Which recent(ish) MB is the most reliable?

[bpsorrel]

I've been thinking about reliability lately, and how my cherished CLS has got off to such a poor start, mainly due to the engine and I guess various complexities.

I've figured now I have the Hybrid for everyday use, I don't need to stick with diesel for the "fun" car, but I don't want a complex, potentially unreliable unit again.

So, if you were changing cars, for a fairly recent MB (in the last 5 or so years) which models would offer the best compromise of solid reliability and fun?

 

[diggerfil]

The Lexus one

Sorry, i couldn't help myself!.....true though!!

 

[bpsorrel]

I thought of that already! But, if one was a masochist and decided to give MB ONE LAST CHANCE, what model might give me a chance at reliable motoring? (I guess my old S211 was one...)

 

[st13phil]

The SLK has a good reputation for reliability, and also the W204.

I know that this is a sample size of one, but my wife's SLK350 has been 100% trouble free in the three years since purchase, and my W204 was pretty much faultless in the 3+ years I had it (dull-witted 5g 'box excepted).

 

[diggerfil]

Maybe any older model before the Chrysler tie up or a relatively new one!

 

[219]

190e

 

[KillerHERTZ]

Surely the W204 is now after its initial engine teething problems?

 

[Dieselman]

Are you changing the CLS, then?

 

[Deleted member 6183]

I know that you mentioned Lexus on another recent thread, which would you consider.

The reason that I ask is that I would consider one but am a bit uninspired/can't afford.

Would want an auto so:

IS - Petrol auto only, too slow, too thirsty.
GS - Fugly
LS - Now we're talking, ahh can't afford a recent one.

 

[Dieselman]

LS - Now we're talking, ahh can't afford a recent one.

My next but one neighbour has had one for a few years and I like it.

 

[bpsorrel]

I like the RX.... And after seeing loads of them here, I'm liking the Infinit FX35 too...

 

[Deleted member 6183]

My next but one neighbour has had one for a few years and I like it.

Funnily enough so does mine, it's a bit old though. I would need to be looking at 3 or 4 years old and low miles

 

[Deleted member 37751]

If it was my own money, I would buy a '08 or '09 W211 with the V6 CDi.

The 'newer' generation of Mercedes (W204, W212, W164 etc) feel cheap, with cheap plastics and creaks aplenty.

When buying my Discovery 3, part of the reason I ruled out the W164 eventually was the interior felt quite cheap, whereas the D3 has a touch of smoothness about the interior.(the ML didn't have 7 seats either)

 

[st4]

E320cdi V6 diesel. They are fabulous and very reliable and dependable. I'd buy another in a heart beat....LOL!!!!

 

[Dieselman]

Funnily enough so does mine, it's a bit old though. I would need to be looking at 3 or 4 years old and low miles

My neighbours is the latest version LS460, which he's has from nearly new.

I really like the look compared to his LS400, LS430's

Seems a nice car.

 

[Deleted member 37751]

My neighbours is the latest version LS460, which he's has from nearly new.

I really like the look compared to his LS400, LS430's

Is that a hybrid?

My Dad hankers after another Lexus and is looking into buying another LS (his first cost him zero in 30k miles, besides oil etc).

Fantastically reliable car, just very very bland interiors, although Lexus do seem to be trying to alter that.

 

[Colin_b]

The SLK has a good reputation for reliability, and also the W204.

I know that this is a sample size of one, but my wife's SLK350 has been 100% trouble free in the three years since purchase, and my W204 was pretty much faultless in the 3+ years I had it (dull-witted 5g 'box excepted).

I'll second both of these. My SLK has been faultless in the almost 5 years I've owned it, and my W204 almost as good after 70k miles.

 

[Dieselman]

Is that a hybrid?

No. The 600h is the hybrid.

Interior seems OK.

File:Lexus LS 460 forward cabin.jpg - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

 

[John]

I know that you mentioned Lexus on another recent thread, which would you consider.

The reason that I ask is that I would consider one but am a bit uninspired/can't afford.

Would want an auto so:

IS - Petrol auto only, too slow, too thirsty.
GS - Fugly
LS - Now we're talking, ahh can't afford a recent one.

I was looking at the IS250 just before buying the Merc. Great sound system (if ML), but shocking fuel economy - even with CVT auto.

I like the GS personally but I think I would get bored of them, like DSLiverpool did on here.

LS are great - even back to the L/M reg ones, of which there are a lot still going.

I bought a £900 P reg Mondeo instead of an L reg £1200 LS430. Big mistake in hindsight - assuming the LS was as reliable as I understand them to be.

Used to have a chauffeur firm at my last company - one freelance guy had a Y reg LS430 - much more comfy than the 2003 E320 CDIs!

Also impeccable reliability apparently, whereas the Merc boys were forever moaning - and changed to 730LDs in the end.

 

[MOCAŠ]

I'll second both of these. My SLK has been faultless in the almost 5 years I've owned it, and my W204 almost as good after 70k miles.

Same here. As I've said before, both my SLKs have been pretty much trouble-free, apart from a couple of issues that were of my own making.