4Matic Canada

[dkatwa]

Hi All. Never owned a Merc before and I am just about to move to Toronto. Seen a few 4Matics on the local market, similar to below. Any views on this type of car. Will buy a 450/500 or 550 and would like to know views in terms of reliability, potential problems with 4matic system, electrical issues etc

thanks

http://www.autotrader.ca/a/Mercedes-Benz/S-Class/M...

[Nick644]

Had a 2008 4matic 320cdi S Class for three years bought from new. One word ...brilliant. Lived in Andorra, so regularly saw snow. The roads were well snow ploughed, so no need for 4x4. The 4matic system is superb with snow tyres, (michelin Alpins I found to be quiet on motorways and incredibly secure on ice). Need all the toys to enjoy, as I did. Only criticism, very long and wide, so awkward to park and negotiate narrow roads. A 4x4 gives a higher vantage point so easier to negotiate. Also, slightly impractical compared to a 4x4 or estate as you can't drop the rear seats, though it does have the option of a ski hatch, which was useful. Lowers the pulse rate when driving, very very relaxing and feels very safe. Nothing went wrong, no rattles. Very solid feel to all instruments. Loved the gear change on steering wheel.

[Nick644]

Had a 2008 4matic 320cdi S Class for three years bought from new. One word ...brilliant. Lived in Andorra, so regularly saw snow. The roads were well snow ploughed, so no need for 4x4. The 4matic system is superb with snow tyres, (michelin Alpins I found to be quiet on motorways and incredibly secure on ice). Need all the toys to enjoy, as I did. Only criticism, very long and wide, so awkward to park and negotiate narrow roads. A 4x4 gives a higher vantage point so easier to negotiate. Also, slightly impractical compared to a 4x4 or estate as you can't drop the rear seats, though it does have the option of a ski hatch, which was useful. Lowers the pulse rate when driving, very very relaxing and feels very safe. Nothing went wrong, no rattles. Very solid feel to all instruments. Loved the gear change on steering wheel.

[RDMcG]

Generally reliable and the 4Matic is very good in the Canadian winter provided you use snow tires of course ( I live in Toronto). Good service is available at several dealerships and the biggest one downtown is owned directly by DB.

[dkatwa]

RDMcG said:

Generally reliable and the 4Matic is very good in the Canadian winter provided you use snow tires of course ( I live in Toronto). Good service is available at several dealerships and the biggest one downtown is owned directly by DB.

Thanks Nick644.....just wondering, reliability wise, how are the electronics? The MB of the 70s used to be the last word in build quality/ reliability but that changed recently.

Also, who is DB? I am coming to Canada in the next month or so and will need to get a car right away. Insurance will be expensive as I will be a newbie to Canada (though 33 years blemish free record in UK) but transport will be essential.

thanks

[RDMcG]

dkatwa said:

Thanks Nick644.....just wondering, reliability wise, how are the electronics? The MB of the 70s used to be the last word in build quality/ reliability but that changed recently.

Also, who is DB? I am coming to Canada in the next month or so and will need to get a car right away. Insurance will be expensive as I will be a newbie to Canada (though 33 years blemish free record in UK) but transport will be essential.

thanks

Sorry Daimler-Benz.. downtown dealer is directly factory-owned. Not sure on insurance situation, but it actually varies a bit depending on where you live. I live right downtown, and that carries a premium due to the density/parking etc.

[dkatwa]

Thnks RDMcG
i have searched on autotrader and dont recall seeing the DB site. maybe they advertise via their own website?
will have a look now and see what's out there
thing is, i will be coming alone to Canada so workwise, location is not a problem. Where is the cheapest place to buy such a car (S550 4 matic) as the thought of driving say, Vancouver to Toronto sounds nice in theory