E Class - W212 - Suitable?
Discussion
So I have started a new job that will involve some driving, hurrah ! Slightly less Tube time...
However given my role, I will likely be in a position where a client might be jumping in as well and my 14 year old Alfa GT isn't going to give the right impression.
So I need something that can get me out of London with minimal thought i.e an automatic, be smart, reliable but I also hope still retain the ability for a spirited drive.
Based on the above, I immediately (sorry) think of a 5 series but they look so dour. So this brings me to the W212 (coupe or saloon), and I have noticed the 2014 facelift model that seems to take the original W212 and given it a bit of an interior/exterior/technology refresh. So onto the questions
1) Based on the above, I am considering the 'AMG Sport' model, this has stiffer suspension but maintains the 'comfort steering'?
2) The 220d seems to be the pick of the range from most reviews I have read, just about managing 40mpg in real world situations, I would have preferred a petrol. Is there an engine (particularly a petrol) that is a the golden jewel? I have read about LOTS of injector problems on the 250.
3) Mileage - Immediately I think durable due to it's reputation/favour with taxi drivers, given I will probably only be doing 300-400 max miles per week. Is it smarter to get a 70-75k model, or where I was looking at the 30-35k range. I think back to my fathers A4 Avant that has was bought with 115k on the clock and now on 190k with just a clutch and cambelt needed.
4) Anything particular to the E Class I should watch out for?
5) Any particular option that you would consider essential? I liked the idea of Distronic but it's rather rare and not worth limiting myself so much.
6) Mixed reviews on the hybrid? Worth a look?
Oh and ideally I would like to spend less than £15k, so later models are out
However given my role, I will likely be in a position where a client might be jumping in as well and my 14 year old Alfa GT isn't going to give the right impression.
So I need something that can get me out of London with minimal thought i.e an automatic, be smart, reliable but I also hope still retain the ability for a spirited drive.
Based on the above, I immediately (sorry) think of a 5 series but they look so dour. So this brings me to the W212 (coupe or saloon), and I have noticed the 2014 facelift model that seems to take the original W212 and given it a bit of an interior/exterior/technology refresh. So onto the questions
1) Based on the above, I am considering the 'AMG Sport' model, this has stiffer suspension but maintains the 'comfort steering'?
2) The 220d seems to be the pick of the range from most reviews I have read, just about managing 40mpg in real world situations, I would have preferred a petrol. Is there an engine (particularly a petrol) that is a the golden jewel? I have read about LOTS of injector problems on the 250.
3) Mileage - Immediately I think durable due to it's reputation/favour with taxi drivers, given I will probably only be doing 300-400 max miles per week. Is it smarter to get a 70-75k model, or where I was looking at the 30-35k range. I think back to my fathers A4 Avant that has was bought with 115k on the clock and now on 190k with just a clutch and cambelt needed.
4) Anything particular to the E Class I should watch out for?
5) Any particular option that you would consider essential? I liked the idea of Distronic but it's rather rare and not worth limiting myself so much.
6) Mixed reviews on the hybrid? Worth a look?
Oh and ideally I would like to spend less than £15k, so later models are out
Hi
I bought the 350d AMG Sport estate a few months ago because the saloon just looked too taxi-ish to me.
I get about 44mpg on motorway runs, high 30s in town. As mine was the run out Night Edition Premium it has quite a few extras. Hi-fi isn't the best but is better than BMW base system. Sat Nav is showing its age a bit and the screen is quite small. My biggest issue though is getting a comfortable driving position. I really struggle so maybe have an extended test drive before committing - other people have the same problem.
Best thing is the push brake pedal hard down to lock the brakes on then you can take your foot back off the pedal and still have the start-stop work properly.
Ian
I bought the 350d AMG Sport estate a few months ago because the saloon just looked too taxi-ish to me.
I get about 44mpg on motorway runs, high 30s in town. As mine was the run out Night Edition Premium it has quite a few extras. Hi-fi isn't the best but is better than BMW base system. Sat Nav is showing its age a bit and the screen is quite small. My biggest issue though is getting a comfortable driving position. I really struggle so maybe have an extended test drive before committing - other people have the same problem.
Best thing is the push brake pedal hard down to lock the brakes on then you can take your foot back off the pedal and still have the start-stop work properly.
Ian
I have a facelift E350D AMG Sport estate. I would not say it is fun to drive (I still have my 911 as a comparison) but it is very relaxing and surprisingly quick. I waited for the dynamic massage seats which are a huge improvement on the standard seats.
I drove a 4cyl diesel one and the 6cyl version and found the 350 is a lot faster, quieter, more refined than the raw numbers suggest.
I drove a 4cyl diesel one and the 6cyl version and found the 350 is a lot faster, quieter, more refined than the raw numbers suggest.
OP you are looking at the W212 facelift ie cosmetically enhanced version of the W212 which had square headlights.
Coupes are better value than saloons.
Petrols virtually non-existent.
Injectors issues were solved by the time that facelift came out.
Lots of E220s due to PCP/Lease/etc. Many on the market and so easy to find colour/spec that you desire.
Many want a 350 but they are rarer and cost more to purchase, run and fuel. Having said that, I may end up in E350CDi if do not buy a preowned&facelifted CLS350. Will cost me £6-700 a year extra in fuel alone but then desire it for solely the motorway grunt/torque. If I was not a petrolhead the E220CDi or possibly E250CDi would be the choice.
Coupes are better value than saloons.
Petrols virtually non-existent.
Injectors issues were solved by the time that facelift came out.
Lots of E220s due to PCP/Lease/etc. Many on the market and so easy to find colour/spec that you desire.
Many want a 350 but they are rarer and cost more to purchase, run and fuel. Having said that, I may end up in E350CDi if do not buy a preowned&facelifted CLS350. Will cost me £6-700 a year extra in fuel alone but then desire it for solely the motorway grunt/torque. If I was not a petrolhead the E220CDi or possibly E250CDi would be the choice.
V6Alfisti said:
Really ?
Really.See here:
https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mercedes-Benz_E-Cl...
“The C207/A207 E-Class shares its platform with the W204 C-Class sedan, featuring identical wheelbases, and similar axle track lengths.[7] While the W212 E-Class sedan is built at the Sindelfingen plant, the E-Class C207 coupé is built in Bremen alongside the W204 C-Class”
I have a E 250 CDI Coupe with the facelift, waited for the spec I wanted, ended up with a triple black Sport plus, it has ILS (would recommend getting this) pano roof / uprated ICE with the Comand system, 19's ect.
If you are not fussed about the wheels (because the 19's might as well be wrapped in a rubber band and are easy to damage) I would say go 18 inch for 'comfort'
It's as fast as I need it to be, will just scrape to 40mpg as an average on the commute.
I've yet to have the new Coupe (apart from the interior) grow on me so it's staying for a while
If you are not fussed about the wheels (because the 19's might as well be wrapped in a rubber band and are easy to damage) I would say go 18 inch for 'comfort'
It's as fast as I need it to be, will just scrape to 40mpg as an average on the commute.
I've yet to have the new Coupe (apart from the interior) grow on me so it's staying for a while
Scrump said:
V6Alfisti said:
Really ?
Really.See here:
https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mercedes-Benz_E-Cl...
“The C207/A207 E-Class shares its platform with the W204 C-Class sedan, featuring identical wheelbases, and similar axle track lengths.[7] While the W212 E-Class sedan is built at the Sindelfingen plant, the E-Class C207 coupé is built in Bremen alongside the W204 C-Class”
The new couple is an e class.
I have a 2010 petrol. It’s lots of things, an excellent family car, and I’d happily drive it to Stuttgart this afternoon.
It is not, by any stretch of the imagination, a sporty drive. It can be hustled if you need it to, but it’s big, heavy and the steering feels the same in Sainsbury’s car park as it does at 100mph in a corner.
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