New C250d to New CLS350d - worth it?!

[nc11]

So I've had my new c250d (prem plus) for about 3 days when I noticed the dreaded wind-noise issue, which has been widely reported. A trip to the dealer got the acoustic glass installed but didn't resolve the problem. Another visit for door geometry realignment and that didn't remove the noise, so the car went back as a reject, and the deal has been cancelled (all monies refunded).

I'm now thinking - what next?

I loved the c-class (apart from that noise, of course!) - power, refinement, cabin feel and gadgets, all great. MB have said that it's the "characteristics of the vehicle", so wouldn't recommend another c-class. I'm doing 80+ miles a day mainly on the m1, so need something comfortable, refined and with all the options the c-class had.

The only model which comes close for me is the CLS. I know that it will be replaced soon, but cannot hold for another year. The 220d appears to be too low on power in comparison to the 250d c-class, so the 350 is the only other engine option. It still returns good mpg. I'm going to PCH this car, btw..

Any suggestions or comments would be appreciated.

 

[fabes]

Is 4 seats enough?

 

[nc11]

Is 4 seats enough?

Good point. It's not an issue for me.

 

[wivenhoe]

I really enjoyed my CLS 350 CDI. I chopped it in against a C350e mainly due to the size of it. It became a bit of a lottery parking at places like the station as I am a 'big chap' (6'1 and 20 stone ) and so need to open the door a bit to get in !

I think if I was to go back to the CLS (2014 model) From the C Class I would find the interior dated and the technology previous generation. Great looking car though. I had a Diamond Blue one which really suited the car but the interior was a very drab black which with the reduced headroom makes it gloomy.

 

[sc3992]

What about the new E class?

 

[Peter103]

why not try an e 350 coupe? I have one and love it, all the power and torque your ever likely to need, quiet, smooth, comfortable, and quick. And a bit smaller than the cls to park. PS and economical.

 

[parvez78]

why not try an e 350 coupe? I have one and love it, all the power and torque your ever likely to need, quiet, smooth, comfortable, and quick. And a bit smaller than the cls to park. PS and economical.

just to note the doors are a bit longer on the coupe, so if parking is an issue then take this into account

 

[wivenhoe]

Ironically, I chopped my E Class Coupe in for a CLS as I thought the smaller 4 doors would be better than the large 2 doors of the Coupe. The added width of the CLS cancelled this out !

 

[Jocky]

CLS350 is a great car (SB is my favourite of the current line up) and I find the handling excellent for such a big car - as good as the C class and much better than the new E class.

Only downside of the CLS (apart from the two rear seats) is that it's 'old' technology inside now. Screen resolution is lower and you haven't got all the newer bells and whistles of the C class (you do get connected services and smartphone integration). You don't get a panoramic sunroof either! As previously said, it works better with a lighter interior.

I went from a CLS SB to a C250 and back to a CLS before my current E Class and would have a CLS anytime. Shame the SB isn't n the cards to be continued.

 

[C240Sport97]

bear in mind that E class coupe is built on W204 C class chassis.

Go for new E class or CLS .. these are a class above the C and will cruise and ride more comfortably

 

[nc11]

Wow - great comments guys, thanks! I'm not fussed about the shape/door/seats of the CLS. I'm a "small chap" so need little room st the car park, and felt rather 'small' sitting in the new E. the CLS has a different feel when you sit inside which I like. I do agree though, that the tech is dated and that's an issue for me as I'm a gadgets person. I think it doesn't have the apple car play integration which the C class does not.

Anothe thing that bugs me is the rather hefty charge MB is putting on the CLS. A normal 24 months lease works out at around 45% of the rrp of the car, which is a LOT! Just had a quote for the 220d which is £18.5k over 2 yrs for a car worth £42k.

Might have to go back to the drawing board me think