Opinions on the c-class estate?

[fjord]

Posted this on the merc board too, but it's a slow moving board, apologies if you've already read this once.

Anyway, I currently drive and E46 320d. It's ok but also very 'meh'.

I want an E91 330d/335d but struggling in the spec I want for a good price.

However, i've found a beautiful C220 estate, lovely colour, navigation, 45k and auto. It's the 2009 model but not the brand new facelifted version (which is a shame, they are much prettier at the front end) Any good? They look lovely, but I cant help but think the performance isnt going to be much better than the 320d, and the slowness of the 320 irritates me a little. Feels like you have to rag the arse of it to get it moving.

It's chain driven and RWD iirc, so that's all good. Just unsure about the engine size and auto box, if they are any good? If it was a 300, i'd seriously consider it.

If anyone has any comments about the merc comand nav, then feel free to chuck in. Watching some youtube videos and it seems a well designed system, probably on par with the iDrive from 3 or 4 years ago.

[Ozzie Osmond]

C-class estate is a brilliant car for the real world.

But then so is the 3-series.....

[SWoll]

Leased a 2009 C220CDi sport wagon for 2 years. Nice car but I would say that the engine/gearbox are the weakest points. Performance could be described as 'adequate' at best and the gearbox felt light years behind the 7G box in the E Class we have now (which in itself isn't as good as the ZF 8 speed used in newer BMW's) even when using the paddles.

TBH if you've been considering 330/335D's I think you'd get bored of it very quickly.

[Vladimir]

Try and drive a 335d first (the 335d has "proper" steering, the 330d doesn't); I would be amazed if you didn't like it a lot. Had ours five years and it hasn't missed a beat.
The C320CDI is quite decent but the 220 really isn't very exciting.