Hi,
I'm only one week into driving the W205 but have to say I am very impressed with it so far. I had my W204 C220 AMG Sport Auto for two and a half years and loved every minute of it. However this feels like a very different car to drive. I went for a C220 Sport Auto this time so the engine and gearbox are similar. I'm already getting better fuel economy than previously, even though we are only just into the breaking in period. The car seems quieter at idle and on the move. Gear changes were always very smooth up and down the box on the W204 and I'm pleased to say that remains the same. It does sometimes seem to hang on to 2nd gear a little longer than I would expect, before changing up. However I am leaving the Agility Control in Comfort mode for now, so that may be having an impact. My model does not have the perforated brake discs of the previous one and I'm not sure if there is any difference in their sizes but the brakes feel very firm and positive, albeit they have not been used in anger yet - thankfully. One minor point, for me, is that the brake pedal is/feels higher than that in the W204. I'm 6' and once I adjust the seat for my preferred position on the accelerator pedal I seem to have to raise my leg up and back quite a distance to get on top of the brake pedal. I probably just need to spend more time getting everything adjusted properly. The interior of the car is a very pleasant place to be. My one hour commute is currently done both ways in total darkness and all of the instruments and switchgear are clear and easy to read. I didn't go for the Mood Lighting option, so you guys will be really spoilt! The reversing camera is excellent and produces really clear images. I do still tend to focus on the reversing sensor above the rear window but that’s just habit I think. The DAB radio is a nice addition and so far the reception has been consistently good. Another plus is the Bluetooth connectivity to my mobile. I have an Android (Nexus 5) device. Everything syncs nicely without issue. Also in areas on my commute where I used to experience black spots, I no longer do. So I’m assuming that something has changed for the better. I really like the 7” display. The image is very clear and defined. I do appreciate that it is a love or hate device but I already see it as part of the dash and not just stuck on top of it. It really makes the Garmin Sat Nav easy to read on a screen of that size. Speaking of which, the Garmin display seems logical and although different from the previous Becker unit, seems to do what it’s there for. Thankfully (from my OCD perspective ;-) ) the screen is not a touch unit but the centre console looks to be a real fingerprint magnet. With the gear selector gone you have acres of black shiny surface to deface. Easy to scratch too with a watch etc. The arms-length cotton gloves are on order ;-). Overall though I am absolutely delighted with the car and have no real negatives to speak of so far. Not having a spare wheel just feels wrong to me, it’s probably an age thing. And although a compressor and Tire (sic) Fit kit is provided, I really would not want to write off a tyre by using the kit without first understanding the nature of the puncture. It could get expensive. The other, new to me, system is the use of AdBlue. I clearly had not done enough research on the car, as when I opened the fuel flap and seen the additional filler it came as a surprise. I’m assuming (possibly wrongly) that it will be a service interval item but I do need to do some reading and bring myself up to speed. Having said that, I believe that the AdBlue helps facilitate the £20 p.a. vehicle tax duty for this car so happy days in that respect.
Some good info there cheers.
Here's some info I found on AdBlue:
You and AdBlue
Your vehicle’s AdBlue is topped up for free in its first year♦, after that the top up service is completed free of charge when AdBlue is purchased from your local Mercedes-Benz Retailer.
1. What is AdBlue and how does it work?
AdBlue is a solution composed of urea and demineralised water. It is non-toxic, colourless, odourless and non-flammable.
AdBlue is injected into the engine’s exhaust gases by the BlueTEC system and in the resulting chemical reaction, the nitrogen oxides in the exhaust are converted into harmless nitrogen and water vapour.
Mercedes-Benz BlueTEC technology enables diesel models to benefit from reduced emissions whilst maintaining performance in relation to power and torque output.
2. How often does AdBlue need to be topped up / replaced?
Your vehicle’s AdBlue tank will be topped up each time your vehicle is serviced at an Approved Mercedes-Benz Retailer. One litre of AdBlue is sufficient for approximately 625 miles of driving and the size of the AdBlue tank has been designed so that you should not have to refill AdBlue between services. However, AdBlue consumption may be higher depending on the type of driving, mileage and road conditions.
3. How will I know when it is time to top up?
When the AdBlue supply is down to approximately 3 litres, a display message reading ‘refill AdBlue’† will appear.
If the AdBlue tank is not topped up at this point – we recommend a minimum top up of at least 3 litres - the
‘Refill AdBlue No start in XXX miles’ message will appear. You will be able to drive the distance shown but you will subsequently be unable to start the engine.
If you are planning to take your vehicle outside Europe, we strongly recommend that your vehicle’s AdBlue level is checked at an Approved Mercedes-Benz Retailer.
4. What happens if AdBlue runs out?
If the AdBlue is not topped up and is allowed to run out, the message
‘Refill AdBlue Start not possible’ will appear, and the engine will not start. In order to resolve this issue, you must top up with at least 3 litres of AdBlue.
If a vehicle’s AdBlue tank runs empty and fails to start, customers with Roadside Assistance cover will receive a free 4 litre AdBlue top up at the roadside‡.
5. Where can I buy replacement AdBlue from?
Containers of AdBlue are available from your local Mercedes-Benz Retailer. The containers are simple and easy to use and are designed to fit exactly with your vehicle’s AdBlue tank filler cap. Full instructions on how to top up your AdBlue tank can be found in your car’s owner’s manual.
6. How do I refill the AdBlue tank?
AdBlue must only be poured into the vehicle’s separate AdBlue tank and must not be put into the diesel fuel tank. AdBlue must not be mixed with any additives or diluted with water.
In order to refill the AdBlue tank, your vehicle must be parked on a level surface in order to avoid fluctuations in capacity or overfilling which can cause damage to BlueTEC exhaust gas after treatment components.
Always remember to refill your AdBlue in a well-ventilated area.
7. Can I store a bottle that has been opened to use at a later date?
No. You should use the entire AdBlue product in the bottle at the one time. Empty bottles can be recycled. Once opened and exposed to air, AdBlue bottles with leftover AdBlue fluid cannot be stored as the purity of the fluid will be compromised.
