C300de w205 - honest opinion??
Discussion
Hi
I’m thinking of switching the family 3 series wagon for a W205 c300de estate (20/21 year reg) . This was the car I was meant to buy and 2 years on, really regret not getting it.
For those who have this or the E class, GLC , GLE with the same engine - do let me know if it’s that fuel efficient, reliable and does it really do what it says on the tin!
I’m thinking of switching the family 3 series wagon for a W205 c300de estate (20/21 year reg) . This was the car I was meant to buy and 2 years on, really regret not getting it.
For those who have this or the E class, GLC , GLE with the same engine - do let me know if it’s that fuel efficient, reliable and does it really do what it says on the tin!
In my experience the engine is typical 4cyl diesel economy so 40-50mpg average if driven sensibly. The plug in element reduces diesel consumption but personally I wouldn’t bother with it as they cost thousands more than pure ICE, they make sense as a company car for BIK.
The 3 series is a better car in all areas imo, assuming like for like age/miles etc. The w205 interior is particularly bad imo.
The 3 series is a better car in all areas imo, assuming like for like age/miles etc. The w205 interior is particularly bad imo.
I wrote this about mine recently when asked on another forum:
I bought a 2019 C300de estate in December last year, so happy to share experiences of the engine but I’ve had no reliability issues or concerns so far.
The step in the boot floor annoys me though. Whoever signed off on that needs a slap! I have to carry a boot full of stuff at all times and it’s a pain getting it all to fit because of the step.
I’ve averaged 141mpg this week so far (88miles today, topped up the charge once while at work), 88mpg over my total mileage so far, but it’s worth me pointing out that I’m a blue light responder (ie there are blue lights and sirens fitted to the car) so that obviously affects the total figure with some of my journeys. It’s surprisingly nippy in sport+. 300bhp and more torque than my old C63 helps.
I came from a W204 C63 and this still feels fairly swift. I’ve not had any issues, or concerns with the interior quality if I’m honest, although can’t compare with an equivalent 3 Series. I originally wanted the E class with the same power unit but this was £5k cheaper, and the only one for sale in the country at the time.
Anything specific you want to know then ask away
I’m really happy with it, as are my neighbours I imagine not hearing a 6.2 V8 fire up at 05:30!
I bought a 2019 C300de estate in December last year, so happy to share experiences of the engine but I’ve had no reliability issues or concerns so far.
The step in the boot floor annoys me though. Whoever signed off on that needs a slap! I have to carry a boot full of stuff at all times and it’s a pain getting it all to fit because of the step.
I’ve averaged 141mpg this week so far (88miles today, topped up the charge once while at work), 88mpg over my total mileage so far, but it’s worth me pointing out that I’m a blue light responder (ie there are blue lights and sirens fitted to the car) so that obviously affects the total figure with some of my journeys. It’s surprisingly nippy in sport+. 300bhp and more torque than my old C63 helps.
I came from a W204 C63 and this still feels fairly swift. I’ve not had any issues, or concerns with the interior quality if I’m honest, although can’t compare with an equivalent 3 Series. I originally wanted the E class with the same power unit but this was £5k cheaper, and the only one for sale in the country at the time.
Anything specific you want to know then ask away
I’m really happy with it, as are my neighbours I imagine not hearing a 6.2 V8 fire up at 05:30!
Muska said:
I wrote this about mine recently when asked on another forum:
I bought a 2019 C300de estate in December last year, so happy to share experiences of the engine but I’ve had no reliability issues or concerns so far.
The step in the boot floor annoys me though. Whoever signed off on that needs a slap! I have to carry a boot full of stuff at all times and it’s a pain getting it all to fit because of the step.
I’ve averaged 141mpg this week so far (88miles today, topped up the charge once while at work), 88mpg over my total mileage so far, but it’s worth me pointing out that I’m a blue light responder (ie there are blue lights and sirens fitted to the car) so that obviously affects the total figure with some of my journeys. It’s surprisingly nippy in sport+. 300bhp and more torque than my old C63 helps.
I came from a W204 C63 and this still feels fairly swift. I’ve not had any issues, or concerns with the interior quality if I’m honest, although can’t compare with an equivalent 3 Series. I originally wanted the E class with the same power unit but this was £5k cheaper, and the only one for sale in the country at the time.
Anything specific you want to know then ask away
I’m really happy with it, as are my neighbours I imagine not hearing a 6.2 V8 fire up at 05:30!
Thanks for the reply. What is the realistic range you get on the charge in different weathers . Is the battery also self charging (from driving at 20mph and under etc) .. I’ve seen plenty for under £32k so it’s very tempting. Thanks ! I bought a 2019 C300de estate in December last year, so happy to share experiences of the engine but I’ve had no reliability issues or concerns so far.
The step in the boot floor annoys me though. Whoever signed off on that needs a slap! I have to carry a boot full of stuff at all times and it’s a pain getting it all to fit because of the step.
I’ve averaged 141mpg this week so far (88miles today, topped up the charge once while at work), 88mpg over my total mileage so far, but it’s worth me pointing out that I’m a blue light responder (ie there are blue lights and sirens fitted to the car) so that obviously affects the total figure with some of my journeys. It’s surprisingly nippy in sport+. 300bhp and more torque than my old C63 helps.
I came from a W204 C63 and this still feels fairly swift. I’ve not had any issues, or concerns with the interior quality if I’m honest, although can’t compare with an equivalent 3 Series. I originally wanted the E class with the same power unit but this was £5k cheaper, and the only one for sale in the country at the time.
Anything specific you want to know then ask away
I’m really happy with it, as are my neighbours I imagine not hearing a 6.2 V8 fire up at 05:30!
Do you really need the hybrid element? Is it for tax purposes?
I you don't, I'd jus get the straight diesel version. Extra weight and complexity which in an offer car IMO just increases borkage fund requirements.
The MB engines these days are absolutely bulletproof if maintained well. So maintenance minus "new tech" which as someone mentioned was only ever delivered to meet fleet needs, is easy.
I you don't, I'd jus get the straight diesel version. Extra weight and complexity which in an offer car IMO just increases borkage fund requirements.
The MB engines these days are absolutely bulletproof if maintained well. So maintenance minus "new tech" which as someone mentioned was only ever delivered to meet fleet needs, is easy.
The hybrid element doesn’t benefit me in any way for tax, but all of my personal mileage is now done solely on electric, which is cheaper than fuel due to our tariff. It fits my use case but wouldn’t for everyone I guess.
Range wise, at the minute, when full it shows 24m range on elec, using the car in hybrid more it always achieves further than this as I have it set to regen where possible or using ‘glide’ mode to coast. Like any car, you learn the nuances to maximise capability.
In winter, the heating does have a big impact on the range, it will show 17m on the dash and maybe achieve a bit more in real world conditions.
The car can be set to actively regen at any time, but it will use the diesel engine when specifically in that mode, which to my understanding is the worst way to recover charge. Regen under normal driving will happen to maintain cruise speed down a hill, active braking for junctions etc or when entering new speed limits. I do pop every journey into the sat nav as it works out the most fuel efficient way to complete the journey.
Range wise, at the minute, when full it shows 24m range on elec, using the car in hybrid more it always achieves further than this as I have it set to regen where possible or using ‘glide’ mode to coast. Like any car, you learn the nuances to maximise capability.
In winter, the heating does have a big impact on the range, it will show 17m on the dash and maybe achieve a bit more in real world conditions.
The car can be set to actively regen at any time, but it will use the diesel engine when specifically in that mode, which to my understanding is the worst way to recover charge. Regen under normal driving will happen to maintain cruise speed down a hill, active braking for junctions etc or when entering new speed limits. I do pop every journey into the sat nav as it works out the most fuel efficient way to complete the journey.
My cousin has the C300de w205 on 108,000miles.
Looks fantastic for its mileage and interior looks great. Reliability wise he has had no issues at all.
I drove it myself and was massively impressed. It’s not sporty but has a decent turn of pace and is quite comfortable. The way the engine and battery work together was seriously impressive and far beyond my expectations.
We were so impressed we are now waiting on a new 330e to replace the wife’s car.
Remember he was quoting a long term efficiency of 70mpg but he just leaves it in drive and let it charge itself.
Looks fantastic for its mileage and interior looks great. Reliability wise he has had no issues at all.
I drove it myself and was massively impressed. It’s not sporty but has a decent turn of pace and is quite comfortable. The way the engine and battery work together was seriously impressive and far beyond my expectations.
We were so impressed we are now waiting on a new 330e to replace the wife’s car.
Remember he was quoting a long term efficiency of 70mpg but he just leaves it in drive and let it charge itself.
James-gbg1e said:
The MB engines these days are absolutely bulletproof if maintained well.
I'm not convinced they are. The OM654 diesel fitted to these suffer with failing exhaust rockers at higher mileage and they are rife with NOx sensor failures and Adblue faults requiring the whole tank and pump replacing.I wouldn't have one without an MB Extended Warranty. But that commits you to the MB dealers for servicing, so you might as well put it on ServiceCare as well but you still have to suck up the poor service and we're doing you a favour having your car in attitude.
James-gbg1e said:
Do you really need the hybrid element? Is it for tax purposes?
I you don't, I'd jus get the straight diesel version. Extra weight and complexity which in an offer car IMO just increases borkage fund requirements.
The MB engines these days are absolutely bulletproof if maintained well. So maintenance minus "new tech" which as someone mentioned was only ever delivered to meet fleet needs, is easy.
That was where I got to as well. I went to test drive a 2021 model X5 45e, but I couldn't take it out on the day because there was a fault on the battery(I did get to take out the dealer principles X5 45e in the end though). So I decided to stick to ICE only and went with a 2022 GLE400d instead, because I didn't fancy going for a hybrid and the battery playing up and me not being able to use it. I you don't, I'd jus get the straight diesel version. Extra weight and complexity which in an offer car IMO just increases borkage fund requirements.
The MB engines these days are absolutely bulletproof if maintained well. So maintenance minus "new tech" which as someone mentioned was only ever delivered to meet fleet needs, is easy.
I'll also add that I've driven the A180, the A200d and the A250e of the current generation A-Class. The A250e was the worst to drive out of the 3 by some margin for me. It understeered the most and you could really feel the extra weight of it in comparison to the other ICE only cars too. I wasn't a fan.
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