Discussion
My time with the Mondeo might be coming to an end, it’s served me well but I just get the feeling it’s not long for this world.
So I’ve been considering replacements, and although diesel doesn’t really suit my daily trip I’m aware of how they need to be treated. So I’ve been considering a 2010ish EClass estate, I find estates very practical and it’s not much bigger than the Mondeo. I’m tempted with the 350cdi, but mk4 Mondeos and E91(325330/335 in petrol or diesel) also make up the watch list.
I want an auto and the idea is to buy something for the weekend, we also have an f57 and r55 mini.
Anything to look out for on the Merc or should I just avoid them all together?
So I’ve been considering replacements, and although diesel doesn’t really suit my daily trip I’m aware of how they need to be treated. So I’ve been considering a 2010ish EClass estate, I find estates very practical and it’s not much bigger than the Mondeo. I’m tempted with the 350cdi, but mk4 Mondeos and E91(325330/335 in petrol or diesel) also make up the watch list.
I want an auto and the idea is to buy something for the weekend, we also have an f57 and r55 mini.
Anything to look out for on the Merc or should I just avoid them all together?
I can't comment on the engine of the 350, however I had a 2013 E220 cdi estate for 4 years and loved it, and still wish I had it over the current 2017 CLS estate which doesn't seem as solidly built and doesn't ride as nicely.
It was totally reliable, quiet, comfortable, swallowed everything, and was very well screwed together with no squeaks or creaks which is more than I can for the current car. We do a mix of driving, but at certain times of the year it wasn't getting very many long runs, still never had any issues with the DPF, not sure if it even had one!
I'd have another in a heartbeat, and would go for either the 250 or 350 as the 220 is no more than adequate.
It was totally reliable, quiet, comfortable, swallowed everything, and was very well screwed together with no squeaks or creaks which is more than I can for the current car. We do a mix of driving, but at certain times of the year it wasn't getting very many long runs, still never had any issues with the DPF, not sure if it even had one!
I'd have another in a heartbeat, and would go for either the 250 or 350 as the 220 is no more than adequate.
Just to add, things to check are that it's had an auto transmission fluid change at around 40-50k miles, and servicing was mileage based (dependent on driving style etc) or annually, whichever comes first, so it should have seen a garage once a year at least.
Also, Merc alloys corrode if you look at them the wrong way, they all seem to do that - I've had 2 replaced and 2 refurbed F.O.C. on a 2017 car.
Also, Merc alloys corrode if you look at them the wrong way, they all seem to do that - I've had 2 replaced and 2 refurbed F.O.C. on a 2017 car.
Beautiful choice!
All the estates have airmatic on the rear, but it was also an option on the front. I like it as you can switch between waft and hustle modes, plus it is reassuring to jack the car up when you arrive somewhere and find you need to park in a rutted field. If the car is slammed on the deck when you arrive you know it has an air suspension problem! Mine is 16 years old with no problems yet, so from a sample of one it's reliable.
Good levels of trim commanded a premium when new but not so much at this age so you can get yourself a real bargain.
Possibly surprisingly you might find it a little less spacious inside compared to the Mondeo estate due to fwd Vs rwd packaging.
All the estates have airmatic on the rear, but it was also an option on the front. I like it as you can switch between waft and hustle modes, plus it is reassuring to jack the car up when you arrive somewhere and find you need to park in a rutted field. If the car is slammed on the deck when you arrive you know it has an air suspension problem! Mine is 16 years old with no problems yet, so from a sample of one it's reliable.
Good levels of trim commanded a premium when new but not so much at this age so you can get yourself a real bargain.
Possibly surprisingly you might find it a little less spacious inside compared to the Mondeo estate due to fwd Vs rwd packaging.
Edited by donkmeister on Thursday 12th March 16:41
stevemcs said:
Does anyone find it too big ? The overal length isn’t much bigger than the current mk3 Mondeo
Very occasionally a parking space feels small, other than that it’s fine. It’s not *that* big compared to modern SUVs.Load space is excellent. It’s pretty well built. Mines 10 years old and still pretty much silent. Can’t comment on the engine, I prefer spark plugs (and fuel bills).
stevemcs said:
My time with the Mondeo might be coming to an end, it’s served me well but I just get the feeling it’s not long for this world.
So I’ve been considering replacements, and although diesel doesn’t really suit my daily trip I’m aware of how they need to be treated. So I’ve been considering a 2010ish EClass estate, I find estates very practical and it’s not much bigger than the Mondeo. I’m tempted with the 350cdi, but mk4 Mondeos and E91(325330/335 in petrol or diesel) also make up the watch list.
I want an auto and the idea is to buy something for the weekend, we also have an f57 and r55 mini.
Anything to look out for on the Merc or should I just avoid them all together?
We've had ours for 5 years and also have a later 2015 E350 saloon as wellSo I’ve been considering replacements, and although diesel doesn’t really suit my daily trip I’m aware of how they need to be treated. So I’ve been considering a 2010ish EClass estate, I find estates very practical and it’s not much bigger than the Mondeo. I’m tempted with the 350cdi, but mk4 Mondeos and E91(325330/335 in petrol or diesel) also make up the watch list.
I want an auto and the idea is to buy something for the weekend, we also have an f57 and r55 mini.
Anything to look out for on the Merc or should I just avoid them all together?
Our E Class estate has been really reliable until the last two months where every documented problem with them seems to have appeared. Oil cooler oil seals, rear air bellows, worn control and thrust arms. All of which are quite expensive to sort
Still love ours though and after this wave of about £3k or £4k on repairs, she'll see us through to the point where everything is electric
I went to see this potentially half-way house R500, with the 5.5L M273 on Saturday.
Annoyingly, it doesn't seem suitable for my purposes, as three passengers can only occupy the second row if too far back to make the third row comfortable for two children. It was nice, however.
There is also an S212 E500 for sale on PH, but it has already been sold, according to another forum.
Annoyingly, it doesn't seem suitable for my purposes, as three passengers can only occupy the second row if too far back to make the third row comfortable for two children. It was nice, however.
There is also an S212 E500 for sale on PH, but it has already been sold, according to another forum.
Candellara said:
We've had ours for 5 years and also have a later 2015 E350 saloon as well
Our E Class estate has been really reliable until the last two months where every documented problem with them seems to have appeared. Oil cooler oil seals, rear air bellows, worn control and thrust arms. All of which are quite expensive to sort
Still love ours though and after this wave of about £3k or £4k on repairs, she'll see us through to the point where everything is electric
What mileage did you get to before the oil cooler seals needed replacing? Quite a labour intensive job unfortunately for a couple of oil seals.Our E Class estate has been really reliable until the last two months where every documented problem with them seems to have appeared. Oil cooler oil seals, rear air bellows, worn control and thrust arms. All of which are quite expensive to sort
Still love ours though and after this wave of about £3k or £4k on repairs, she'll see us through to the point where everything is electric
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