Purchase Advice Please

[rossymond]

Afternoon everyone.

I am looking to buy a Mercedes for my private hire business, and have been having a good look around at what is available for my budget and my requirments. The model that has caught my eye the most so far is the E-Class, specifically the 2004/5/6 models that can be had for a very reasonable sum, yet still satisfy all my requirments.

Are there any particular things i should look out for when buying?

What are the auto boxes like on the deisel models?

Are known issues with mechanicals?

I am a mechanic by trade, so minor problems i can sort myself, but would be great to know any common problems they may have.

Which engine would people reccomend to give good economy yet still retain enough power to pull a full car comfortably.

many thanks for any responses.

R

 

[st4]

Hi, best tip with the E classes is to go for as new a one as you can afford. The autoboxes are very good and reliable (not so with a valeo rad but the 2004-onwards cars don't have this, its a Behr one).

All diesels are strong, I have a 220cdi and its fine although the concesus here is its a bit short of power. A 270cdi would be my pick if was buying again. The 320cdi I6 engine is fabulous. Many praise the newer V6 diesels in the 2006 onwards 320cdi and 280cdi for their power, but not economy.

Earlier models were known for minor electrical problems, the 211 being a heavy car does go through suspension springs (probably underspecified for the car) and as long as the car hasn't got a valeo radiator is a reliable, nice to drive and comfortable motor.

 

[A210AMG]

Hello

My dad has had his E320Cdi Estate since new in 2003 and its now on around 105K miles, he keeps looking to change but nothing he see's / tires does more than what he has and costs a lot more now.

He's had very little go wrong with it at all, most little niggle fixed under warranty. More recently on around 95K he had a broken front spring, and a parking sensor has decided to have a fit.

He gets 40mpg on almost any run he does now, he is sure its better now than when new. Best he had was 63mpg while driving with the space saver tyre from London to Cheshire

Try to get one with as many toys as possible, I would say go for the 320cdi as if you had the 270 I'm guessing you will wish you had... probably actually more choice in the E320cdi.

Great car as I said my dad has nothing but praise for his.

 

[rossymond]

Many thanks guys for the replies. I just had a good look round a couple of newer ones at the local dealership and they seem to be mostly 320 CDI's.

Must resist the temptation of the E55 AMG....must think of economy!

I think ive decided to go for a post 2007 model thanks to your reccomendations and the fact they look and feel beutiful. I have to remember about how comfy passengers will be in the back.

Please keep the comments coming guys, its very much appriceated

 

[st4]

Many thanks guys for the replies. I just had a good look round a couple of newer ones at the local dealership and they seem to be mostly 320 CDI's.

Must resist the temptation of the E55 AMG....must think of economy!

I think ive decided to go for a post 2007 model thanks to your reccomendations and the fact they look and feel beutiful. I have to remember about how comfy passengers will be in the back.

Please keep the comments coming guys, its very much appriceated

Post 2007 and your into facelifted cars. There are 3 diesel choices. 1 2.2litre 4 clyinder engine with 170bhp or 2 V6 3.0 diesels in 280cdi or 320cdi. The 280cdi has less power than the 320 but cost less new. These V6's are very refined and smooth but relatively heavy on the fuel and worse MPG wise than the old 3.2 litre engined 320cdi. The 220cdi however is improved and probably the pic.

The facelifted E class has numerous advantages and is deemed to be the better car. I would consider main dealer cars as they do keep the best and will have the most choice.

 

[rossymond]

Thanks steve....what sort of MPG can i expect from the V6 deisels?

Do you know off hand the advantages of the face lifted model over that of the post 2007 cars?

 

[crockers]

My v6 diesel albeit in a C Class gives me low to mid 40s...I would expect you would get around 38- 45 in the E class.

Not sure but if you're concerned about the comfort of your passengers you may be better off with the "softer" Elegance model over the "Avantgarde" -Try both before deciding.

 

[rossymond]

What are the differences between the Avantgarde and the Elegance?

Apologies for the seemingly dumb questions.

 

[st4]

Thanks steve....what sort of MPG can i expect from the V6 deisels?

barryh on here has one and at every meet comments how sore on fuel his E280cdi is. About 35mpg avg and 40-45mpg on a long gentle run. Subs 30's in town.

Do you know off hand the advantages of the face lifted model over that of the post 2007 cars?

over 2000 supposed improvements. Some would say fitting a normal braking system was one of them but its mainly suspension and steering improvements. Many say they are better to drive etc.

 

[rossymond]

I wouldnt have said personally that those figures are poor. Although i should be looking for the best possible.

Thanks for the comments on the newer models, one of those it shall be

 

[st4]

I wouldnt have said personally that those figures are poor. Although i should be looking for the best possible.

Thanks for the comments on the newer models, one of those it shall be

Try the new 220cdi car. Its amply quick and very frugal....

 

[Dryce]

What are the differences between the Avantgarde and the Elegance?

Individual options may confuse things but a summary:

AG has slightly firmer lower (15mm) suspension. (Though the factory option of the Elegance 'comfort' suspension is available for AG).

Colour of wood trim.

Colour of dash. AG is grey/white.

AG has part leather trim as standard.

AG has Bi-xenons as standard.

AG has slightly different tint to glass.

AG comes with basic alloys as standard.

AG has slightly different raditor grille as standard (5 slats).

 

[rossymond]

I'm looking at the new car, there only available in SE, Avantgarde or Sport. I'm assuming the SE is the "new" version of the Elegance?

The Sport certainly looks very nice, and can be had with the 220CDI engine mentioned above, which in interesting

I'm not so sure customers would like the interior of the sport, I believe a chat with a dealer is needed to see if I can "tone down" the interior yet keep the eye catching looks of the sport.

Nevertheless I have seen some lovely second hand cars outside the dealership, and there warrenty offers on used cars are very appealing.

I notice the 220CDI is not available with the 7 speed auto box, is the 5 speed just as good and the 7speed somewhat of a gimmick? or is it worth going for?

many thanks

 

[st4]

5sp is in someways better than the 7spd box.

Try both. Sport isn't too garish inside, slightly more bolstered front seats and some alloy pedals but nothing that would be out of order in a private hire car. Certainly for that line of work where the car would be used in town a lot, the 220cdi facelift is definitely the car for you.

 

[elpeterol]

2007 facelift (V6) E320 CDI sport av mpg 37 mostly A roads. Big tyres 265x35 18" on rear can be slightly noisy I personally think the AG is the better bet.

 

[LimitedSlip]

AG has slightly firmer lower (15mm) suspension. (Though the factory option of the Elegance 'comfort' suspension is available for AG).

Colour of wood trim.

Colour of dash. AG is grey/white.

AG has part leather trim as standard.

AG has Bi-xenons as standard.

AG has slightly different tint to glass.

AG comes with basic alloys as standard.

AG has slightly different raditor grille as standard (5 slats).

The Avantgarde also has more sculpted/styled sills and a slightly deeper lower front valance.