Latest Mercs better built? I don't agree!
Discussion
I recently moved from a W211 series E Class to the W204 series C Class, and after 2 months of ownership I am having a few regrets. Prior to buying I read a lot of press and reviews suggesting the latest MB models were back to the rock-solid models of old...however...
My 2008 W211 E Class was solid, I only had it for 3 years but when I traded it in there were no rattles, no creaks and the leather seats and paintwork still looked superb - these cars don't get the credit they deserve in my view, mine felt like a very well built car. I had a few minor mechanical issues in my ownership, but these were related to engine consumables (a frozen fuel filter and a squeaky belt) rather than the design.
My W204 C Class is only 6 months old, the paint on the bonnet seems to be chipping easier, the dashboard has an annoying intermittent rattle, the rear parcel shelf creaks as does the passenger side seat mounting, and the auto wipers and auto lights don't seem to work nearly as well as on previous models, doing the opposite of what is required most of the time! My old 2006 W203 C Class seemed more solid despite being a South African built car (which never put me off), and all of the positives of the new car such as the 7G box and COMAND etc are outweighed by the negatives.
I'd be interested to hear if I just have a bad 'Friday afternoon' lemon, or if my experience is shared by any others?
My 2008 W211 E Class was solid, I only had it for 3 years but when I traded it in there were no rattles, no creaks and the leather seats and paintwork still looked superb - these cars don't get the credit they deserve in my view, mine felt like a very well built car. I had a few minor mechanical issues in my ownership, but these were related to engine consumables (a frozen fuel filter and a squeaky belt) rather than the design.
My W204 C Class is only 6 months old, the paint on the bonnet seems to be chipping easier, the dashboard has an annoying intermittent rattle, the rear parcel shelf creaks as does the passenger side seat mounting, and the auto wipers and auto lights don't seem to work nearly as well as on previous models, doing the opposite of what is required most of the time! My old 2006 W203 C Class seemed more solid despite being a South African built car (which never put me off), and all of the positives of the new car such as the 7G box and COMAND etc are outweighed by the negatives.
I'd be interested to hear if I just have a bad 'Friday afternoon' lemon, or if my experience is shared by any others?
yellowbentines said:
I recently moved from a W211 series E Class to the W204 series C Class, and after 2 months of ownership I am having a few regrets. Prior to buying I read a lot of press and reviews suggesting the latest MB models were back to the rock-solid models of old...however...
My 2008 W211 E Class was solid, I only had it for 3 years but when I traded it in there were no rattles, no creaks and the leather seats and paintwork still looked superb - these cars don't get the credit they deserve in my view, mine felt like a very well built car. I had a few minor mechanical issues in my ownership, but these were related to engine consumables (a frozen fuel filter and a squeaky belt) rather than the design.
My W204 C Class is only 6 months old, the paint on the bonnet seems to be chipping easier, the dashboard has an annoying intermittent rattle, the rear parcel shelf creaks as does the passenger side seat mounting, and the auto wipers and auto lights don't seem to work nearly as well as on previous models, doing the opposite of what is required most of the time! My old 2006 W203 C Class seemed more solid despite being a South African built car (which never put me off), and all of the positives of the new car such as the 7G box and COMAND etc are outweighed by the negatives.
I'd be interested to hear if I just have a bad 'Friday afternoon' lemon, or if my experience is shared by any others?
Agree with you re the E class. My '07 plate did 300k plus with no issues, no rattles or squeaks, and the paintwork apart from a few stone chips was still looking good.My 2008 W211 E Class was solid, I only had it for 3 years but when I traded it in there were no rattles, no creaks and the leather seats and paintwork still looked superb - these cars don't get the credit they deserve in my view, mine felt like a very well built car. I had a few minor mechanical issues in my ownership, but these were related to engine consumables (a frozen fuel filter and a squeaky belt) rather than the design.
My W204 C Class is only 6 months old, the paint on the bonnet seems to be chipping easier, the dashboard has an annoying intermittent rattle, the rear parcel shelf creaks as does the passenger side seat mounting, and the auto wipers and auto lights don't seem to work nearly as well as on previous models, doing the opposite of what is required most of the time! My old 2006 W203 C Class seemed more solid despite being a South African built car (which never put me off), and all of the positives of the new car such as the 7G box and COMAND etc are outweighed by the negatives.
I'd be interested to hear if I just have a bad 'Friday afternoon' lemon, or if my experience is shared by any others?
I have had a 2011 E class for 2 months now, it has done 25k and I would say it feels just as well put together and as solid. You can see where the bean counters have saved money but so far I am very impressed overall.
Mechanically it feels better but thats probably due to mileage.
Well with hindsight after writing the original post I thought maybe I was being a bit harsh, expecting the car to be perfect, after all, my previous E Class was a 'grade up' and more expensive from new so maybe not a fair comparison.
However, I had a 400 mile round trip to do this week over a mix of motorways, dual carriageways, A and B roads, and for comparison decided to borrowed my old man's 3yr old Skoda Superb. It's not the prettiest or most well equipped inside, but it is very, very well built, and surprisingly (or not), not a creak, squeak or rattle anywhere in the cabin even with over 50k miles on the clock.
So, I'm back to being disappointed with my W204 C-Class, I've had it 2 months and can only see me disliking it more as the months roll on as no doubt more audible evidence of MB cost-cutting becomes apparent. At least it seems mechanically solid so far...
However, I had a 400 mile round trip to do this week over a mix of motorways, dual carriageways, A and B roads, and for comparison decided to borrowed my old man's 3yr old Skoda Superb. It's not the prettiest or most well equipped inside, but it is very, very well built, and surprisingly (or not), not a creak, squeak or rattle anywhere in the cabin even with over 50k miles on the clock.
So, I'm back to being disappointed with my W204 C-Class, I've had it 2 months and can only see me disliking it more as the months roll on as no doubt more audible evidence of MB cost-cutting becomes apparent. At least it seems mechanically solid so far...
I agree with the above statements, having owned for 1 week only a 2009 CLC 220 with 20,000 miles on her, it is now back in the MB dealership with a new air conditioning motor and seals being replaced, and the turbo pipe being found to of come off! All under warranty ofcourse. They still have improvements to be made in my opinion.
Hi, just few points on your topic, my father had a W211 2005 E270CDI with 30k miles which I bought (my 5th merc)from him in 2009 when he purchased his 2009 C Class sport and like yourself he doesnt think its anywhere near the car his E Class was, he has the sport and I would honestly say it feels no different to a Ford/ Vauxhall with not having the wood trim and 3 pointed star at the end of the bonnet to gaze at whilst driving, if you covered the badge on the steering wheel and had sat me in it I would have struggled to guess what it was, very disappointing.
On a quick note, I have opted back into the company car scheme and given my wife the E Class and whilst waiting for my new car I was given a new Skoda Superb Elegance with the DSG gearbox for 6 weeks, what a car, honestly both my father and myself wondered why we were bothering with the Merc's, they even do it in 4x4 which is another bonus, it was far larger inside than my E Class, they say the only car on th emarket with more rear leg room is a LWB S Class.
I'm now thinking of replacing my E Class and seriously considering the Skoda, it's just the badge, telling someone you have an E Class is lovely, telling someone you have a Skoda might take some persuading!!
On a quick note, I have opted back into the company car scheme and given my wife the E Class and whilst waiting for my new car I was given a new Skoda Superb Elegance with the DSG gearbox for 6 weeks, what a car, honestly both my father and myself wondered why we were bothering with the Merc's, they even do it in 4x4 which is another bonus, it was far larger inside than my E Class, they say the only car on th emarket with more rear leg room is a LWB S Class.
I'm now thinking of replacing my E Class and seriously considering the Skoda, it's just the badge, telling someone you have an E Class is lovely, telling someone you have a Skoda might take some persuading!!
See, that's what I'm thinking, honestly it was a fantastic car and any with doubters all i had to do was show them the inside and give them a go, making more and more send and with it's massive boot and trick tailgate i could even get the dog cage in what is meant to be a saloon!
cptsideways said:
Telling someone "in the know" you have an E Class is a bit like telling someone you bought some expensive jewellery from Ratners 
A quality car they are not - The Skoda is clever money
A quality car they are not - The Skoda is clever money
cptsideways said:
Telling someone "in the know" you have an E Class is a bit like telling someone you bought some expensive jewellery from Ratners
A quality car they are not
You've owned an E-Class then have you? If not, I don't think you are "in the know", as my W211 was excellent which echoes the opinions of other owners as above.A quality car they are not
However as per my OP the latest C-Class seems like a step backwards, or maybe the other manufacturers are just catching up? I really do fancy one of the 170ps Skoda Superb estates as my next car, shame you can't have both auto and 4x4, it seems you either have manual 4x4 or DSG, not both, and I don't really want FWD.
Are you lot talking about the early W204 C Class or the later facelift?
There is a massive difference in build quality.
My E320cdi estate has just hit 100k miles and 5 years old, it is the most solid car I have owned, my 535d sport touring felt more tired at 18 months and 40k miles, and even my old mans 530d GT doesn't feel quite as solid and that is a year old and around 18k miles.
There is a massive difference in build quality.
My E320cdi estate has just hit 100k miles and 5 years old, it is the most solid car I have owned, my 535d sport touring felt more tired at 18 months and 40k miles, and even my old mans 530d GT doesn't feel quite as solid and that is a year old and around 18k miles.
gizlaroc said:
Are you lot talking about the early W204 C Class or the later facelift?
There is a massive difference in build quality.
Mine is a 2011 W204 facelift, I heard all the hooha about being a return to the Mercs of old and how they are wonderfully built and got sucked in and bought one.There is a massive difference in build quality.
It doesn't feel like it'll last any longer than my old Ford Mondeo, and if the rattles, squeaks and groans from the interior at 10k miles are anything to go by, it'll be falling apart by the time its 3 years old.
I've never been so disappointed with a car.
Edited by anonymous-user on Monday 26th December 08:54
I bought a W204 C200 CDI from a Dealer 6 months ago, O8 reg with 48k. They did a A service plus new discs and pads and front tyres as part of prep.
Its now on 56k with no probs what so ever.
No rattles, No prob with panel gaps and i drive a car hard and find the car far quicker than the Late shape Mundano or the 59 reg C5 tourer i had before.
Regarding the DSG box in the VW range , I had a test drive in a Audi TT S Tronic(DSG) before getting the Merc and the Thing went haywire while sitting at a set of lights. The gear select lights started flashing and would not select any gear and had to be recovered.
Googled DSG when i got home and a whole list of problems came up, Even clips on U tube of all the faults that they develop, Their Multi Tronic box is a pile of cack as well.
I live near the biggest auction in the UK and they often have W204s there with starship mileage on them, 200K , but you be hard pushed to know that by how they look both outside and in.
Its now on 56k with no probs what so ever.
No rattles, No prob with panel gaps and i drive a car hard and find the car far quicker than the Late shape Mundano or the 59 reg C5 tourer i had before.
Regarding the DSG box in the VW range , I had a test drive in a Audi TT S Tronic(DSG) before getting the Merc and the Thing went haywire while sitting at a set of lights. The gear select lights started flashing and would not select any gear and had to be recovered.
Googled DSG when i got home and a whole list of problems came up, Even clips on U tube of all the faults that they develop, Their Multi Tronic box is a pile of cack as well.
I live near the biggest auction in the UK and they often have W204s there with starship mileage on them, 200K , but you be hard pushed to know that by how they look both outside and in.
Dunit said:
I live near the biggest auction in the UK and they often have W204s there with starship mileage on them, 200K , but you be hard pushed to know that by how they look both outside and in.
Good to know, and I don't have any issues with the actual drivetrain, it's the interior I'm disappointed with as the facelift was supposed to be a huge improvement - seems like I may have a Friday afternoon interior!yellowbentines said:
Mine is a 2011 W204 facelift, I heard all the hooha about being a return to the Mercs of old and how they are wonderfully built and got sucked in and bought one.
It doesn't feel like it'll last any longer than my old Ford Mondeo, and if the rattles, squeaks and groans from the interior at 10k miles are anything to go by, it'll be falling apart by the time its 3 years old.
I've never been so disappointed with a car.
Gutted for you mate. It doesn't feel like it'll last any longer than my old Ford Mondeo, and if the rattles, squeaks and groans from the interior at 10k miles are anything to go by, it'll be falling apart by the time its 3 years old.
I've never been so disappointed with a car.
Edited by yellowbentines on Monday 26th December 08:54
I sort of feel the same way about the newer E Class as well, doesn't feel as solid as my facelift W211 E Class.
Keep hearing from owners it is, but he loan cars I have had never feel that way.
Hence why I am still in my 100k miles E320.
Hi, I'm struggling a little about what you mean, the DSG is an auto box, the main issue is that you can't get the 170 with 4x4, they only do the 140 but a £300 remap would sort that. As I said I had a 170 with DSG and totally recommend it, I have a 2005 E270 and definetly thinking of replacing it with Skoda, can't believe I'm saying this!!!
yellowbentines said:
You've owned an E-Class then have you? If not, I don't think you are "in the know", as my W211 was excellent which echoes the opinions of other owners as above.
However as per my OP the latest C-Class seems like a step backwards, or maybe the other manufacturers are just catching up? I really do fancy one of the 170ps Skoda Superb estates as my next car, shame you can't have both auto and 4x4, it seems you either have manual 4x4 or DSG, not both, and I don't really want FWD.
However as per my OP the latest C-Class seems like a step backwards, or maybe the other manufacturers are just catching up? I really do fancy one of the 170ps Skoda Superb estates as my next car, shame you can't have both auto and 4x4, it seems you either have manual 4x4 or DSG, not both, and I don't really want FWD.
yellowbentines said:
Good to know, and I don't have any issues with the actual drivetrain, it's the interior I'm disappointed with as the facelift was supposed to be a huge improvement - seems like I may have a Friday afternoon interior!
Could be, I've got a 57 reg w204, 70k miles and it feels like new.I have a facelift 11 plate 220.
I'm on 20k miles after 8 months.
The best car I have "owned" as yet.
Can not fault the car in any area.
No rattles no faults nothing but 49mpg and admiring looks.
Only teeny tiny niggle is the lights are to bright.
I love it but lots of on coming think I'm on main beam.
I'm on 20k miles after 8 months.
The best car I have "owned" as yet.
Can not fault the car in any area.
No rattles no faults nothing but 49mpg and admiring looks.
Only teeny tiny niggle is the lights are to bright.
I love it but lots of on coming think I'm on main beam.
I have a facedlifted 11 plate 200CDI elegance estate. Its lovely- feels strong, well built and has some real "great idea" features which didnt feature on the Skoda, Mondeo, Accord etc. and the dealer was great too.
And there have been no squeaks, rattles or electrical issues in all 500 miles its done so far...
And there have been no squeaks, rattles or electrical issues in all 500 miles its done so far...
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