W211 - recommendations where to buy

[theclass]

Hi All

Been looking at auto trader for a used W211 (from traders) and have been let down several times when I visit, e.g gaps in service history despite claiming FSH, most recent one claimed full merc history despite not being the case.

Can anyone recommend any used car dealers who are reliable, willing to travel nationally, I've read about WDM cars in Birmingham who seem to have good ratings, any others anyone can recommend? Seems harder to find a reliable seller then actually finding a car!

Advice appreciated, really want to purchase before Xmas and would love to hear feedback so I have peace of mind when purchasing, fear is I'll end up with lemon with no After sales.

 

[Gollom]

You'll not go far wrong with Mercland in Nuneaton. Jay is a much respected member (Jaymenek) on here and his reputation is second to none. Has a fantastic GTG every year where his whole family contribute!

 

[merc85]

Keep your eye on this forum too,

 

[DSB SL AMG]

Have you considered private sales? I generally buy private...you can speak direct to the current owner who will (should) know everything about the car, instead of some trader focused on turning a profit...I normally get an MB indy inspection (pre-sale) and perform online HPI to minimize any buying risk...oh and trader warranty's, most I understand are not worth the paper they are written on

 

[theclass]

Thanks for the replies guys, I'll add mercland to the list, at the moment they don't seem to have any saloon models of the 211 but I'll keep an eye out.

I brought my first car private but a friend of mine had a bad experience, my dad also had his share of unreliable cars brought privately which has put me off a bit, if I was spending 2-3k I wouldn't mind but at 8k or so id rather pay by credit card and have some comeback

 

[Gollom]

Thanks for the replies guys, I'll add mercland to the list, at the moment they don't seem to have any saloon models of the 211 but I'll keep an eye out.

I brought my first car private but a friend of mine had a bad experience, my dad also had his share of unreliable cars brought privately which has put me off a bit, if I was spending 2-3k I wouldn't mind but at 8k or so id rather pay by credit card and have some comeback

Give Jay a call and tell him what you want - I's sure he will keep an eye open for you

P.S. I would have a W211 over a W212 anyday

 

[John]

Thanks for the replies guys, I'll add mercland to the list, at the moment they don't seem to have any saloon models of the 211 but I'll keep an eye out.

I brought my first car private but a friend of mine had a bad experience, my dad also had his share of unreliable cars brought privately which has put me off a bit, if I was spending 2-3k I wouldn't mind but at 8k or so id rather pay by credit card and have some comeback

I normally have a mooch around Jay's site most lunchtimes at work - and I know he had at least one. This one:

2008(58) MERCEDES E280 CDI SPORT SALOON AUTO 3.0 V6 DIESEL BLACK - Mercland

 

[theclass]

Thanks, I'm after the E220 for MPG, but will keep checking regularly

 

[Gollom]

Thanks, I'm after the E220 for MPG, but will keep checking regularly

You may find there is not much in it vs. the V6 engines. I know I was very surprised at the economy of an E320

 

[Jonobigblind]

You may find there is not much in it vs. the V6 engines. I know I was very surprised at the economy of an E320

I second this, the larger engines in these bigger, heavier cars don't have to work as hard and MPG figures can reflect this.

My 3 litre V6 Audi regularly outperforms a colleagues 2 litre version (in all respects).

Don't dismiss the larger engines without conducting some further research.

 

[flango]

You may find there is not much in it vs. the V6 engines. I know I was very surprised at the economy of an E320

I agree in reality there is little difference between the four-pot rattle can and the silky smooth 6 which is the far the better car

If you are chasing mpg from a premium brand then BMW 520 or 525. Are miles in front of anything else for fuel efficiency my neighbours 520d always does over 60mpg on his 60 mile daily commute

Sent from my iPhone using MBClub UK

 

[E280wilson]

Shame your not looking for an estate as my 09 plate has gone on here tonight.

 

[DSB SL AMG]

That looks a nice example...surely gotta be worth a look, totally agree with above not a lot in running costs between 220/280.

I normally have a mooch around Jay's site most lunchtimes at work - and I know he had at least one. This one:

2008(58) MERCEDES E280 CDI SPORT SALOON AUTO 3.0 V6 DIESEL BLACK - Mercland

 

[theclass]

That's interesting, I did suspect that may be the case for motorway driving but mine does involve a lot of stop start and traffic which I thought would mean better figures for the E220, I'll look into it a bit more though as never really thought of going 3litre.

 

[mbmac]

on a w211 i wouldn't really look too much into a full merc service history...as with most cars once they reach the 4/5 age mark usually if you look at the service history book the stamp changes.

what i mean to say is that when the car is new or the first few years of its life it has main dealer service, by the time the car is 5 or 6 years old those main dealer stamps are replaced with independent garages.

i would keep an eye on the classifieds on this site as there has been a couple up in the last few of months.

also consider the e280/e320 cdi sport....

 

[theclass]

I've e-mailed Jay from Mercland and he said he'll e-mail me when one arrives, hopefully they'll get one soon.

 

[mattc]

Our 04 plate 320 bought from Jay 3 years ago has been a good motor. In that time it's needed a service and 2 new front tyres when my better half decided to run them at 19 psi, 2 ball joints (100k up) and recently a new glow plug on no 4 cylinder (decided to have all 6 replaced at the same time). It's due another service in about 4-6 months.

For 105k it wears it's miles rather well and still looks lovely when I wash it. Pano roof is great and really lifts interior of car. I have asked if she wants a different car but the answer has been no...though she might just be weakening on the 2seater V8 front.

I would certainly recommend Jay if you are in the market

 

[theclass]

Hi Guys, sorry to ressurect this but really need to buy one by end of Jan and doesnt look like Jay will have one by then (he has been responsive and helpful to e-mails though however understandbly he cannot say when he may have one).

Getting a bit desperate now, i've checked the usual places like autotrader and half the time when I google the trader they have bad feedback, apart from private (I really need some comeback as spending 7-9.5k) can anyone suggest any other places that have a good reputation?

 

[BlackC55]

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