E class, 2009-2013 - need advise before Buying
Discussion
Hello everyone, I'm new to the forum and I'd need some advise, my poor Mazda6 has retired and need to sell her for spares/repairs. Looking for a new car now.
I look for some powerful diesel, which wouldn't be too expensive to run and had a sport character, my aim is to hunt for a high spec, for own comfort and low value loss, as I'd look forward to sell it in 2-3 years.
I did consider BMW E92/E93 330d, however my attention was brought to Mercedes, I was wondering between C and E class Coupe. C class sounds reasonable, as of running costs (insurance, mpg and tax) however E class stole my heart with no frame windows and the panoramic roof, which together looks stunning. My wonder is the engine, 250 CDI seems to match my preferences, as compering to 350, it's not much worse in performance (just 30 bhp loss out of 2 cylinders), tax is a bit cheaper, and mpg, a bit better. It's difficult to find them with high specs though. I aim to spend around 10 grand on it, and definitely not more than 12, could you please advise me what to look for, what are common faults, and pros and cons of each engine/model? Or maybe you know any other make/model which would match my preferences? Do you also know what might be the value loss over the time with them?
I'd appreciate any help, as never before was buying any car for that value, neither had a diesel or auto
I look for some powerful diesel, which wouldn't be too expensive to run and had a sport character, my aim is to hunt for a high spec, for own comfort and low value loss, as I'd look forward to sell it in 2-3 years.
I did consider BMW E92/E93 330d, however my attention was brought to Mercedes, I was wondering between C and E class Coupe. C class sounds reasonable, as of running costs (insurance, mpg and tax) however E class stole my heart with no frame windows and the panoramic roof, which together looks stunning. My wonder is the engine, 250 CDI seems to match my preferences, as compering to 350, it's not much worse in performance (just 30 bhp loss out of 2 cylinders), tax is a bit cheaper, and mpg, a bit better. It's difficult to find them with high specs though. I aim to spend around 10 grand on it, and definitely not more than 12, could you please advise me what to look for, what are common faults, and pros and cons of each engine/model? Or maybe you know any other make/model which would match my preferences? Do you also know what might be the value loss over the time with them?
I'd appreciate any help, as never before was buying any car for that value, neither had a diesel or auto
The 350 CDi was upgraded to 265bhp around 2011 so 60 more than the 250, quite significant in performance terms, and a big chunk of torque more as well. That would be the engine I would go for if you settle for the 350.
It depends if you value performance and refinement more than economy. The 4 pots will be more economical but the smoothness and refinement of the 350 is a big step up. You will notice economy more with town driving, the 250 probably giving maybe 10mpg more, on motorway runs the 250 can easily better 50mpg and the 350 probably 45ish mpg.
Reliability wise they are both very good if serviced correctly so look for proof of proper servicing. High mileage shouldn't be an issue with either, and make sure the transmission oil and filter changes have been carried out as per Mercedes recommendations.
I think the 350 is more prone to EGR valve issues and leaking injectors. Worth reading up on the "black death" issues.
It depends if you value performance and refinement more than economy. The 4 pots will be more economical but the smoothness and refinement of the 350 is a big step up. You will notice economy more with town driving, the 250 probably giving maybe 10mpg more, on motorway runs the 250 can easily better 50mpg and the 350 probably 45ish mpg.
Reliability wise they are both very good if serviced correctly so look for proof of proper servicing. High mileage shouldn't be an issue with either, and make sure the transmission oil and filter changes have been carried out as per Mercedes recommendations.
I think the 350 is more prone to EGR valve issues and leaking injectors. Worth reading up on the "black death" issues.
Monkeylegend said:
The 350 CDi was upgraded to 265bhp around 2011 so 60 more than the 250, quite significant in performance terms, and a big chunk of torque more as well. That would be the engine I would go for if you settle for the 350.
It depends if you value performance and refinement more than economy. The 4 pots will be more economical but the smoothness and refinement of the 350 is a big step up. You will notice economy more with town driving, the 250 probably giving maybe 10mpg more, on motorway runs the 250 can easily better 50mpg and the 350 probably 45ish mpg.
Reliability wise they are both very good if serviced correctly so look for proof of proper servicing. High mileage shouldn't be an issue with either, and make sure the transmission oil and filter changes have been carried out as per Mercedes recommendations.
I think the 350 is more prone to EGR valve issues and leaking injectors. Worth reading up on the "black death" issues.
Correct me if I'm wrong, but I'm pretty sure that 265 bhp was upgraded in 2014, when it also matched EURO 6 standard, that's probably the best engine I could go for, however is out of my budget due to young age of car itself. It depends if you value performance and refinement more than economy. The 4 pots will be more economical but the smoothness and refinement of the 350 is a big step up. You will notice economy more with town driving, the 250 probably giving maybe 10mpg more, on motorway runs the 250 can easily better 50mpg and the 350 probably 45ish mpg.
Reliability wise they are both very good if serviced correctly so look for proof of proper servicing. High mileage shouldn't be an issue with either, and make sure the transmission oil and filter changes have been carried out as per Mercedes recommendations.
I think the 350 is more prone to EGR valve issues and leaking injectors. Worth reading up on the "black death" issues.
Proper service history that's something I look for, as I want to keep highest value possible.
Mr E said:
I wouldn’t describe either option as “having a sports character” though.
Maybe it's just a wrong expression from my side, obviously I don't expect diesel to be a track day car or a Santa pod competitor, it's more about looks. That's the compromise I had to agree on. As I said, I want to buy this car for 2-3 years, my actual goal as a dream car for now is actually Evo X 
BartSw said:
Monkeylegend said:
The 350 CDi was upgraded to 265bhp around 2011 so 60 more than the 250, quite significant in performance terms, and a big chunk of torque more as well. That would be the engine I would go for if you settle for the 350.
It depends if you value performance and refinement more than economy. The 4 pots will be more economical but the smoothness and refinement of the 350 is a big step up. You will notice economy more with town driving, the 250 probably giving maybe 10mpg more, on motorway runs the 250 can easily better 50mpg and the 350 probably 45ish mpg.
Reliability wise they are both very good if serviced correctly so look for proof of proper servicing. High mileage shouldn't be an issue with either, and make sure the transmission oil and filter changes have been carried out as per Mercedes recommendations.
I think the 350 is more prone to EGR valve issues and leaking injectors. Worth reading up on the "black death" issues.
Correct me if I'm wrong, but I'm pretty sure that 265 bhp was upgraded in 2014, when it also matched EURO 6 standard, that's probably the best engine I could go for, however is out of my budget due to young age of car itself. It depends if you value performance and refinement more than economy. The 4 pots will be more economical but the smoothness and refinement of the 350 is a big step up. You will notice economy more with town driving, the 250 probably giving maybe 10mpg more, on motorway runs the 250 can easily better 50mpg and the 350 probably 45ish mpg.
Reliability wise they are both very good if serviced correctly so look for proof of proper servicing. High mileage shouldn't be an issue with either, and make sure the transmission oil and filter changes have been carried out as per Mercedes recommendations.
I think the 350 is more prone to EGR valve issues and leaking injectors. Worth reading up on the "black death" issues.
Proper service history that's something I look for, as I want to keep highest value possible.
Mr E said:
I wouldn’t describe either option as “having a sports character” though.
Maybe it's just a wrong expression from my side, obviously I don't expect diesel to be a track day car or a Santa pod competitor, it's more about looks. That's the compromise I had to agree on. As I said, I want to buy this car for 2-3 years, my actual goal as a dream car for now is actually Evo X You can get the 265bhp for your budget if you look around. Try Mercland in Nuneaton, they have a few for sale and are well respected.
Thank you guys for all your help.
I've managed to find just one 265 bhp, however it's to far away for me. Problem is that I have quite narrow range of what I want, what makes it so difficult to find
Just went to view one few hours ago, now I know that I want v6 as it was way better to drive than the 250cdi. However it had couple of defects, and I have to carry on looking...
Any time I find something it's either 160 miles away or comes with white or red leather which I don't really fancy + I know it would be more difficult to maintain in good condition, actually looking for black leather only.
@edit very few examples I have been watching, had additional sport button below the stereo (picture below from c class) any ideas what does it do? Only info I could find, is that it lowers the suspension, however because it's so rare, I wonder if it's some expensive feature, or just some models had it there, instead of the location by the gearbox leaver. Also if you know what other buttons may be for? Some models have there 'Eco' button, or another one with an image of seat belt sign on it.
I've managed to find just one 265 bhp, however it's to far away for me. Problem is that I have quite narrow range of what I want, what makes it so difficult to find
Just went to view one few hours ago, now I know that I want v6 as it was way better to drive than the 250cdi. However it had couple of defects, and I have to carry on looking...
Any time I find something it's either 160 miles away or comes with white or red leather which I don't really fancy + I know it would be more difficult to maintain in good condition, actually looking for black leather only.
@edit very few examples I have been watching, had additional sport button below the stereo (picture below from c class) any ideas what does it do? Only info I could find, is that it lowers the suspension, however because it's so rare, I wonder if it's some expensive feature, or just some models had it there, instead of the location by the gearbox leaver. Also if you know what other buttons may be for? Some models have there 'Eco' button, or another one with an image of seat belt sign on it.
Edited by BartSw on Monday 9th July 23:43
Edited by BartSw on Monday 9th July 23:44
You can get airmatic or air suspension on the E Class, not so common, most are the standard spring and shock set up.
Not sure if this button relates to this, ie it firms and lowers the suspension when you put it into sport mode.
Just be aware that air suspension can suffer from leaks and pump issues all of which will be more expensive to fix than springs and standard shock absorbers.
Not sure if this button relates to this, ie it firms and lowers the suspension when you put it into sport mode.
Just be aware that air suspension can suffer from leaks and pump issues all of which will be more expensive to fix than springs and standard shock absorbers.
That’s not where then suspension controls are on my car. Mine are next to the command knob.
Edit; ah, but that might be a coupe (from the original post).
You should bear in mind that the e-class couple isn’t actually an e-class (for this iteration).
It’s a c class chassis, sothings may be a bit different to a more generic w212.
Edit; ah, but that might be a coupe (from the original post).
You should bear in mind that the e-class couple isn’t actually an e-class (for this iteration).
It’s a c class chassis, sothings may be a bit different to a more generic w212.
Edited by Mr E on Tuesday 10th July 10:54
E class coupé 265bhp came out late 2011, same time as 7g+ gearbox IIRC, well before the facelift. As mentioned, engine rerated downwards when euro 6 came in, with AdBlue etc.
The 265 engine had quite a few internal changes, including pistons, fuel pressure, dpf regen changes and is more economical than the 231 version. IMHO the V6 is significantly smoother than the 4-cylinder.
The E500 coupé has a 'sport' button as shown for sports suspension (std fit). Wasn't aware that others had it but it might have been an option.The 'seat belt' button relates to the automatic seat belt presenter-arm on the coupés
The eco' button switches the stop start function off - defaults to 'on' when engine switched off.
Gearbox 'sport' switch is next to the gearlever.
SE spec E coupés had 17" wheels, Sport had 18" with slightly lower profile tyres. 19" optional. SE had leather std, Sport had "Artico' man-made 'leather'. Sports had intelligent xenon lights as std.
All V6s , SE or Sport, had sports suspension and steering. 4-cyl SEs didn't.
HK is a useful audio upgrade, but std fit is okay.
265s had updated Comand with greater built in memory.
The 265 engine had quite a few internal changes, including pistons, fuel pressure, dpf regen changes and is more economical than the 231 version. IMHO the V6 is significantly smoother than the 4-cylinder.
The E500 coupé has a 'sport' button as shown for sports suspension (std fit). Wasn't aware that others had it but it might have been an option.The 'seat belt' button relates to the automatic seat belt presenter-arm on the coupés
The eco' button switches the stop start function off - defaults to 'on' when engine switched off.
Gearbox 'sport' switch is next to the gearlever.
SE spec E coupés had 17" wheels, Sport had 18" with slightly lower profile tyres. 19" optional. SE had leather std, Sport had "Artico' man-made 'leather'. Sports had intelligent xenon lights as std.
All V6s , SE or Sport, had sports suspension and steering. 4-cyl SEs didn't.
HK is a useful audio upgrade, but std fit is okay.
265s had updated Comand with greater built in memory.
Edited by ruhall on Sunday 15th July 19:42
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