A new (sort of sensible) daily... a Merc CLS Shooting Brake
Discussion
Comparative to my last car (an I3S), it's like the Tardis 
Joking apart, I've had an X3 and an X1 as well as a Saab 9-3 & 9-5 estates (& MrsC had a V70) & so far it's been good but we haven't been on one of our trips to Cornwall yet to compare it to my wife's Discovery Sport!
It's happily taken 4 Merc wheels & winter tyres earlier when I collected them - the handle on each side to fold the rear seats flat is useful but it isn't used as a proper family estate car often.
I'm enjoying the ability to cover the miles (I've done 350 miles today to add to the 550 since collection at the end of last week) & I can see why there are so many high mileage E Class around given how comfortable it is. The 80 litre fuel tank is also useful given my mileage (42 mpg on the first full tank & 41 mpg on this tank so far & I'm not doing "driving like Miss Daisy"
).
Joking apart, I've had an X3 and an X1 as well as a Saab 9-3 & 9-5 estates (& MrsC had a V70) & so far it's been good but we haven't been on one of our trips to Cornwall yet to compare it to my wife's Discovery Sport! It's happily taken 4 Merc wheels & winter tyres earlier when I collected them - the handle on each side to fold the rear seats flat is useful but it isn't used as a proper family estate car often.
I'm enjoying the ability to cover the miles (I've done 350 miles today to add to the 550 since collection at the end of last week) & I can see why there are so many high mileage E Class around given how comfortable it is. The 80 litre fuel tank is also useful given my mileage (42 mpg on the first full tank & 41 mpg on this tank so far & I'm not doing "driving like Miss Daisy"
).An update after nearly 8,000 miles/18 weeks....other than putting new discs/pads on all round 2 weeks ago (the rear pads started to click/move under braking, the rear the discs were about 70% worn & I managed to get some serious brake judder on the front about 2 months ago) the car continues to "waft" along superbly 
. We spent a week in Cornwall recently & if it wasn't for MrsC's fully expensed/under utilised Discovery Sport company car, I'd have happily taken the "Shooting Brake" as it is undoubtedly more comfy.
Mpg-wise, we're at around 40mpg on the 85 litre tank & although the stop-start does annoy me at times, it is easy to turn off with a dedicated button on the dash which makes a change compared to many modern cars where it is hidden in various menus.
In preparation for the winter, a flash sale on Black Circles saw a set of Dunlop Winter Sport 5s (245/40/18 winter) purchased as I wasn't convinced that the used set I'd bought that were manufactured in 2012 (with over 6mm on all of them) were up to it & some of my more knowledgeable friends supported my thoughts. The sale of the existing used winter tyres will help ease the dent in the bank account although the new ones should do a good couple of winters (fingers crossed). The winter tyres on 18" rims, that are the same front/rear compared to the 19s, are a relative luxury but worth the cost given I cover into the Peak District/Nottinghamshire. The only downside is that I'll need spacers on the front to clear the large discs/calipers
Now the clocks have altered, the heated seats & dynamic headlights will earn their keep....the xenon type lights have (what is now a common) ability to turn in the direction of the steering & given I drive on a lot of un-lit roads, this is a really useful feature.
I'll provide another update with the full spec when I get a chance
. We spent a week in Cornwall recently & if it wasn't for MrsC's fully expensed/under utilised Discovery Sport company car, I'd have happily taken the "Shooting Brake" as it is undoubtedly more comfy.Mpg-wise, we're at around 40mpg on the 85 litre tank & although the stop-start does annoy me at times, it is easy to turn off with a dedicated button on the dash which makes a change compared to many modern cars where it is hidden in various menus.
In preparation for the winter, a flash sale on Black Circles saw a set of Dunlop Winter Sport 5s (245/40/18 winter) purchased as I wasn't convinced that the used set I'd bought that were manufactured in 2012 (with over 6mm on all of them) were up to it & some of my more knowledgeable friends supported my thoughts. The sale of the existing used winter tyres will help ease the dent in the bank account although the new ones should do a good couple of winters (fingers crossed). The winter tyres on 18" rims, that are the same front/rear compared to the 19s, are a relative luxury but worth the cost given I cover into the Peak District/Nottinghamshire. The only downside is that I'll need spacers on the front to clear the large discs/calipers
Now the clocks have altered, the heated seats & dynamic headlights will earn their keep....the xenon type lights have (what is now a common) ability to turn in the direction of the steering & given I drive on a lot of un-lit roads, this is a really useful feature.
I'll provide another update with the full spec when I get a chance
Nice that. I have, as per the poster in the first page, a similar E estate with same engine and similar spec. Same colour too.
It is such a good family wagon, comes into its own in long trips and holidays and when filled to the top with 'stuff'. Long range fuel rank is superb, I've seen a (believable) range of 600 miles quite often.
I keep wondering about getting something a little more 'dynamic' and smaller but it's such a good car, especially as you say when the weather is poor and you just want to waft to your destination. Ultra smooth, the brilliant intelligent light system, good audio, blinds, heated back seats etc and it's so, so quiet and refined at a fast motorway cruise.
A CLS would maybe give a little bit more in driving dynamics as I think they are a touch firmer/sportier as standard, but I just looked and there are loads of miserly 4 pots, the AMG models, but very few 350 CDIs (or my holy grail the CGI petrol V6 which is common in the USA).
Good long term keeper that I reckon. Minehas Ben very reliable and beautifully built too. Different class to the poxy little cars they build, I think Mercedes still put a lot of effort into the E class and it's derivatives.
It is such a good family wagon, comes into its own in long trips and holidays and when filled to the top with 'stuff'. Long range fuel rank is superb, I've seen a (believable) range of 600 miles quite often.
I keep wondering about getting something a little more 'dynamic' and smaller but it's such a good car, especially as you say when the weather is poor and you just want to waft to your destination. Ultra smooth, the brilliant intelligent light system, good audio, blinds, heated back seats etc and it's so, so quiet and refined at a fast motorway cruise.
A CLS would maybe give a little bit more in driving dynamics as I think they are a touch firmer/sportier as standard, but I just looked and there are loads of miserly 4 pots, the AMG models, but very few 350 CDIs (or my holy grail the CGI petrol V6 which is common in the USA).
Good long term keeper that I reckon. Minehas Ben very reliable and beautifully built too. Different class to the poxy little cars they build, I think Mercedes still put a lot of effort into the E class and it's derivatives.
The miles are ticking along (now over 11k in my 6.5 months ownership) and today was the first real test of what the CLS is like....the first MOT in my custodianship! Fortunately the car passed with flying colours and no advisories - I’ve mentioned previously I’d replaced all the discs and pads about 3 months ago and before I collected it, all the brake pipes were replaced as it was an advisory on the last 2 tests (I don't like advisories for obvious reasons & think a continual repeat of an item is an indication it needs doing!!).
Anyhow, I used a different MOT station to normal as I wanted a 4 wheel alignment/geo check doing by someone with the necessary “kit”. There was an invoice for a replacement front spring and a 4 wheel alignment about 12 months ago although I’d noticed a tendency to tramline on certain sections of local dual carriageway where the road is starting to be slightly rutted by the HGVs. My instinct was right as the front & rear offside “toe” was found to be out although sadly unless you start replacing certain parts on a 8 yr old car, you can’t always get back to manufacturer’s spec.
I’ve a set of Merc 18 alloys with new winter tyres ready to go on although the AMG sized front calipers have caused a challenge...wheel spacers and longer wheel bolts are needed as otherwise the back of the front wheels wouldn’t clear the calipers - it’s a job for this weekend given we are definitely seeing proper winter weather in the Midlands. I’ll get the original wheels fully refurbed whilst they are off as there is some localised corrosion on the back on the rear wheels as well as early signs of corrosion around one tyre valve.
Anyhow, I used a different MOT station to normal as I wanted a 4 wheel alignment/geo check doing by someone with the necessary “kit”. There was an invoice for a replacement front spring and a 4 wheel alignment about 12 months ago although I’d noticed a tendency to tramline on certain sections of local dual carriageway where the road is starting to be slightly rutted by the HGVs. My instinct was right as the front & rear offside “toe” was found to be out although sadly unless you start replacing certain parts on a 8 yr old car, you can’t always get back to manufacturer’s spec.
I’ve a set of Merc 18 alloys with new winter tyres ready to go on although the AMG sized front calipers have caused a challenge...wheel spacers and longer wheel bolts are needed as otherwise the back of the front wheels wouldn’t clear the calipers - it’s a job for this weekend given we are definitely seeing proper winter weather in the Midlands. I’ll get the original wheels fully refurbed whilst they are off as there is some localised corrosion on the back on the rear wheels as well as early signs of corrosion around one tyre valve.
jke11y said:
Great looking cars the SB and feel special, I had a 250 years 4/5 years back. I’m sure they all have LED ILS though, not xenons - I remember the headlights being excellent.
I'm always happen to stand corrected on the spec. of a used car....whatever the headlights are, they are good and have the cornering function. Given mine is 8 yrs old, the interior has worn well & still feels premium whereas I'm not sure about some of its fellow German competitors.I always thought the CLS looked so much better than the E-Class, but wasn't sure about the SB. Although if ultimate load-lugging isn't what you want it definitely looks better than an E-Class Estate.
You're right about the 520d as the cam-chain is on the back of the engine. But then a fairer comparison might have been a 330d or 335d that don't seem to have cam-chain issues. Not as stylish as a CLS though!
You're right about the 520d as the cam-chain is on the back of the engine. But then a fairer comparison might have been a 330d or 335d that don't seem to have cam-chain issues. Not as stylish as a CLS though!
Well, the CLS had its B service (aka a major) today at a Merc specialist nr where I currently work in the East Mids. Just like the first MOT recently I had done, there was some mild concern as to what they’d find, even though it’s got full main dealer/specialist history & had been to the specialist with the previous owner (a pile of receipts came with the car plus a Merc service print-out).
The standard B service was done plus the following were highlighted (some items noted as “due on a time basis” & some on wear/inspection)....replace air filter; replace fuel filter; replace poly V belt (showing signs of cracking); replace leaking turbo intake seal & adjust front wheel bearings. Some of the things I’d never have known about, but things like the poly V belt & leaking turbo intake seal would make me seriously twitch if they weren’t fixed given my 25k miles average annual mileage.
I’m looking forward to using all the mileage to the next service in 15k miles to get my £s worth from it
The standard B service was done plus the following were highlighted (some items noted as “due on a time basis” & some on wear/inspection)....replace air filter; replace fuel filter; replace poly V belt (showing signs of cracking); replace leaking turbo intake seal & adjust front wheel bearings. Some of the things I’d never have known about, but things like the poly V belt & leaking turbo intake seal would make me seriously twitch if they weren’t fixed given my 25k miles average annual mileage.
I’m looking forward to using all the mileage to the next service in 15k miles to get my £s worth from it
I had one of these for 3 years or so as my daily. Loved it and would definitely buy again. Not t most inspiring steer but as a truly comfortable drive it was perfect and slightly unusual compared to others. Mine was black but had the lighter leather and to my eyes looked fantastic. I’d love a full fat CLS63 SB as a daily!
MrC986 said:
leaking turbo intake seal would make me seriously twitch if they weren’t fixed
wouldnt worry much about that one - its pretty normal on the 350CDI (OM642 Engine). To the point where any time I've had to take the inlet mouldings off, just throw a new seal in there. They get torn up through fitting and removal. Only a few quid. Ditto the small one on the breather. Well, a long overdue ownership update. I’ve had the car now just over 2 years and 34k miles (just about to exceed 95k miles and is approaching 9.5 years old).
In terms of maintenance, I’ve had the car maintained solely by MB Nottingham (a MB specialist close to my work), with the exception of a complete set of discs and pads (fitted by my local garage for convenience) and two 4 wheel alignment checks done by a good local tyre place when I first had it and then about 6 months ago. MB Nottingham have serviced the car since it came out of the main dealer network for the previous owner and it made sense to keep it with them as they will maintain the online service history, they have the required STAR diagnostic kit and I could drop the car in and catch the tram to work.
The car has been really good with the exception of a couple of niggles....the first service for me threw up a couple of oil leaks on the turbo seals which I had fixed; the air con stopped working last year the day after the hottest day of the year and needed a replacement micro switch (fortunately after we’d done our to the LM24 hrs); the rear parking camera stopped working (assumed a broken wire between the main car body and the tailgate) and lastly the power fold mirror on the driver’s side has decided to go rogue during the last winter for no reason and won’t operate properly but will sort that at the next annual service.
The car “wafts” along beautifully and whilst the mileage has dropped back as I now work from home 4 days a week, it is great to do the 170 mile round trip to work once a week which is mainly motorway/dual carriageway and it shows currently about 44 average MPG.
I had a slight skirmish with a big badger in the depths of winter which I couldn’t avoid but I managed to get the under bumper area repaired and just needed an LED side light and surround fortunately - the badger fared less well than the car but if it had been 2 feet further across the road it’d have been a big insurance bill I’m sure.
I’ve had a recent manufacturer recall from Mercedes (to change bolts on the steering rack) which it is waiting to go in for, but otherwise it is staying firmly in the specialist service network.
If you asked me whether I’d rush to sell it?.....I toyed with the idea when the fuel prices rocketed up but I reasoned the cost to change was a lot of fuel and I happened to drop my mileage as I started mainly working from home, so that answered that The car has all the comfort I need, plenty of power when you need it from the twin-turbo 3.0 V6 and is sufficiently rare that when we took it to France for the 24 hrs, that some of the locals thought it was a proper AMG and wanted me to rev the engine in traffic (I didn’t have the heart to upset them by actually trying to rev it :no: ). My dogs are equally happy in the boot of the CLS as they are in MrsC’s XC60 and the active headlights are immensely efficient in the winter murky conditions.
The black paintwork is a pain to keep clean as the car isn’t garaged and I have to keep an eye for bird poo as they love dropping their lunch on it, but that’s just a first world problem. If I had the opportunity I’d try and upgrade the radio connectivity to have an Android compatible solution whereas currently it uses the Bluetooth to stream Spotify with limited control functions.
Would I recommend it to someone looking to buy a premium estate (more a lifestyle one!)?....definitely Hopefully my next update won’t be another 2 years but if l do change it, it’d be for a GLC 250 AMG Line Premium Plus (is this the longest model name?) as we have one in the family already and it would be the natural progression for me given we live in an even more rural location now than before (even though I have winter tyres!!).
In terms of maintenance, I’ve had the car maintained solely by MB Nottingham (a MB specialist close to my work), with the exception of a complete set of discs and pads (fitted by my local garage for convenience) and two 4 wheel alignment checks done by a good local tyre place when I first had it and then about 6 months ago. MB Nottingham have serviced the car since it came out of the main dealer network for the previous owner and it made sense to keep it with them as they will maintain the online service history, they have the required STAR diagnostic kit and I could drop the car in and catch the tram to work.
The car has been really good with the exception of a couple of niggles....the first service for me threw up a couple of oil leaks on the turbo seals which I had fixed; the air con stopped working last year the day after the hottest day of the year and needed a replacement micro switch (fortunately after we’d done our to the LM24 hrs); the rear parking camera stopped working (assumed a broken wire between the main car body and the tailgate) and lastly the power fold mirror on the driver’s side has decided to go rogue during the last winter for no reason and won’t operate properly but will sort that at the next annual service.
The car “wafts” along beautifully and whilst the mileage has dropped back as I now work from home 4 days a week, it is great to do the 170 mile round trip to work once a week which is mainly motorway/dual carriageway and it shows currently about 44 average MPG.
I had a slight skirmish with a big badger in the depths of winter which I couldn’t avoid but I managed to get the under bumper area repaired and just needed an LED side light and surround fortunately - the badger fared less well than the car but if it had been 2 feet further across the road it’d have been a big insurance bill I’m sure.
I’ve had a recent manufacturer recall from Mercedes (to change bolts on the steering rack) which it is waiting to go in for, but otherwise it is staying firmly in the specialist service network.
If you asked me whether I’d rush to sell it?.....I toyed with the idea when the fuel prices rocketed up but I reasoned the cost to change was a lot of fuel and I happened to drop my mileage as I started mainly working from home, so that answered that
The car has all the comfort I need, plenty of power when you need it from the twin-turbo 3.0 V6 and is sufficiently rare that when we took it to France for the 24 hrs, that some of the locals thought it was a proper AMG and wanted me to rev the engine in traffic (I didn’t have the heart to upset them by actually trying to rev it :no: ). My dogs are equally happy in the boot of the CLS as they are in MrsC’s XC60 and the active headlights are immensely efficient in the winter murky conditions.The black paintwork is a pain to keep clean as the car isn’t garaged and I have to keep an eye for bird poo as they love dropping their lunch on it, but that’s just a first world problem. If I had the opportunity I’d try and upgrade the radio connectivity to have an Android compatible solution whereas currently it uses the Bluetooth to stream Spotify with limited control functions.
Would I recommend it to someone looking to buy a premium estate (more a lifestyle one!)?....definitely
Hopefully my next update won’t be another 2 years but if l do change it, it’d be for a GLC 250 AMG Line Premium Plus (is this the longest model name?) as we have one in the family already and it would be the natural progression for me given we live in an even more rural location now than before (even though I have winter tyres!!).Great update and seems to be behaving itself. I have same engine in an S211 estate and been browsing the SB models if I change. Although the alternative I am also considering is an Audi A7 as it's a hatchback, I don't need a big estate. I don't know how it would compare against a SB, I'm familiar with MB driving dynamics and like the feel.
The only Audi I had, an Allroad gave bother with airstrut so I got a refund.
The only Audi I had, an Allroad gave bother with airstrut so I got a refund.
MercedesClassic said:
Great update and seems to be behaving itself. I have same engine in an S211 estate and been browsing the SB models if I change. Although the alternative I am also considering is an Audi A7 as it's a hatchback, I don't need a big estate. I don't know how it would compare against a SB, I'm familiar with MB driving dynamics and like the feel.
The only Audi I had, an Allroad gave bother with airstrut so I got a refund.
I'm aware that the bigger Mercedes have a tendency to not like being parked up/unused so I try & make sure it is used regularly and for a decent run....it vies for motorway duties with our XC60 depending on the weather although a set of winter tyres awaits on 18s - I just need to work out what thickness of spacer I need given it has uprated AMG front brakes and the 18s don't quite have the necessary clearance over the caliper. The S8 would probably be better tied down than my car but mine doesn't have air suspension.The only Audi I had, an Allroad gave bother with airstrut so I got a refund.
Just caught up with your thread… another 350SB owner here, mine is a facelift one with air suspension that followed a pre facelift 250CDI. This felt more nimble than the 350 but the engine noise detracted.
I think they are great cars… yesterday I did a 200 miles of driving to move my daughter back into Uni. It has space for tons of stuff and is very refined.
Only fault to date has been a dodgy blind spot radar.
But yes, the wheels are very prone to getting bent by our shocking roads. I do sometimes wonder about the logic of 30 profile tyres on a luxury cruiser.
I think they are great cars… yesterday I did a 200 miles of driving to move my daughter back into Uni. It has space for tons of stuff and is very refined.
Only fault to date has been a dodgy blind spot radar.
But yes, the wheels are very prone to getting bent by our shocking roads. I do sometimes wonder about the logic of 30 profile tyres on a luxury cruiser.
Update time....the rear suspension started to drop recently and it has been diagnosed as the compressor for the self levelling system and a possible wiring issue - it must be a known issue as the main dealer has the part in stock (£500 for exchange!!!). Anyway the Internet has come to my assistance at £200 & I'm just waiting on my local mechanic to fit it with a Wabco part (they are OEM suppliers).
.....My research has indeed found the rear suspension compressor is a weak point for several reasons on the CLS Shooting Brake - it is sat in a plastic box that hangs underneath the car and collects water in the foam it contains which then knackers the pump. The wiring has been known to be poorly fitted at manufacture & can rub together to ultimately create breaks in the insulation around it (not very Merc like). Both the suspension pump & the wiring aren’t covered by aftermarket warranties including the Mercedes used car warranty in many instances & I'd suspect the same could happen on an E Class. Given the car has almost clicked over 100k miles/10 yrs old I’m slightly more open minded. The upshot is that my CLS can’t be driven now given it’s sat on its 4rse so I’m hoping to be back wafting along in it again soon.
.....My research has indeed found the rear suspension compressor is a weak point for several reasons on the CLS Shooting Brake - it is sat in a plastic box that hangs underneath the car and collects water in the foam it contains which then knackers the pump. The wiring has been known to be poorly fitted at manufacture & can rub together to ultimately create breaks in the insulation around it (not very Merc like). Both the suspension pump & the wiring aren’t covered by aftermarket warranties including the Mercedes used car warranty in many instances & I'd suspect the same could happen on an E Class. Given the car has almost clicked over 100k miles/10 yrs old I’m slightly more open minded. The upshot is that my CLS can’t be driven now given it’s sat on its 4rse so I’m hoping to be back wafting along in it again soon.
Edited by MrC986 on Tuesday 28th November 08:05
MrC986 said:
(not very Merc like)
I've only had one Mercedes, a C350e. It had Airmatic all round which failed at around 30,000 miles/ 3 years. On that car the compressor is mounted behind the (not very well fitting) front inner wing lining. Water gets in to the wiring harness and migrates into the compressor and shorts it out...
RicksAlfas said:
I've only had one Mercedes, a C350e. It had Airmatic all round which failed at around 30,000 miles/ 3 years. On that car the compressor is mounted behind the (not very well fitting) front inner wing lining. Water gets in to the wiring harness and migrates into the compressor and shorts it out...
I’m looking forward to getting it back as I haven’t driven it for about 5 weeks & it makes my once a week 170 mile trip to work a lot more agreeable than being sat in the fixed back bucket seats on my BMW 325ti I’ve used a few times.
So I've had to replace the undertray on the drivers side as it somehow got damaged on some debris in a recent flood but in the "good news" section I was at a car gathering a week ago & won a raffle for a "winter detailing" package with a local company.....having not had the chance for some while to lavish the car with some serious TLC as we've been renovating a house/moving it has somehow had project creep to a Stage 1 paint correction and ceramic coating package which I hope will make keeping it clean which is happening now
I'll post a finished pic in the next day or so & in a slightly back to front process the wheels can be refurbished after Christmas (but won't be ceramic coated until then).
which I hope will make keeping it clean which is happening nowI'll post a finished pic in the next day or so & in a slightly back to front process the wheels can be refurbished after Christmas (but won't be ceramic coated until then).
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