Thinking about a W447 options & specifications

[macp]

So I have been looking unsuccessfully for a Transporter to use as a daily and have a light 'day van' conversion done. Pretty much lost interest in them for lots of reasons. And now im thinking a W447 could really work. The MIL has a 2016 E class E220CDi Sport. And its been no trouble and seems to have plenty of poke. So the 2.1 diesel is definitely on the list. I am looking to spend around 12 to about 18k.

I think I would like to go auto rather than manual. And I hear the 116 or 119 are the best choices. The headlights on the above mentioned E class are astounding, so I would like to get the improved headlights. Is there a way of spotting LED or Xenon lights, aside from driving at night. Crew vans seems to be the most plentiful I note.

I do like the JDM vans like the Alphard & Vellfire. But I like that I wont have to get anything translated or otherwise in the Merc.

So I would love to hear thoughts & comments. Thanks in advance as always.

[Venisonpie]

You're on the right track, 2.1 engine with an auto is the way to go. Look out for nox sensors and the odd injector but otherwise fine.

[macp]

Venisonpie said:

You're on the right track, 2.1 engine with an auto is the way to go. Look out for nox sensors and the odd injector but otherwise fine.

Many thanks I did read your comments on other posts concerning the Merc, and found them very encouraging.

[Regbuser]

Having run three of these, and two of the previous 639, all dualiners, I'd say:
Easy to differentiate between LED and non-LED lighting; the LEDs have a DRL stripe.
Standard headlights have the power of a watery lemon drink, so upgrade to xenon's at least.
116 and 119 are RWD, and the much better units.
Auto box is solid, no reason you wouldn't get 100k miles out of it with considerate driving.
L or XL bodies, compact is no use except for being a taxi.
L body easier to handle in car parks.
Avoid roof rails as this restricts entry into many car parks.
Turning circle on the L is pretty good.
Keep the spare wheel within the van, as the external storage is very easy to cut the wire and steal a wheel.
Aftermarket bracket available for this.
Front bench seat, or two armrest seats; used to prefer the former, now prefer two armrest seats.
Middle seat options include just two armrest seats with a table, worth considering.
The floor rail system will allow a third row of seats, although it's very dark in the back (obvs not if you get the bus version).
The Viano version offers p/leather seats, but I've found the fabric seats to be robust enough yet still comfortable.
Alloys or steel wheels; steels for winter tyres, alloys for summer.
Get the larger fuel tank - over 700 mile range.
Get a leather steering wheel.
Earlier 447s didn't always come with sat-nav, an aftermarket unit is available that slots into a terminal in the glove box. This unit can be updated.
If you're carrying loads in the back, invest in an aftermarket screen bulkhead. Although tie down ratchet straps are also easy enough to rig using the floor rail and moveable toggle eyes.
Rear camera is useful.
Although body colour bumpers look nice, grey plastic are more practical.

Edited by Regbuser on Sunday 10th August 08:27

[macp]

Thanks reg superb advice. Just been measuring up my parking space to make sure I can get the LWB in, yeah close enough. Time to listen to guy on R6, crack open a bottle, sit in the garden and do some research.

Is this the stripe ?

Edited by macp on Sunday 10th August 16:59