Potential first time Mercedes buyer.......need advice please!

[MBNewbie2022]

Good morning,

I'm currently choosing between two Mercedes and would love some advice if possible? My two options are a B-Class 160d AMG (2016 - 21K miles) or an E220 BlueTEC AMG Line Premium (2015 - 36k miles). Both very different cars I know!

Honestly, I don't know a great deal about cars so any advice and potential things to check for, ask about, factor etc. would be most appreciated. Both cars have full FSH and recent MOTs. The B-Class is from an approved used Mercedes dealership, the E-Class from a non-Mercedes but respectable dealership. The E-class is also 1K cheaper.

Looks-wise and preference is the E-class but more than happy to go with the B-class.

Thanks in advance.

 

[SmartAmg]

Welcome.

 

[Germgh0st]

Welcome

 

[Fununcle]

E class all the way

 

[MBNewbie2022]

Welcome.

Thank you.

 

[MBNewbie2022]

Welcome

Thanks.

 

[MBNewbie2022]

E class all the way

I know right? But anything to look out for at 36000 miles? 7-year-old Merc does worry me slightly.

 

[davymead]

Welcome along.
E-Class for me, with an obvious tinge of bias. As you say two very different vehicles.

 

[Diesel Benz]

Doesn't the B-Class 160d come with a Renault engine? Not highly valued amongst Mercedes owners, perhaps just different issues from those on genuine Mercedes engines.

 

[MBNewbie2022]

Doesn't the B-Class 160d come with a Renault engine? Not highly valued amongst Mercedes owners, perhaps just different issues from those on genuine Mercedes engines.

Thanks for letting me know, I wasn't aware Renault supply Merc engines. There is also a B220 d option, which has the same engine as the E-class 2134cc, that I could stretch to. My only hesitation with the E-class is that its 7 years old and has 36k on the clock. Any advice would be very much appreciated.

 

[grober]

My immediate thoughts would be the difference in ride quality which is often determined by wheelbase rather than suspension. [E>B} In terms of any major repairs although the E Class on the face of it would be more expensive to repair the B class drivetrain is a very tight fit in the engine compartment meaning repairs may be Labour intensive in terms of cost. The E class has a conventional torque converter automatic gearbox whereas B class has a dual clutch automated manual box which some people dislike.
Take test drives in both to see which car you like

 

[markjay]

I'd avoid any car with a BlueTEC engine - the AdBlue system isn't the most reliable and repairs can be very expensive.

 

[MBNewbie2022]

My immediate thoughts would be the difference in ride quality which is often determined by wheelbase rather than suspension. [E>B} In terms of any major repairs although the E Class on the face of it would be more expensive to repair the B class drivetrain is a very tight fit in the engine compartment meaning repairs may be Labour intensive in terms of cost. The E class has a conventional torque converter automatic gearbox whereas B class has a dual clutch automated manual box which some people dislike

Thanks so much for the detail, Graham. I'm a single dad w/ three little ones so the practical choice may be the B-class, despite the inferior ride. However, the E-class is such a lovely looking machine, especially with the AMG kit. Any concerns you would have buying it bearing in my mind its age? One owner and FSH but worry about any gearbox, transmission, cam belt issues that could cost a pretty penny.

 

[MBNewbie2022]

I'd avoid any car with a BlueTEC engine - the AdBlue system isn't the most reliable and repairs can be very expensive.

Thanks, MarkJay, also unsure of its Euro rating. Some sites say 5 as it's a 2014 model, others 6.

 

[grober]

If it's a Renault engined B class it will have an engine timing belt the E class will have timing chain. If the B class is being retailed at a Mercedes dealership it should come with a one-year Mercedes warranty which can be renewed after that on a yearly basis provided it retains a full Mercedes service record.

 

[MancRick101]

Another thing to throw in there is that the E220 will be 2143cc with the OM651 engine. I had this engine previously at circa 30-35k miles (was stolen) and didn’t have any issues, but they are known for timing chain issues at higher miles. Just googling om651 should reveal this. My personal opinion is that the 651 is a great engine, but it’s fair to point out that some would disagree.

has the service history been carried out by MB and has it ‘at least’ been serviced In accordance With manufacturer service schedule?

 

[MancRick101]

Thanks so much for the detail, Graham. I'm a single dad w/ three little ones so the practical choice may be the B-class, despite the inferior ride. However, the E-class is such a lovely looking machine, especially with the AMG kit. Any concerns you would have buying it bearing in my mind its age? One owner and FSH but worry about any gearbox, transmission, cam belt issues that could cost a pretty penny.

In addition to my post just a few minutes ago, because this car is for sale outside of the MB network, check that FSH doesn’t mean an annual visit to Quickfit. It should have had a gearbox service based on age - definitely worth checking.

Also, in answer to your other question, I believe E220 bluetech units pre Sept 2014 are Euro 5 and post sept 2014 are Euro 6 with ad blue. Not sure whether that is build dates or registration dates. Run the Reg number through https://www.hpi.co.uk/content/diesel-news-the-future-of-diesel/hpi-euro-emission-standards-checker/ and it will tell you

 

[MBNewbie2022]

Another thing to throw in there is that the E220 will be 2143cc with the OM651 engine. I had this engine previously at circa 30-35k miles (was stolen) and didn’t have any issues, but they are known for timing chain issues at higher miles. Just googling om651 should reveal this. My personal opinion is that the 651 is a great engine, but it’s fair to point out that some would disagree.

has the service history been carried out by MB and has it ‘at least’ been serviced In accordance With manufacturer service schedule?

Thanks ManRick101, Really appreciate your time. Both B-classes (160d and 200d) are from a Mercedes dealership. The e-class from an Arnold Clark-type dealership. All the cars have Mercedes FSH and appear on the face of it (in my limited knowledge) to have passed without issues or major faults. Ditto their MOT records. I guess the question I'm asking is; Should I gamble on this 2015 E-class at 36k miles which is my preferred option (12 month warranty but no service plan) or pay a grand extra and get the newer, lower mileage B-class with the peace of mind of Mercedes warranty and 2 services?

 

[MBNewbie2022]

In addition to my post just a few minutes ago, because this car is for sale outside of the MB network, check that FSH doesn’t mean an annual visit to Quickfit. It should have had a gearbox service based on age - definitely worth checking.

Also, in answer to your other question, I believe E220 bluetech units pre Sept 2014 are Euro 5 and post sept 2014 are Euro 6 with ad blue. Not sure whether that is build dates or registration dates. Run the Reg number through HPI | Euro Emission Standards, Euro 6 Diesel Emissions Standards Explained and it will tell you

HPI says group 6, it also doesn't show any charge for ULEZ for London. However, the DVLA haven't assigned a group to it and other sites state group 5b. I read elsewhere on this site this issue isn't so rare and pre-September 2015 Mercedes can be class 6 even before the regulations were brought in. With Manchester, Bath, Edinburgh all following London's ULEZ a group 5 diesel will be chargeable, not a group 6.

 

[fabes]

The two services alone will close on cover the £1k difference.
You need to drive them to choose (and check bodywork, interior and even tyres as any repairs or replacements cost - as does updating the satnav etc)