn good and I would not shell out £455pm for a car when I own one outright, this is nowhere near £455pm better than what I have.

Its a damn fine quality peice of kit.

Further pics to follow...

 

[LTD]

Most people tend to forget this aspect (mobilo) when ripping apart main dealer service prices and moaning about how expensive they are but like you said its lost without a full/current fmbsh.

Most people expect a relatively new car (Steve's is a 55 plate from Merc Approved) not to need Mobilo. Especially as often as his has ........

I'm not a great fan of paying for a tow truck and hire car in advance through servicing when you really shouldn't need it.

 

[st4]

PS

Call from Enterprise, they want their 212 back. Its been recalled.

I get another tomorrow. Hopefully in different spec/colour to compare.

MB Glasgow called, confirmed offside wheel bearing needs replaced and also a new speed sensor as a consequence of the bearing damaging it.

The cost. £550.

My reply, its under tier one warranty. Lets hope that this is covered.

Pics of the new weapon.

 

[LTD]

My guess - wear and tear cited.

 

[st4]

My guess - wear and tear cited.

Checked the booklet.

On tier 1 warranties breakdown due to mechanical failure of wear and tear items is not covered if the car has done 100k miles.

Its not cited in the booklet as an excluded item.

I have their booklet and a letter proving I have this warranty, they will struggle with the wear and tear argument unless they have documentation that proves to the contrary.

 

[LTD]

Good luck Steve and well done Mercedes if they honour it - especially on a wheel bearing.

 

[Rory]

One with an auxililiary heater would have been handy!

 

[camerafodder]

At least its just a wheel bearing. Euromerc have rear w211 wheel bearings for £25. How come they need so much money to do the job?

http://cart.euromercmercedesparts.co.uk/index.php?p=product&id=5693&parent=4

 

[davidjpowell]

Because they are a dealer. Someone has to pay for the service, and prestigious premises.

IIRC that the way the hire car works is in order of preference

MB owned to equivalent of broken car
MB owned any car
Enterprise fleet MB
Enterprise Fleet any car (but not BMW etc...)

I'm guessing that they are swapping your W212 from an Enterprise fleet to MB fleet. Enterprise administer MB fleet also.

 

[st4]

Update

Hi Folks, as some of you may know through emails and texts I have sent the 212 is no more.

It was recalled for safety reasons.

I had to present myself at enterprise this AM. They called yesterday to tell me to get it to them ASAP. I imagine its this steering recall as it did not breakdown in the 300 miles I put on it.

Anyway, I mentioned I felt the 220cdi was a tad gutless, which it was and if they could get me one with a bigger engine.

They did, I got as 59 reg CLS. I suspect its a 350cdi as it has that irritating habit of hesitating in C mode.

Well, well, well, the difference between the 4 pot 212 and 6 pot CLS are marked. The V6 is a huge jump up in refinement and performance, for a very minor drop in consumption. Its only got 10k miles on it, and it feels a fair bit stronger than my 211 does.

Transmission: it has not got flappy paddles or any type of manual override on the wheel. Pity. It seems MB refined the 7g box. This one is smooth and not clunky when cold. Looking at the revometer, the 5g in the 212 still changed up faster than this one. Both are smooth, but I think on balance the 5g nudges it for shift times on the up. On the down, I have to concede the 7g may have it.

The car is oddly spec'd. COMAND, no Xenons.

I effing love it. It drives like a sports car, not like a sports saloon like a 212 sport and my 211. Body roll and control is tighter, the steering firmer, the seating position lower. The car feels more "game" for a laugh.

It corners superbly, and changes direction more quickly than either of the two E's. There is not a lot in it, but enough to say the CLS is definately sportier. Grip is relentless, I have tried unsticking it and it just goes where you point it and changes direction like a GTi Golf.

Interior: bar COMAND truly special. Nappa leather, leather covered dash, wood etc. Just a wonderful cabin.

Seating, legs more supported than the 212. Much lower set which I like. A big thing for me is the steering wheel, this you too can get nice and in at your chest, and unlike the 212 it has a thin rim, the feedback and feel of the thing in your hands is a joy to behold. Its got such nice steering and feedback. The 212's wheel is too scupted with large bits for thumb rests, this has a thinner one with gentler indentations. Some like the 212 wheel, I'd junk it for the one in this car.

So far so good, well almost.

Three niggles.

1. Seat on lowest setting, there is a absence of headroom, I can just get the minimum of a clenched fist between my head and the headlining. I have reclined the seat a bit and moved the base closer to the wheel to facilitate this as well, but its still comfy enough (although not as good as the 211). I could live with it.

2. The frameless doors and waiting for the windows drop. This is unbelievably ****ing annoying and I discounted CLKS for this. I would do the same. What possible purpose does this serve, I nearly broke the windows already. Tomorrow its going to ice. How does one get into the car. Bloody ridiculous and the makers of the car should be cattle whipped for putting this on. I would not buy the car solely because of these doors.

3. The COMAND. Its well crap compared to the one in the 212 which is at best bearable. How someone dropped over £1800 on such a piece of junk I do not know. Its awful. Its also hard to see as its set low down. The 212s and 204s is better positioned.

So would I buy one

Yes, if.

1. I was two inches shorter.
2. The doors were not an issue.

So if you are 5ft10 and under, and the frameless doors do not drive you nuts, there is quite frankly no better car your money will buy.

Now pictures, it’s a stunning car.

My car: MB Glasgow called. Bearing and speed sensor covered under warranty, it would seem. But the car’s stub axel has been damaged too and they do not have that in stock so need to order that up. They need to check whether that’s covered under warranty. So I may be rocking about in this for a while.

Shame.

 

[bpsorrel]

What a lovely CLS!! My next car, for sure. Interestingly, I'm 6'2 and have no problem with the interior height. I've tested several now and each has been perfectly ok for me. Also, no issue with the doors. My Saab has the same frameless doors and it's never been an issue, even in very cold icy weather. So, I agree, the perfect car for the money! Bring it on!

Best of luck with your repair Steve!

 

[st4]

What a lovely CLS!! My next car, for sure. Interestingly, I'm 6'2 and have no problem with the interior height. I've tested several now and each has been perfectly ok for me. Also, no issue with the doors. My Saab has the same frameless doors and it's never been an issue, even in very cold icy weather. So, I agree, the perfect car for the money! Bring it on!

Best of luck with your repair Steve!

It does need Xenon lights, they are a bit shi*.

Its all personal preferences, I sit v. upright a close to the wheel, others sit further back and more reclined so will have more space.

The doors are a massive irritant of mine. Most don't mind them so on that basis its a cracking car for pretty much everyone.

The handling, poise & composure, styling (inside and out), performance make it a very compelling car. Its a delight to drive.

PS, IIRC this is a 350cdi I think, its hesitant in C and seems a bit more rapid than mine, if less refined. Not a lot in it to be fair.

I took it the long way home and had a lot of fun, I did not do this with the 212 220cdi. Says it all really.

 

[MOCAŠ]

Another excellent write-up, ***, but like bpsorrell, I'm confused about the issue with the doors. They've worked perfectly on both my SLKs, to the extent that you don't even notice the glass dropping unless you specifically watch for it. If they've been getting this right since 1997, I'm intrigued as to how they managed to mess up with the CLS.