I know its boring but tell me about upmarket w245 B classes

[Shoestringracer]

Its complex but the W245 seems like a good choice in our consolidation of cars situation*. Its main advantage is that we need a short car to fit on our drive but enough room for 2x 1 year olds, all their gubbins (they need sooo much!) and the ability to cover long distances in comfort.

If it is going to be a W245 (it was quite clearly going to be a BMW 130i until there were two of the blighters) then I think a 2 litre, either the rare petrol turbo or diesel. We only do 8000 miles per year, almost entirely on dual carriage ways, so fuel costs not too much of a probelem.

Turbo petrol sounds lie a reasonable steer but I'm not sure when they stopped making them - I think the youngest might be a bit old.

So your thoughts please. Any models / years to avoid, recomended options, obserations about ride quality or standard equipment etc etc.

• Boxster + Yarris + MG Midget competition car into B Class or similar + Mk1 Golf competition / occasional every day car

[ralphrj]

I had 3 during my time at MB all of them were 180 CDi which was OK but felt a bit underpowered. I borrowed a colleagues 200 CDi which was noticeably better. 200 turbo petrols are quite rare.

I would avoid models with sport suspension. It did reduce body roll on corners but was crashy on anything but perfect roads.

[va1o]

We had a W169 A-Class for a few years which is based on the same chassis and were very impressed with it. Hugely roomy inside and built to a high standard, feels like a proper Mercedes. Reliability and dealer service was excellent from day 1 through to selling it. Only issue it had was the A/C failing due to stone damage to the condenser. They are fantastic cars IMO and you do get a lot for your money.

Try and find one that someone added lots of options to when new, as they add little to the value but make it nicer to live with. You'll want the electric folding mirrors as the standard ones don't fold in and can be a nuisance. Most versions should have Artico/ Leather seats. The bigger wheels and sports suspension do harm the ride so stick with 16s unless you really want the better looks. COMAND and Climate Control are rare but increase desirability. Cruise standard if its an Auto (CVT) otherwise optional. Quite a few will have the Panoramic sunroof. Diesels are noisy but dependable, petrols smooth and refined. 200 Turbo rare but quick. Manual gearbox surprisingly good for a Merc, and they have a proper handbrake.

I would definitely have another

[va1o]

Just to add to that, these are actually better in many ways than the replacement A-Class and B-Class. The sandwich platform responsible for them having so much interior space and best in class crash protection is a seriously clever bit of engineering and very underrated. It essentially allows the engine to be mounted at a unique angle, and in the event of a crash it will slide underneath the passenger compartment. No other mainstream recent hatchback/ small MPV offers the same. Rumour has it Mercedes never made much profit on them due to the expensive production, hence changing over to more conventional design (and a Renault sourced engine) with the new model.

[mickyveloce]

We bought a 2008 B180 with the sport package when it was a year old . It had a list price of 24k and we paid 14 for it .
The car was compromised by the wheel and Tyre combination , which looked great , but have a choppy ride . the se model I've driven was much improved.
On the plus side , the car was economical , having the 6 speed manual box , and very very commodious , and of good quality.
Overall , a class act , but don't go for the Sport .

[355spiderguy]

hi there.

we have a B200 turbo with the cvt auto gearbox and the 18" AMGs.

it is a fantastic car and is great cabin size for the school runs with 3 kids aged 12. 10 & 8, but also for our 7mth old with the pram and chassis in the boot, which may i add is a also a great size.

fuel economy is about 35mpg on a run, and about 28mpg for the usual short runs this car does.

the ride depends on what you want from a car; yes, the 18" AMGs have a slighty harsh ride, but it is totally acceptable to the degree my wife hasn't mentioned it, they look fantastic, and the handling due to the sport suspension bigger wheels and the sandwich layoutit is a real joy; i cannot comment on any other B-Class apart from our B200 turbo, but it is an absolute hoot to drive.

hope this helps!

[Shoestringracer]

Lots of really useful information. Thanks.

I went to "see" some today. The local main dealer was shut but I read the information stuck to the car windows and found an SE with sports suspension and, as far as I could see, the same body kit as the Sport parked next door. Is this the worst of both worlds? I quite lie the body kit.

[va1o]

They did swap the range about quite a bit over the years so there isn't really much in it between the later SEs and Sports. It's the bigger alloys which add the sports suspension if my memory serves me correctly. If you can live with the ride go for it as they certainly look nicer.

[Shoestringracer]

OK, I think I want a post 2008 SE or posisbly sport, either 180 or 200, but I am happy to be corrected. Any particular advantages of differnt models? What about the pre facelift 2006-7 cars, any major issues if I go for one of those and save a few quid? They'll be less than 50k miles and FSH what ever we end up with. Any options worth having / to be avoided?

Thanks

Edited by Shoestringracer on Wednesday 17th October 15:26