E Class Cabriolets
Discussion
Been looking at a 4 seat cabriolet mainly for the missus to drive she does about 8k miles a year.
Was initially looking at Audi's late A4s and A5s, was looking to spend around 12k for one.
But then noticed that some of the early (new shape) Merc E class cabs are around for about £14k on 10 plates. Started looking at them more and am considering spending a little more also.
So what are they like? I have not had a Merc before? Are the autos good, I was deliberately avoiding them on the Audis as they have very bad reps on the A4. My missus is not a big fan of autos though, so was looking at manuals also, is the merc manual box ok?
What's the best motors to look at, I's consider petrol also as she doesn't do high miles, but everyone says the merc diesel units are great. But thr 4 cyl vs 6cyl, what should we be aiming at?
Any help appreciated, never really thought about these as an option at all, but the Audi's are not the only option now, and the E Class is certainly a handsome car.
Was initially looking at Audi's late A4s and A5s, was looking to spend around 12k for one.
But then noticed that some of the early (new shape) Merc E class cabs are around for about £14k on 10 plates. Started looking at them more and am considering spending a little more also.
So what are they like? I have not had a Merc before? Are the autos good, I was deliberately avoiding them on the Audis as they have very bad reps on the A4. My missus is not a big fan of autos though, so was looking at manuals also, is the merc manual box ok?
What's the best motors to look at, I's consider petrol also as she doesn't do high miles, but everyone says the merc diesel units are great. But thr 4 cyl vs 6cyl, what should we be aiming at?
Any help appreciated, never really thought about these as an option at all, but the Audi's are not the only option now, and the E Class is certainly a handsome car.
.I have an E350 CDI Sport ..
It has most options and it's fantastic. It's effortless to drive whether up and down the country or across central London. It's a bit rough on the 19s.
I have also driven an E200 CGI Sport. I missed AIRSCARF and COMAND, it was slow but smooth and nicer to drive in town than my E350. It rode much better on the 18s.
It's built on the C Class (they even share floor mats) and its a bit tight inside compared to an E93.
I recommend one with a small petrol or big diesel, I reckon the small diesels are probably the worst of both worlds - but try to get one with AIRSCARF and COMAND.
It has most options and it's fantastic. It's effortless to drive whether up and down the country or across central London. It's a bit rough on the 19s.
I have also driven an E200 CGI Sport. I missed AIRSCARF and COMAND, it was slow but smooth and nicer to drive in town than my E350. It rode much better on the 18s.
It's built on the C Class (they even share floor mats) and its a bit tight inside compared to an E93.
I recommend one with a small petrol or big diesel, I reckon the small diesels are probably the worst of both worlds - but try to get one with AIRSCARF and COMAND.
Edited by Swoxy on Sunday 27th December 14:16
What's wrong if anything with the manual merc boxes? Found a 250 cdi with stop star but it is manual. Seems a nice spec car, and I've always had manuals, so provided it works and is reliable it doesn't worry me. But are they hideous gearboxes, or just a bit of a white elephant to move on when done as everyone wants autos?
Yes, but missus is a manual girl!! ooeer!
Apart from resale, which I can live with, is the manual gbox ok?
I know on the audi's for example, the non dsg autos are a bit of a mare, reliability wise. But all merc autos seem fine.
The manuals are rare, but it is her preference. But not going or it if they are a mare with flywheel and clutch issues.
Apart from resale, which I can live with, is the manual gbox ok?
I know on the audi's for example, the non dsg autos are a bit of a mare, reliability wise. But all merc autos seem fine.
The manuals are rare, but it is her preference. But not going or it if they are a mare with flywheel and clutch issues.
offshoreeddy said:
Honestly, I really don't know. I've had several modern Mercs recently but all autos, and I'd never buy a manual Mercedes myself unless it were an A class. Best thing to do is drive one and see what you think.
I'd have to agree to this, I would be very nervous buying a Manual E-Class of any kind.With £14k to spend why not get a W124 cabrio, that budget gets you a pretty good example of any of the 6 pot cars and with far more kerb appeal than any of of the newer models. If you really want a manual box then the German market is the place to look, but that means LHD! There was even a poverty spec E200 offered over there. Best model is an early 300e 24valve rare and less issues than the E320(E220 aswell), which suffered from wiring loom problems (easy fix), the face lift cars can also suffer head gasket leaks but again it's not a huge issue.
W124Bob said:
With £14k to spend why not get a W124 cabrio, that budget gets you a pretty good example of any of the 6 pot cars and with far more kerb appeal than any of of the newer models. If you really want a manual box then the German market is the place to look, but that means LHD! There was even a poverty spec E200 offered over there. Best model is an early 300e 24valve rare and less issues than the E320(E220 aswell), which suffered from wiring loom problems (easy fix), the face lift cars can also suffer head gasket leaks but again it's not a huge issue.
Bob just how is a head gasket leak 'not a huge issue'?Gassing Station | Mercedes | Top of Page | What's New | My Stuff