New car - 3 weeks in

[LTD]

Preamble : Got a new E220 CDI Sport Coupe 3 weeks ago as a replacement for my ageing W220 S500.

Now that the snow has appeared and my car is not looking too new and shiny, I thought I should make a post to reflect on my 800 miles spent in my new car.

Where do I start ???

There are so many comparisons to make but can I start with one - you simply CANNOT compare an E Coupe with a long-wheelbase S class saloon. To do so would be stupid beyond belief. They are totally different vehicles and I'm not going to lower myself.

Instead, I will give my views on the car I currently own.

Styling - I love the slightly aggressive stance of the E Coupe. The AMG styling kit enhances the prominent lines of the bodywork and helps integrate it into a more complete look. The metallic black Obsidian paint, when clean, helps to accent the discrete chrome work.

Comfort - the Sports seats are really nice and can be adjusted in a multitude of ways to ensure that you are held securely with the right level of comfort.

Handling - nice tight chassis, decent feedback to the driver via a gorgeous steering wheel. Steering is light but precise.

Power - no real complaints. The twin turbo 4 pot has more than enough torquey things to make it shift from low revs and the 7G+ box is virtually seemless. Once I adapt to it's shift points, I will really start to enjoy it more.

Brakes - in proper Mercedes fashion, the car can stop on a sixpence. They are excellent.

Trim - well finished, even in my apparent poverty spec. Everything is at hand, tactile and works. No rattles, squeaks or niggles. Audio 20 is superb and the Becker SatNav works as it should. iPhone integrates fine and call clarity is good.

Economy - no complaints. Easily getting 40+ MPG on a 12 mile commute.

Weirdness - ECO stop/start. Stop at the lights and keep the brake depressed - the engine cuts out. Release the pedal and it all comes to life again and you move off. I'll get used to it and understand why it's there.

Is it the best car in the world ?

Not even close but it's a very fine automobile that should prove reliable, economical and make for a wonderful period of ownership given the comfort, handling and power delivery.

If I was to buy it all over again, I would opt for Keyless Go and an automatic boot closer as extras.

 

[grober]

Don't like the stop start thing - Do like the HOLD brake facility [eco stop start system not required to be on for this ] Come to a halt then tap the brake pedal again and the brakes are applied HOLD appears on the speedo---- Brakes are automatically released when accelerator is depressed or you tap the brake pedal again. Never need to use the handbrake when halted in or out of gear. :bannana: Glad you are getting to like the coupe.

 

[LTD]

Don't like the stop start thing - Do like the HOLD brake facility :

The ECO thing only really kicks into play when I cruise up to the four sets of traffic lights on my commute. Given that I get 50% of them at green, I'll live with it if it saves fuel and lets me enjoy the stereo more

If I was to travel in town a lot then I reckon it would force me to switch it off.

I've actually only used the HOLD function once - it's good.

Loving the Coupe - one thing that is very interesting is that the rear seats fold down to allow long, flat loads to be accommodated. Bit like an estate car with style. :bannana:

 

[The Polisher]

ECO stop start really annoying. Learnt to start car, turn off the ECO system (turn on heated seats........hmmmm)

 

[Conquistador]

I use HOLD and have Eco on all the time. Very useful when you're in a long queue of traffic you just press the brake pedal further (like you say), Eco cuts the engine, all functions still work, then you just tap the gas pedal to set off again.

 

[LTD]

One thing I forgot to add to my original post.

As a previous owner of a W220 S500, there is a reality check.

I currently own a car that many people would aspire to be able to own from new.

For that, I am grateful.

 

[del320]

Preamble : Got a new E220 CDI Sport Coupe 3 weeks ago as a replacement for my ageing W220 S500.

There are so many comparisons to make but can I start with one - you simply CANNOT compare an E Coupe with a long-wheelbase S class saloon. To do so would be stupid beyond belief. They are totally different vehicles and I'm not going to lower myself.

I’ve had to sleep on this one...

Without getting all philosophical about it, I found it really strange that you should make such a radical change of direction in choosing the E220 coupe. For me, in the general scheme of things, life is onwards and upwards.

A reverse move, however, can be for many reasons - financial, reliability, economy, diminishing driving ability, (me!) change of circumstance, (need a 4x4) just wanting a change - or whatever.

But, for me, in reaching such a decision I would have to choose a car that would surprise and delight me to at least the same extent as my present one. If I could not achieve that, I would be casting the net wide for anything - but just as a mere appliance. And the car’s value has no bearing on this.

Clearly, economy, performance and handling cannot be compared, but are you wholly satisfied with seat comfort, tactility, a feeling of solidity, space and quality? Do the undoubted upsides more than compensate for the downsides?

Perhaps objectivity is difficult whilst still enjoying the pleasure of a brand new car, but the S-Class owed you nothing and had that unassailable ability to provide the requisite surprise and delight - and a warm fuzzy feeling - especially when depressing the right clog !

All I know is that, years ago, when I stepped down from the SAAB 900S-16v to the Golf MKII (and that was a financial decision) it soon got on my nerves – great car though it was – and a more substantial motor was called for.

Having said all that, I do appreciate that the S-Class was fraying in places but equally, after 800 miles, I’d pretty ticked off if there were any niggles or rattles in the coupe.

Still looking forward to thrashing it in Stirling!

 

[trapperjohn]

^Good points Del all but is anyone 100% happy with the car they drive. A bit more of this, a touch less of that and certainly a bit of the other.

Another negative of the S CLass could have been parking the blooming thing in today's tight tight spaces at supermarkets and pubs and whatever. I certainly leave my 124 at home (and its no picture but I dont want it "doored" again TVM) when ever I can if Im going into that sort of situation and take the C250 which is my jobbing car.

I think we will be able to tell if the trade was a success next time we see both LTD and his new motor in the flesh as it were.

 

[developer]

I think we will be able to tell if the trade was a success next time we see both LTD and his new motor in the flesh as it were.

Steady on John - the car in the flesh maybe, but LTD in the flesh .

 

[wemorgan]

After only 1 day I quite like the stop-start in my car. For a diesel it feels very relevant. because some complain of the noise at idle. Once the engine is warm the stop-start becomes active and no more idle noise will be heard. As soon as the brake pedal is released and before the accelerator is pressed the engine has started, so there's no lag. This makes waiting at the traffic lights more relaxing as the radio sounds very clear. Other cars simply sound noisy by comparison. Each to their own

 

[igk1]

I generally like the stop/start, especially at traffic lights - seems ideal.
When I don't like it is in crawling traffic - like at a roundabout when there is one or two cars ahead, and you are inching along looking for the cars in front to go or for a gap - then you might stop for a second, and the engine cuts out, to be almost instantly restarted when you move up 2 feet...
It also activates when the engine isn't fully warmed up, which seems to be counterproductive, as the engine hasn't reached maximum efficiency and by keeping on stopping it is delaying the warming up process.

 

[LTD]

A reverse move, however, can be for many reasons - financial, reliability, economy, diminishing driving ability, (me!) change of circumstance, (need a 4x4) just wanting a change - or whatever.

Derek

Don't beat yourself up trying to fathom it all out.

My S500 was getting leggy and I knew it was going to start costing me decent money to keep the car going on in the condition it merited, It was also starting to biodegrade noticeably - proper treatment would have been in the region of £2k plus - it was not just the arches needing rubbed and sprayed.

I decided that I wanted another car.

Another S Class was not being considered. Great cars but I wanted something smaller and back to a 2 door car. I never even contemplated an E saloon for that reason.

The decision therefore became simple - coupe or convertible. I looked outside. Decision was simple - it was a coupe.

Then I looked at the Approved Used list - it was cheaper to buy a new car given the amount of discount MB were offering.

Engine choice. Petrol would have been nice but halving my fuel bill with a good diesel engine was logical - I spend most of my journeys on the busy M74/M77 motorways in a line of traffic at 50/60 mph. I don't need the V8 for that and I can at least say that I've done that one.



... an lo, I ended up buying the modern version of the car you have ...

 

[LTD]

I generally like the stop/start, especially at traffic lights - seems ideal.
When I don't like it is in crawling traffic - like at a roundabout when there is one or two cars ahead, and you are inching along looking for the cars in front to go or for a gap - then you might stop for a second, and the engine cuts out, to be almost instantly restarted when you move up 2 feet...

Switch it off in that case - you'll be no worse off.

 

[del320]

Derek

Don't beat yourself up trying to fathom it all out.

Oooh, I'm feeling so much better already - I was reaching for the second box of hankies.

... and lo, I ended up buying the modern version of the car you have ...

Ach well, mines is better than yours...