C180 petrol or C200 CDi?

[lowdrag]

I'm going to be buying a used 2012 estate shortly in Germany. Now my mileage has dropped and the usage of the car changed, in that during the winter months most journeys are around 5 miles maximum with longer journeys in the spring/summer/autumn months, totalling about 14,000 per annum. Now while a barge the old C220 CDi W202 estate has not complained about this usage and continues to soldier on. However, with the later technology would I be risking serious expense from the DPF if I use it as above? I'm not really worried about the choice, but prefer diesel because of the torque and it helps when towing the trailer and classic car. I went to my local dealer here who just gave me the traditional gallic shrug.

[xsaravtr]

Had my C220 estate just over a year. My daily commute totals only 5 miles. Car is used as main car so sees more miles at the weekend. Did 9k miles in the last year and not had any problems with the DPF. It was a concern when I found out that it had one fitted, but all ok so far.

[mickyveloce]

I think you`ve answered you`re dilemma in the text of your post. Stick with the W202!

[ghibbett]

The only help I can offer is based upon driving a loaner 2012 C180 AMG Sport for a week whilst my C63 was in for service.

The reasons for me to choose petrol over diesel would be for the better sound of the engine and the top-end power. The C180 I drove had neither of these. It wasn't even that economical, averaging 28mpg where my C63 would average 20mpg. It did have good mid-range torque but was pointless revving out beyond 5000rpm. With that being the case, I would pick the diesel.

[lowdrag]

Thanks for your opinions folks. I had doubts about the economy of the 180, and that confirms it. My old T202 220 CDi has just done a round trip of 1,200 miles in a week at an average of 40mpg, which isn't too bad for an old 'un. And Mickeyveloce, I know I should keep the old banger, but after 13 years of driving it I am bored - er - witless. It runs well, uses no oil, is my second car in 22 years, both Mercedes, but there comes a point where enough is enough. But, since it is worth the square root of nothing, it'll be used as a runaround until it dies, which will probably after me! FWIW, here's the one I fancy; traditional, but then I don't like the bling look of the Avantgarde silver dash much.

http://e-services.mercedes-benz.com/dsc_de/globals...

Edited by lowdrag on Thursday 11th April 14:03

[st4]

diesel, DPF can be regnerated with a longer run and at MB dealer come service time