Smooth, quiet, large estate in UK for under £6500

[lrochfort]

Hi all,

I suffer from migraines and they're particularly triggered by rough riding cars and low frequency noise and vibrations in the cabin.

My old 2002 e46 330i finally died and I need a replacement, but bigger.

I'm thinking about Volvo V70, XC70, Mercedes E Class, Audi A6 Avant or Allroad. I seem to be able to get around 2006 to 2010 model year for my budget. I'd get the smallest wheels with biggest tyres sidewall I can get no matter the car.

I had friends with 5 series from that time period and they all seemed to have iDrive and engine woes, so I discounted them. In the past I had a hydroneumatic Citroen C5 and Saab 9-5 and they were both great.

Smooth ride and quiet cabin are the top requirements, it can handle like a boat so long as it doesn't give me migraines. I also don't mind higher running costs. A diesel isn't necessarily a problem, so long as noise and vibration don't enter the cabin.

Thoughts on which of those cars and particular models/suspension/engines would be appreciated, as would suggestions for alternatives. If you think I've been unfair the the 5 series, let me know!

Thanks all.

[ThunderSpook]

I had a 2005 525d which had 160k miles on it when I sold it and I never had a single problem with the engine or with iDrive.

Edit to add neither of those were considered problem areas with the E60/61 as far as I know.

[lrochfort]

ThunderSpook said:

I had a 2005 525d which had 160k miles on it when I sold it and I never had a single problem with the engine or with iDrive.

Edit to add neither of those were considered problem areas with the E60/61 as far as I know.

Good to know, thanks. My friend claimed swirl flaps disintegrating into the intake manifold was a problem, but it's possible he was just given bad information.

What did you think of the ride? My old e46 was smooth like 80s and 90s cars often were.

Edited by lrochfort on Wednesday 14th April 09:51

[ThunderSpook]

Mine was an M-Sport with 18” alloys so best not to ask

The sound deadening was impressive though, which I demonstrated to friends numerous times by putting my screaming children in the car and shutting the door. From the outside you couldn’t hear a thing!

[lrochfort]

ThunderSpook said:

Mine was an M-Sport with 18” alloys so best not to ask

The sound deadening was impressive though, which I demonstrated to friends numerous times by putting my screaming children in the car and shutting the door. From the outside you couldn’t hear a thing!

I have two of those, so that's a selling point in itself!

[SWoll]

Go with the E-Class. I've had 5 Series and A6 estates previously with smaller wheels and neither rode as well or had the same level of cabin isolation as the Mercedes. Obviously just avoid the Sport and AMG Line models.

[kiethton]

Has W212 E220d written all over it no?

Make sure you get one with sensible sized alloys and you're golden

[lrochfort]

SWoll said:

Go with the E-Class. I've had 5 Series and A6 estates previously with smaller wheels and neither rode as well or had the same level of cabin isolation as the Mercedes. Obviously just avoid the Sport and AMG Line models.

Any recommendation on a W211 with lower mileage vs a W212 with slightly higher mileage? It looks like I can get a W211 with around 80-100k vs a W212 with around 130k.

[lrochfort]

kiethton said:

Has W212 E220d written all over it no?

Make sure you get one with sensible sized alloys and you're golden

You think a W212 is better than a W211 for my requirements? It looks like I can get a W211 with around 80-100k vs a W212 with around 130k.

[Scrump]

kiethton said:

Has W212 E220d written all over it no?

Make sure you get one with sensible sized alloys and you're golden

Agree with the W212 but not that engine.
OP said:

lrochfort said:

A diesel isn't necessarily a problem, so long as noise and vibration don't enter the cabin.

I found the 4cylinder to be not very smooth and the 6 cyl engines much more refined.

[kiethton]

lrochfort said:

kiethton said:

Has W212 E220d written all over it no?

Make sure you get one with sensible sized alloys and you're golden

You think a W212 is better than a W211 for my requirements? It looks like I can get a W211 with around 80-100k vs a W212 with around 130k.

For these I'd take mileage with a pinch of salt - as they wear the miles so well (mechanically and cosmetically) clocking is a problem to watch out for. As such I'd be happier with a W212 (with improved infotainment etc) versus an older "lower mileage" W211.

On the 220d point - It will be less refined than a 6cyl model but I've not found vibrations etc. an issue with it over many miles being driven about in them - they were our work chauffeur cars

[anonymous-user]

I'd go E-class too, what you are describing is basically what they are built for.

This is my current daily, I paid £2000 for it last year and it's got 164k miles on it now. Don't worry about mileage on them, they're built to take taxi mileages and tons of them are clocked anyway. Buy on condition. It's one of the most refined and comfortable cars I've ever owned. Nice squishy high sidewall tyres too. No "driving pleasure" worth a damn, other than wafting along in relaxed comfort, but I just don't care.

I'm getting old

[Deranged Rover]

I'd vote W211 E-Class too. Lovely things. Just make sure you go post 2007 so as not to lumber yourself with the stupidity and expense of the infernal SBC pump scenario.

[anonymous-user]

They can be a faff, but this guy is well liked on the MB forums and will refurbish the SBC pump for £350.

https://www.ecu-repair.co.uk/product-page/sbc-pump...

[ZX10R NIN]

E280 Sport just a wheel refurb away from being a good pick:

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202011085...

E320cdi Sport haggle & you should get this bang on budget

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202103300...

Avantgarde

https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/2007-Mercedes-Benz-E-CL...

W212 E250 Sport I prefer the 3.0d but if you want a 212 then this is the pick

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202103270...

[Jasandjules]

My E-Class is incredibly comfy to potter along in even though it is the convertible it is still quiet. I'd say get one of those.