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

[MBNewbie2022]

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)

Yes, £1100 to be precise! Hopefully, indies would be cheaper if I opt for the E-class. Certainly peace of mind with the B 200d. I've driven both and cars and again, in my limited knowledge, both ride well. Both sit on 18' wheels, obviously, the ride height is higher on the B-class and the suspension softer than the E-class but compared to my current car, both cars are an absolute pleasure to drive. Do you think you could get another 20-25k miles out of the E-class without major issues before looking to trade it in? Is that realistic or hopeful thinking in your experience?

 

[fabes]

A well maintained, decent diesel will do 100k plus
Our old Qashqai with essentially the same engine as the B class did 90k with only one engine related failure (and that wasn't that expensive) and was still going strong when we chopped in in for a (petrol) X Trail.

Most cars cars can have issues

Given your hesitatancy, for now, play it safe and get the B200 is my two penith

 

[BigJase88]

What about a CLA shooting brake

 

[Screaminmonki]

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.

Hi an welcome my posts are out an about kind of new to Mercedes’ myself mines an 03 plate 56000 on clock found on autotrader but I did know the owner when I got there .7 years old with 36000 on clock should still be an excellent car with a Mercedes’ reputation I was a Volvo t5 man an they are good an this clk is a great replacement

 

[MikeInWimbledon]

What are you intending to do with the car?

How many miles a year? What have been your last two cars? How long do you intend to keep this one?

How many people will normally ride in it, over what kind of roads, what length of journey, and will you do any long distance holidays in it?

(Cough) Is your spouse cautious about driving larger cars? (Or are you?)

Apologies for the questions but after 35 years of working with IT: I c an't imagine how anyone can give solutions without establishing requirements.

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[MBNewbie2022]

What are you intending to do with the car?

How many miles a year? What have been your last two cars? How long do you intend to keep this one?

How many people will normally ride in it, over what kind of roads, what length of journey, and will you do any long distance holidays in it?

(Cough) Is your spouse cautious about driving larger cars? (Or are you?)

Apologies for the questions but after 35 years of working with IT: I c an't imagine how anyone can give solutions without establishing requirements.

.

Thanks Mike, all valid points. I'll answer as best I can,

8-9k pa. Both Japanese SUVs. approx 3 years.

Myself and the 3 little ones. local roads but also a lot on the M6 and dual carriageways. Ranging from the school-run, 30 mile round trip once/twice a week and a long 600 mile trip every 2 months or so.

Single dad, so the enemy has no say

Once again thanks for all the points Mike.

 

[MikeInWimbledon]

Thanks Mike, all valid points. I'll answer as best I can,

8-9k pa. Both Japanese SUVs. approx 3 years.

Myself and the 3 little ones. local roads but also a lot on the M6 and dual carriageways. Ranging from the school-run, 30 mile round trip once/twice a week and a long 600 mile trip every 2 months or so.

Single dad, so the enemy has no say

Once again thanks for all the points Mike.

IMHO, it's a win for the E Class. It's got the comfort edge for longer journeys, motorways, and growing kids with their friends. Oodles of space and very durable interior.

If you were pre- or post-kids, doing short runs, in a crowded city environment, where parking can be an issue, and where someone is cautious about the size of the vehicle, then the smaller wheelbase car would have the edge.

It's a slam dunk for the E Class, which has plenty of capacity for the kids as they grow.


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[MBNewbie2022]

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IMHO, it's a win for the E Class. It's got the comfort edge for longer journeys, motorways, and growing kids with their friends. Oodles of space and very durable interior.

If you were pre- or post-kids, doing short runs, in a crowded city environment, where parking can be an issue, and where someone is cautious about the size of the vehicle, then the smaller wheelbase car would have the edge.

It's a slam dunk for the E Class, which has plenty of capacity for the kids as they grow.


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Thanks for the info MJ

Yep, swinging more towards the e-class. Live in a small town so parking isn't an issue. The only real concern is the potential of large unexpected repair bills due to age.

 

[MancRick101]

I too would suggest the E class. I’m on my second and they are the best cars I’ve ever driven and have been a pleasure to own. The 2 monthly 600 mile trips will be more pleasurable in the E and will feel effortless.

 

[MBNewbie2022]

I too would suggest the E class. I’m on my second and they are the best cars I’ve ever driven and have been a pleasure to own. The 2 monthly 600 mile trips will be more pleasurable in the E and will feel effortless.

Thank you. Any of your E-classes diesel? I was told to watch out for the DPF (filter) and cam belts especially.

 

[MBNewbie2022]

Evening All,

Thanks for all your advice. I really do appreciate it. I went for the e220 CDI blutec AMG in the end. Very pleased so far.

Thanks once again.

 

[Eddy77]

Not wishing to offend any B class owners as I love all cars and all Mercedes….but….to me an E class is a true Mercedes with all the inherent hallmarks. It is in a sense the model which Mercedes have to get right as it empitomises the brand. The B is nice but probably no better in many ways that any other brand. Think Ford CMax etc.

The E class is a step up and is something slightly more special. Also, with three kids in tow, I think they will appreciate the extra legroom in an E.

That would get my vote.

 

[GrahamT]

Go for the E. You know you want to. At 36K a diesel is barely 'run in' if it's been serviced correctly.

 

[MBNewbie2022]

Not wishing to offend any B class owners as I love all cars and all Mercedes….but….to me an E class is a true Mercedes with all the inherent hallmarks. It is in a sense the model which Mercedes have to get right as it empitomises the brand. The B is nice but probably no better in many ways that any other brand. Think Ford CMax etc.

The E class is a step up and is something slightly more special. Also, with three kids in tow, I think they will appreciate the extra legroom in an E.

That would get my vote.

Thanks Eddy.

Yes she is a beauty and a very comfy ride. Just did a wee 200 mile round trip and she performed admirably. About 43mpg so nowhere near what is advertised but no bad on a cold and windy day!

The only hesitation around the e-class was her age and the fact she was not sold via an approved used Mercedes dealership. However, car passed MOT without advisories and full service history so fingers crossed all okay.

Thanks once again for the post.

 

[MBNewbie2022]

Go for the E. You know you want to. At 36K a diesel is barely 'run in' if it's been serviced correctly.

Yes, low mileage and consistent mileage too. Approx 8k pa until lockdown so fingers crossed should serve me well.

The AMG spec is uplifting without being overbearing. Very pleased.

 

[lukejurys]

Buy CLS219, great specs and You will have it sorted

 

[MBNewbie2022]

Buy CLS219, great specs and You will have it sorted

Thanks Luke but already went for the e-class. I’ll have a look at the CLS219 next time.

Aren’t they a little ‘cosy’ in the back tho? Is there a middle sit?

 

[lukejurys]

CLS Id say is more comfy than E, my friend has a CLS219, dashboard is better quality than my E (s211). Same specs 224 BHP 7 g tronic. Yes, CLS have only 4 seats . Sorry for late response.

 

[Fastcar155]

Hi , I have only owned one Mercedes and generally and have been very pleased with the car.

What I would say it is imperative to have the car serviced correctly either by a good MB dealer or MB specialist.

A poorly maintained MB I have been told is a nightmare.

As your car is an MB approved sample have you considered a service agreement package and or a insurance package warranty.

 

[100%Bitch]

The E-Class is a hugely superior car over the B-Class. At 36K miles it's low mileage so I would snap it up in your position. I wouldn't worry abut age - I drive a 2013 SLK55, a 2012 CL500 and a 2004 CL600 - all reliable and comfortable.