- Joined
- Nov 6, 2007
- Messages
- 13,666
- Location
- North Oxfordshire
- Car
- His - Denim Blue A220 AMG Line Premium / Hers - Obsidian Black R172 SLK55
Having just completed my first 12 months and 14,000 miles in my W204 C220 CDI (which is also my first Mercedes-Benz) culminating with its first “A” service at a main dealer, I thought it’d be worth sharing a few thoughts about the experience.
After driving VW cars for the last 10 years (and before that a multitude of other manufacturer’s products) some things – like the foot-operated parking brake and the wipers on the oddly-positioned left stalk – take a little getting used to, but what has been a revelation is the attention to detail that goes unnoticed for so much of the time and that only a longer period of ownership reveals. Things like the double door seals that keep the door shuts completely clean of road dirt; the heater that kicks out warm air almost immediately after start up even in icy cold weather; the door mirrors that stay miraculously clear of rainwater; the brake lights that increase in intensity when reverse is engaged; and the list goes on. The W204 may be the bottom of the Mercedes three-box saloon range, but it still manages to do some of what the more upmarket models in the range do that other cars don’t – I guess that’s part of the Mercedes DNA.
Overall, I’d define the driving experience as “relaxed, serene progress”. Even though the chassis responds well when pressed hard and the 170hp engine provides enough go when you want to use it, unlike many other cars there just doesn’t seem to be any need to do either. This is the first car I’ve ever owned where I actually enjoy wafting along while admiring the angst of others as they struggle to make headway on a congested motorway! The ride quality is unquestionably best in class and the suspension (Elegance model) does a superb job of ironing out all but the worst examples of the UK’s decayed road surfaces. The cosseting ride coupled with some of the most comfortable seats I’ve ever had in a car and a brilliantly effective ventilation system means that I can drive for many hours at a stretch and get out of the car relaxed and fresh, with no aches, pains or discomfort.
There are still some things that could be better though:
So, on to reliability and service. As far as reliability goes, with the exception of the issue with noisy injectors on a cold start when the car was new (replaced under warranty) the car has been faultless. That’s right: not one defect, not even a rattle or a squeak. As far as servicing goes, perhaps it’s a function of the current economic climate, but the “A” service has just cost me £200 at a main dealer, including a loan car for 24 hours.
I think the best thing I can say about the ownership experience after 12 months is that every time I drive the car it it still makes me feel good. Whenever I drive another car and then get back in mine it reinforces just how good it is. Here's to the next 12 months!
After driving VW cars for the last 10 years (and before that a multitude of other manufacturer’s products) some things – like the foot-operated parking brake and the wipers on the oddly-positioned left stalk – take a little getting used to, but what has been a revelation is the attention to detail that goes unnoticed for so much of the time and that only a longer period of ownership reveals. Things like the double door seals that keep the door shuts completely clean of road dirt; the heater that kicks out warm air almost immediately after start up even in icy cold weather; the door mirrors that stay miraculously clear of rainwater; the brake lights that increase in intensity when reverse is engaged; and the list goes on. The W204 may be the bottom of the Mercedes three-box saloon range, but it still manages to do some of what the more upmarket models in the range do that other cars don’t – I guess that’s part of the Mercedes DNA.
Overall, I’d define the driving experience as “relaxed, serene progress”. Even though the chassis responds well when pressed hard and the 170hp engine provides enough go when you want to use it, unlike many other cars there just doesn’t seem to be any need to do either. This is the first car I’ve ever owned where I actually enjoy wafting along while admiring the angst of others as they struggle to make headway on a congested motorway! The ride quality is unquestionably best in class and the suspension (Elegance model) does a superb job of ironing out all but the worst examples of the UK’s decayed road surfaces. The cosseting ride coupled with some of the most comfortable seats I’ve ever had in a car and a brilliantly effective ventilation system means that I can drive for many hours at a stretch and get out of the car relaxed and fresh, with no aches, pains or discomfort.
There are still some things that could be better though:
- The standard Artico seats while very comfortable, lack lateral support which stops you using a good proportion of the excellent chassis performance on twisty cross-country roads;
- The standard Audio 20 system is adequate rather than good, with the sound lacking in clarity and definition. This really is inexcusable at the price point when more mainstream manufacturers (like VW) do a much better job of their line-fit ICE on much cheaper cars;
- The foot-operated parking brake is an idiosyncratic throwback to the 1970’s and there are now much more elegant solutions available that would mean those who choose the manual transmission wouldn’t need to be blessed like Jake the Peg to complete a successful hill start;
- The 5-speed autobox is generally smooth and unobtrusive but is a bit more leisurely in its changes than the best and would benefit from being a bit swifter in that respect
So, on to reliability and service. As far as reliability goes, with the exception of the issue with noisy injectors on a cold start when the car was new (replaced under warranty) the car has been faultless. That’s right: not one defect, not even a rattle or a squeak. As far as servicing goes, perhaps it’s a function of the current economic climate, but the “A” service has just cost me £200 at a main dealer, including a loan car for 24 hours.
I think the best thing I can say about the ownership experience after 12 months is that every time I drive the car it it still makes me feel good. Whenever I drive another car and then get back in mine it reinforces just how good it is. Here's to the next 12 months!
