The E320 Est is dead, long live the E320 CDI Est

[Peter DLM]

So I wrote off my ol' 150k mile S210 E320 Avantgarde 3 weeks ago. I've managed to get a smoking deal on a 47k mile 2004 E320 CDI Avantgarde to replace it. It has COMAND, 7 seats and 'invisible' towbar as extras, though no telephone phone pre-wire, annoyingly.

There is a HUGE difference between the two versions, much more than I expected. The 211 feels like a Rolls Royce compared to the Kart like 210. I don't know if the suspension of the old car had been changed or anything, but it was very stiff and harsh indeed, though it steered and handled like a good hot hatchback.

The 211 feels far better built, there's no rattles or creeks, the ride is extremely plush indeed. I haven't quite gotten used to the speed sensitive steering yet with it being quite ponderous compared to the somewhat lively and direct 210. This could be due to the Avons compared to the Michlin Primacy HPs.

I like the little toys you get to play with, the wheel and seat moving away for fat boy entry/exit, and the various light options.

The new style windscreen wipers are a backwards step for sure, though I think this and the handling are the only negative sides I can think of.
I have a few jobs to do on it though. Nothing major... changing Valeo rad for Behr and flushing the gearbox oil, possible thermostat replacement, visit to Wheels in Motion to retify the pull to the left, and a damned good clean.

The poor dead car...

 

[IanT]

Looks like a nice spec given I can also see the Parktronic sensors on the bumpers., and it's interesting to know you like the drive of the S211. I haven't driven one yet (had a few W203 hire cars etc) but never an E. Nice colour, great mileage too.

Ian.

 

[Peter DLM]

Parktronic wasn't standard?

I think it also has Xenons as well. Oh, is the DVD player meant to work when the car's moving?

It's a nice feeling to go back to a mid-spec car after 6 years. I had a '00 S-Type V8 with every box ticked, and that was indeed a feature rich, toy laden extravagence.

 

[ringway]

Did you say invisible towbar?

I know..

 

[Peter DLM]

:bannana:

 

[GordonTarling]

Looks nice. What colour is that? Black? Might be looking for something similar myself soon.

 

[Howard]

Nice car !

That post has got bad news written all over it !

 

[Peter DLM]

Yup, Obsidian Black.

Even the name is kewl.

 

[Peter DLM]

Nice car !

That post has got bad news written all over it !

Don't worry, I'm quite experienced in avoiding it. I have a wingmirror-to-lamppost ratio to measure, plus a handy depression in the tarmac that the rear wheel rests in nicely that leaves a nice 0.5 - 1.0 inch gap to the post.

 

[wemorgan]

That post has got bad news written all over it !

Very true. If I parked there every day I'd wrap some foam around the base of it.

 

[A210AMG]

Hello

Happy new car, nightmare to keep clean though especially if thats its usual parking bay...

Given that post I would also be tempted to leave the towbar on

 

[Dieselman]

I think it also has Xenons as well.

Standard Avantgarde spec.

 

[Smiley]

Quote: I like the little toys you get to play with, the wheel and seat moving away for fat boy entry/exit

Is this standard on 211s? I had this on my Lexus and I hated it - made me think of some big overwieight porker getting into it every time - I think the feature could be disabled but I did not keep the car long enough to find out.

 

[stevesey]

quote: I like the little toys you get to play with, the wheel and seat moving away for fat boy entry/exit

is this standard on 211s? I had this on my lexus and i hated it - made me think of some big overwieight porker getting into it every time.

:d

 

[Will]

Looks very smart

Will

 

[J400uk]

Looks great, good choice.