E350d convertible or new C 300 convertible?
Discussion
Think I've finally settled that the new car will be a Mercedes convertible. I test drove the e350d on Saturday, back to back with an SLC200 auto to decide if I was going to just replace the MX5 with the SLC. However I have decided that I'm going to go back to 1 car for a while, and really liked the E350d. Only to be told that there was no longer any available as a new car! So the dealer suggested the C class convertible instead, but I'm not sure about the styling of it plus I'd have to add a lot of options.
Fast forward to today, and I've managed to find a build slot for an E350d due to arrive in November or December. Even in my first choice of colour, and been quoted a great price which means it comes out cheaper than the C class by some margin.
So my question is, should I go for the E class even though it's being replaced next year, and enjoy the big engine and all the toys it comes with? Or should I go with the new C Class and trade off some specification for being in the new shape - which I'm not totally sure about?
TIA
Fast forward to today, and I've managed to find a build slot for an E350d due to arrive in November or December. Even in my first choice of colour, and been quoted a great price which means it comes out cheaper than the C class by some margin.
So my question is, should I go for the E class even though it's being replaced next year, and enjoy the big engine and all the toys it comes with? Or should I go with the new C Class and trade off some specification for being in the new shape - which I'm not totally sure about?
TIA
For a start, a diesel cabriolet? Have a word with yourself. 
See if they can swap that for the E400, much nicer and only about 3-4mpg behind. Doing 20k miles a year that is £10 a week.
But, in all seriousness, and this is from someone who has an E350 myself, go for the new C Class.
Can you not stretch to the C43?
It may cost a bit more new, but it will hold its value far better imho.
By the time you spec the C300 up I bet there is not all that much in it between the C300 and C43.
See if they can swap that for the E400, much nicer and only about 3-4mpg behind. Doing 20k miles a year that is £10 a week.
But, in all seriousness, and this is from someone who has an E350 myself, go for the new C Class.
Can you not stretch to the C43?
It may cost a bit more new, but it will hold its value far better imho.
By the time you spec the C300 up I bet there is not all that much in it between the C300 and C43.
I would agree with gizlaroc no matter how good your deal is on the e350 it will drop like a dam brick!
However in saying that there is no point buying something you dont like because the depn on it is better than another.
I have not driven the new c class cab but have seen it and I think it looks fantastic, will 100% be better than the old (the old was c class platform in e class drag)
In turn - newer tech, knowlege, design will mean a nicer car, nicer driver, nicer tech, better depn......
However in saying that there is no point buying something you dont like because the depn on it is better than another.
I have not driven the new c class cab but have seen it and I think it looks fantastic, will 100% be better than the old (the old was c class platform in e class drag)
In turn - newer tech, knowlege, design will mean a nicer car, nicer driver, nicer tech, better depn......
TBH they will all drop they're not exclusive models so get the one you like the best having seen the new C Convertible in the flesh I have to say I'm not a fan I think the E looks better.
I will agree that if you're doing under 12k a year then look for the E400, if you're doing over that the 12-14mpg difference will start to tell.
You need to sit in both to decide.
I will agree that if you're doing under 12k a year then look for the E400, if you're doing over that the 12-14mpg difference will start to tell.
You need to sit in both to decide.
Thanks for the views.
Diesel cabriolet - I see what you mean but the E class is so refined as a v6 diesel I don't think it matters, but that is why I'm looking at the C 300 petrol as an alternative as I wouldn't have a 4 pot diesel.
I can't stretch to the C43 - well, I could but I want to keep the budget to no more than £40k really.
Is the new C such a massive leap over the old E? I thought the E was incredibly refined when I drove it. Granted my frame of reference is a current fleet of Mazda CX5 and MX5, but I've driven my mate's 2014 BMW 330d M Sport saloon which I found really harsh and noisy.
Diesel cabriolet - I see what you mean but the E class is so refined as a v6 diesel I don't think it matters, but that is why I'm looking at the C 300 petrol as an alternative as I wouldn't have a 4 pot diesel.
I can't stretch to the C43 - well, I could but I want to keep the budget to no more than £40k really.
Is the new C such a massive leap over the old E? I thought the E was incredibly refined when I drove it. Granted my frame of reference is a current fleet of Mazda CX5 and MX5, but I've driven my mate's 2014 BMW 330d M Sport saloon which I found really harsh and noisy.
EV11NED said:
Thanks for the views.
Diesel cabriolet - I see what you mean but the E class is so refined as a v6 diesel I don't think it matters, but that is why I'm looking at the C 300 petrol as an alternative as I wouldn't have a 4 pot diesel.
I can't stretch to the C43 - well, I could but I want to keep the budget to no more than £40k really.
Is the new C such a massive leap over the old E? I thought the E was incredibly refined when I drove it. Granted my frame of reference is a current fleet of Mazda CX5 and MX5, but I've driven my mate's 2014 BMW 330d M Sport saloon which I found really harsh and noisy.
The C Cab is actually a C chassis with the E body, the new C Cab is based on the new C platform, which is a big move on. Diesel cabriolet - I see what you mean but the E class is so refined as a v6 diesel I don't think it matters, but that is why I'm looking at the C 300 petrol as an alternative as I wouldn't have a 4 pot diesel.
I can't stretch to the C43 - well, I could but I want to keep the budget to no more than £40k really.
Is the new C such a massive leap over the old E? I thought the E was incredibly refined when I drove it. Granted my frame of reference is a current fleet of Mazda CX5 and MX5, but I've driven my mate's 2014 BMW 330d M Sport saloon which I found really harsh and noisy.
Coast2coastcars.co.uk were showing the C43 AMG with the Premium pack for £46k after discount.
What you have to look at is residuals, a C300 will maybe £5-6k cheaper, but I bet in three years time that C43 will still be £30k where as a C300 will be £20k at best.
So if using finance get some figures as often the AMGs can be far less.
Also, the 3 litre diesel is far from refined, eveyone said that when I bought my E350 cdi estate, it might be refined compared with a VAG 4cyl tractor but compared to a petrol it was nasty.
I swapped for the 3.5 V6 petrol, different class of engine altogether, and for me on the estate just a smidge over 10% worse on fuel, it is a no brainer.
I am down from 40k miles a year to 20k miles a year so it costs me about £5 a week more to be in the petrol.
265hp and 2000rpm to play with VS 305bhp and 6000rpm to play with in complete refinement, for £5 a week? Who wouldn't?
I would not go for the C300 personally. A turbo charged 4 cylinder just wont' give that refinement compared to the v6 from the 350d. How nice it may be, I find the high power 4 cylinders greatly suited to hot hatches but not as a refined cruiser.
Saying that, having the roof down and hearing diesel clatter is not my idea of fun either. Sure the 350d was great in my GL, but you are isolated from it all unlike in a cabrio. Fantastic engine though.
Not a convertible but I've just gone through the choice for my GLC. I couldn't live with the underpowered 220d and 250d, not after I experienced the 350d, that was just not an option. If they did do it in a 350d I would have gone for it, but alas they don't so I ended up with the 43 petrol in the end.
It's a tough choice, good luck
Saying that, having the roof down and hearing diesel clatter is not my idea of fun either. Sure the 350d was great in my GL, but you are isolated from it all unlike in a cabrio. Fantastic engine though.
Not a convertible but I've just gone through the choice for my GLC. I couldn't live with the underpowered 220d and 250d, not after I experienced the 350d, that was just not an option. If they did do it in a 350d I would have gone for it, but alas they don't so I ended up with the 43 petrol in the end.
It's a tough choice, good luck
Cyb3rDud3 said:
I would not go for the C300 personally. A turbo charged 4 cylinder just wont' give that refinement compared to the v6 from the 350d. How nice it may be, I find the high power 4 cylinders greatly suited to hot hatches but not as a refined cruiser.
Saying that, having the roof down and hearing diesel clatter is not my idea of fun either. Sure the 350d was great in my GL, but you are isolated from it all unlike in a cabrio. Fantastic engine though.
Not a convertible but I've just gone through the choice for my GLC. I couldn't live with the underpowered 220d and 250d, not after I experienced the 350d, that was just not an option. If they did do it in a 350d I would have gone for it, but alas they don't so I ended up with the 43 petrol in the end.
It's a tough choice, good luck
The 4cyl 2 litre is a really nice engine, far more refined than the 350d. Saying that, having the roof down and hearing diesel clatter is not my idea of fun either. Sure the 350d was great in my GL, but you are isolated from it all unlike in a cabrio. Fantastic engine though.
Not a convertible but I've just gone through the choice for my GLC. I couldn't live with the underpowered 220d and 250d, not after I experienced the 350d, that was just not an option. If they did do it in a 350d I would have gone for it, but alas they don't so I ended up with the 43 petrol in the end.
It's a tough choice, good luck
Just seems a lot of money to pay for a 4 pot.
gizlaroc said:
The 4cyl 2 litre is a really nice engine, far more refined than the 350d.
Just seems a lot of money to pay for a 4 pot.
Its the modern way alas. Big interesting 6 and 8 clyinder engines are slowly being phased out, particularly in the C and E class segment for 4 pot turbos.Just seems a lot of money to pay for a 4 pot.
Shame as although they are good, they are bland engines compared to a 5,6,8, 10 or 12.
I'm still waiting to see the lightweight straight six engines Mercedes announced a couple of years back, they said they were launching in the W213 so surprised we have heard nothing more.
They were doing a 2.2 litre, 2.6 litre and 3.2 litre, or something like that. Direct injection and very efficient, so was looking forward to them.
They were doing a 2.2 litre, 2.6 litre and 3.2 litre, or something like that. Direct injection and very efficient, so was looking forward to them.
gizlaroc said:
I'm still waiting to see the lightweight straight six engines Mercedes announced a couple of years back, they said they were launching in the W213 so surprised we have heard nothing more.
They were doing a 2.2 litre, 2.6 litre and 3.2 litre, or something like that. Direct injection and very efficient, so was looking forward to them.
I heard though they were all electic assistance. Right now the 213 still runs the now venerable V6 diesel. At least all the bugs are ironed out on those now. 213 V6 next for me or that S90 thing. They were doing a 2.2 litre, 2.6 litre and 3.2 litre, or something like that. Direct injection and very efficient, so was looking forward to them.
Getting nearly 50mpg on some runs from the V6 diesel, remarkable given the performance it can deliver.
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