What's the B-Class like ?

[BarryS]

My father in law is interested in a B-Class. He curretly has a C.
I don't know or hear much about the B-Class. Is it any good ?

 

[High-Lo]

Hi Barry,

This thread is a good place to start for opinions.

We like our B180 very much. Very comfortable and roomy.

Cheers,
Steve

 

[Alfie]

My father in law is interested in a B-Class. He curretly has a C.
I don't know or hear much about the B-Class. Is it any good ?

We have one and love it. More room than an S class!

Options to consider having as a 'must'; Auto, diesel, parktronic oh and phone pre-wire if you ever think you might want a phone in the car. Its a costly option to retrofit!

 

[BarryS]

Thanks for the responses.

What about the auto - it's a CVT isn't it ? Last time I heard of one of these it was in a Daf !! Interested to know if it sounds + behaves like a normal auto. Thanks.

 

[BonzoDog]

Thanks for the responses.

What about the auto - it's a CVT isn't it ? Last time I heard of one of these it was in a Daf !! Interested to know if it sounds + behaves like a normal auto. Thanks.

We have the Autotronic on a B200CDI. It is absolutely seamless except for a possible step around 15mph. It works perfectly. A small, very small, performance and economy penalty. It also has Tiptronic control giving 7 speeds. Neither my wife not i bother with this excepton one partiuclar motorway up ramp where it gives you a little more go without having to kick down.

 

[Gollom]

I'd agree about the greabox - it just works. Only had mine a week or so and not done any especially long trips. I must confess that the engine sounds and feels a tad less refined than my C220CDi which it replaced - but that may be down to adjustment which will happen shortly. And the sports suspension is definately hard so I'd try for a day before you decide.

Mrs. Gollom says it is probably the easiest car to drive she has ever used!

Get ParkTronic if you can and the prewire phone is great.

 

[BonzoDog]

I'd agree about the greabox - it just works. Only had mine a week or so and not done any especially long trips. I must confess that the engine sounds and feels a tad less refined than my C220CDi which it replaced - but that may be down to adjustment which will happen shortly. And the sports suspension is definately hard so I'd try for a day before you decide.

Mrs. Gollom says it is probably the easiest car to drive she has ever used!

Get ParkTronic if you can and the prewire phone is great.

Agree about engine refinement. It's fine at motorway speeds but a bit tractorish at low speeds. Pity that the Mercedes engineers did not listen to the Fiat/Saab 1.9 unit and set that as the low speed standard, or even attempt to better it.

 

[hawk20]

I'd agree about the greabox - it just works. Only had mine a week or so and not done any especially long trips. I must confess that the engine sounds and feels a tad less refined than my C220CDi which it replaced - but that may be down to adjustment which will happen shortly. And the sports suspension is definately hard so I'd try for a day before you decide.

Mrs. Gollom says it is probably the easiest car to drive she has ever used!

Get ParkTronic if you can and the prewire phone is great.

I found the engine on my 200cdi auto smooth and refined and at 70 mph it is only doing a very quiet 2000 rpm. Great cars (see my comments on the other thread mentioned earlier). My strongest tip would be to stick to standard wheels and standard suspension. Then the ride is fine. The sports ride is harsh -like an Audi or BMW and not nice on the Uk's awful roads. The comfort seat option is cheap and gives full range of adjustment and should be standard. Space is staggering. Two litre diesel is better than two litre petrol for performance. Amazing.

 

[Rory]

I did read somewhere that the taxi versions have more sound deadening under the bonnet to stop your neighbours being disturbed by the engine noise when one brings you home in the middle of the night.

 

[Gollom]

I did read somewhere that the taxi versions have more sound deadening under the bonnet to stop your neighbours being disturbed by the engine noise when one brings you home in the middle of the night.

Hmmm - anybody know more?

 

[Rory]

Hmmm - anybody know more?

Found it. Does this link work: http://www.honestjohn.co.uk/forum/post/index.htm?t=48599

It's £117 + fitting. If you search for the OP's other posts you'll find he isn't very happy with his B Class - thinks the 4 cyl engine is too noisy and unrefined. As he name implies, he had a A4 Avant V6 diesel prior to getting the B Class.

 

[hawk20]

I did read somewhere that the taxi versions have more sound deadening under the bonnet to stop your neighbours being disturbed by the engine noise when one brings you home in the middle of the night.

In my opinion, the engine noise would not wake anyone. I found the engine quiet, smooth and very punchy. No complaints at all and I came to it from an E class.

 

[BenzComander]

Read on this thread, that there is a lot of room in a B Class.

Do you think that it could seat four kids (Two in child seats, one on booster and one normal seat) and driver obviously.

Could be a candidate for a school run barge??

 

[Gollom]

Read on this thread, that there is a lot of room in a B Class.

Do you think that it could seat four kids (Two in child seats, one on booster and one normal seat) and driver obviously.

Could be a candidate for a school run barge??

I reckon it would be fine! Booster in middle on back seat along with 2 car seats and biggest on passenger seat? And you can fit DVD screens to keep the little angels quiet

But bear in mind I had kids when ox carts were the way to go and they used slate and chalk!!

 

[iJay]

i got my B180CDI today.
very nice car!
seems like the auto-dimming rear view mirror is now standard.
:bannana:

 

[Gollom]

i got my B180CDI today.
very nice car!
seems like the auto-dimming rear view mirror is now standard.
:bannana:

Welcome!

Hope you enjoy the car - still getting used to mine. Only thing I am still unsure of is the sports suspension. Wonder if I can get it softened a little? Hmmmmmm

 

[iJay]

Welcome!

Hope you enjoy the car - still getting used to mine. Only thing I am still unsure of is the sports suspension. Wonder if I can get it softened a little? Hmmmmmm

i didn't get the sports pack because i didn't like the sports suspension.
i test drove a b-class with sports suspension for 4 days before getting this car and i didn't like the ride.

 

[BonzoDog]

I reckon it would be fine! Booster in middle on back seat along with 2 car seats and biggest on passenger seat? And you can fit DVD screens to keep the little angels quiet

But bear in mind I had kids when ox carts were the way to go and they used slate and chalk!!

Agreed.

 

[iandc666]

I have had my B200 CDi almost a year now and would swap it for another any time - however, I think I would go for 'standard' suspension next time.
It's great on motorways but rather harsh other wise at slower speeds especially around the Reading area................................