Merc C350e nightmare

[Leggy]

Warning to anyone looking at the estate version with a towbar.
Firstly they have to upgrade to 18" wheels, which jacks up the price. Then that pushes the car into the next CO2 emissions category which means car tax increases. Then because it only does 19 miles on a charge it doesn't qualify for the £2,500.00 government subsidy. The limit is 20 miles!

[Leggy]

No one can explain why the wheel diameter needs to increase. One dealer said for increased ride height, another said it was to do with gearing!?!
The lease company is investigating retro fitting a tow bar.
The dealers seem to be very poorly informed. It's taken weeks to get to this point. Not one of them knew about the affects of adding these options.

[Leggy]

I need an estate so BMW is out. Looks like either retro fit tow bar or an Outlander. But I'd love to know why 18" wheels are needed?

[Leggy]

Mercedes have fitted the lightest wheels at that size to keep the emissions in the bracket. The potential extra load means stronger wheels. Its just safety. Just shows how close the c350e is to being out the bracket.



Is that the official response from Merc?

[Leggy]

Trouble is now puts the Outlander back into contention as it can have the tow bar and still get the grant and qualify for the lowest BIK.

[Leggy]

sawman said:

jason61c said:

Leggy said:

Trouble is now puts the Outlander back into contention as it can have the tow bar and still get the grant and qualify for the lowest BIK.

why the outlander? the v60 twin can have a tow bar, I bet the bmw 330e can also?

suppose it depends what you want to tow - I read that the outlander was not able to do a hill start with a caraven in some test.

I was talking to the lease car firm that my employers use, they have leased a lot of outlanders and are not recommending fitting a tow bar, due to effects on fuel consumption (i think it has quite a small tank, which probably means going any distance means frequent stops) and they suggested the volvo or vw is better due to more torquey ICE.

Interesting they are now quoting for passat GTE - which can be specced with electric folding towbar, for about the same as the volvo D5 twin engine

Need an estate so BMW out and not ready for a Volvo yet. Going round in circles......

[Leggy]

Fast Bug said:

As already said, it's due to the weight. Which is why if you have a Premium/Premium Plus pack you have to have the wheel upgrade. I'm sure you should be able to find a towbar cheaper than £2500 though? That sounds really expensive, I thought the factory one was a touch expensive

Unfortunately our leasing company won't touch an after market tow bar. Factory fit or nothing. So essentially to fit a poxy tow bar then costs £900 for the 18" wheels and loss of £2500 grant, and then more tax!

[Leggy]

Fast Bug said:

Can you not tell the lease company and get one fitted, then remove it just before the car goes back?

They have said they have concerns about warranty, if they have then I wouldn't want to take on that responsibility!