E280 CDI - What to look out for

[taxboy]

I'm currently driving a BMW 520i SE Auto (2001 E39) and am starting to look around for a replacement - budget is c£18k. Whilst I really like my shape I can't say that the new 5 series does much for me - particularly on the interior.

I'm considering a diesel this time because whilst my petrol engine is just about OK - I'd prefer a bit more low end pull at lower revs & don't want the expense of running a big petrol engined lump.

I was browsing the classifieds and came across this http://pistonheads.co.uk/sales/1081371.htm , which generated my interest in the Merc as a potential replacement.

So any thoughts from owners out there please

[mercGLowner]

Looks like a decent E Class, low miles etc but it doesn't have COMAND (Sat Nav). With your healthy budget and a new E Class already out you should be able to get a very well specced latish E320CDI, same engine as the E280CDI but more power. Things high end Mercedes E Class MUST have; Good metallic colour (Black and Silver account for the overwhelming majority of cars), leather, COMAND and full MB service history. Avoid lower spec Elegance and Classic models and aim for a Sport or an Avantgarde.

The E320CDI is capable of collosal mileage. Good luck.

[va1o]

mercGLowner has it spot on; needs to be Black or Silver, have COMAND, Automatic, leather/ artico and not the base trim.

280CDI is a nice engine, just a smaller version of the 320CDI. Can't really go wrong with either. For £18k you can get pretty much whatever you want, there are some very good deals to be had on late-reg W211s.

I'd go for this if I was in the market for one http://search.autotrader.co.uk/es-uk/www/cars/MERC...



It meets the above criteria and its well priced relative to similar cars on AT, although I realise its slightly above your budget so some haggling would be neccssary


With regards to things to look out for, there a few guides online if you haven't alredy seen them:
- http://www.honestjohn.co.uk/carbycar/index.htm?md=...
- http://www.telegraph.co.uk/motoring/2734904/Buyers...
- http://www.autoexpress.co.uk/carreviews/usedcartes...

[taxboy]

Thanks for the tips - I think it will have to be in black. I don't think I can cope with yet another silver car

[Classy6]

All I'll add is that the V6 diesel engine is a fantastic & E class in general is superb cruiser with ample amounts comfort & st loads of torque - push for the 320 if budget allows, although there isn't tooooo much difference between the two.

In terms of what to look out for, if it's a high mileage car & out of warranty the 642 engines seem to be becoming increasingly popular with failing inlet port shut off motors + inlet manifolds, which may I add are not only an absolute ball ache of a job to fit but also come with a nice price tag on the repair bill to. Turbo actuators are also becoming common, which means replacement turbo. You can't examine this anyway apart from fault codes or the car in Limp mode though, if it's a high miler you may want to ask if its had any of the above repairs.

When driving, make sure the gearbox feels smooth as well, lots of problems with the 7G boxes feeling clunky.

Not to put you off at all either as above, they are awesome cars... just make sure it's got good history & it's been looked after. If it's done OVER 50k, make sure it had all the extras as 50k service in an E class is a mega service requiring a lot of extra work, most importantly the 7G box oil + filter change.

GL HTH

[taxboy]

Classy6 said:

All I'll add is that the V6 diesel engine is a fantastic & E class in general is superb cruiser with ample amounts comfort & st loads of torque - push for the 320 if budget allows, although there isn't tooooo much difference between the two.

In terms of what to look out for, if it's a high mileage car & out of warranty the 642 engines seem to be becoming increasingly popular with failing inlet port shut off motors + inlet manifolds, which may I add are not only an absolute ball ache of a job to fit but also come with a nice price tag on the repair bill to. Turbo actuators are also becoming common, which means replacement turbo. You can't examine this anyway apart from fault codes or the car in Limp mode though, if it's a high miler you may want to ask if its had any of the above repairs.

When driving, make sure the gearbox feels smooth as well, lots of problems with the 7G boxes feeling clunky.

Not to put you off at all either as above, they are awesome cars... just make sure it's got good history & it's been looked after. If it's done OVER 50k, make sure it had all the extras as 50k service in an E class is a mega service requiring a lot of extra work, most importantly the 7G box oil + filter change.

GL HTH

Thanks for this any idea of a ball park figure for a 50k service at an Indie

[va1o]

This dosent directly answer your question but are you aware servicing at an independant means you lose out on the 30-year Mobilo guarantee? Not usually a good idea on cars less than 3-years old.

[a8hex]

va1o said:

This dosent directly answer your question but are you aware servicing at an independant means you lose out on the 30-year Mobilo guarantee? Not usually a good idea on cars less than 3-years old.

Not that good an idea even after 3 years. At least with the previous shape, W210 (c2001) cars these things can rust like mad. Our E class estate is on it's third tail gate and has had both front wings replaced and the door skins. The company that does the work for MB round here didn't think that was that un-usual. The 30 year body work warrantee is very valuable.

[Classy6]

taxboy said:

Thanks for this any idea of a ball park figure for a 50k service at an Indie

As above. There is A LOT to be gained from having it dealer serviced. It won't ever miss recalls, although unlikely now - but not impossible. Mobilo - free breakdown cover via MB if car is dealer serviced & the bodywork too. Dealers are becoming very competitive with pricing as of late due to 'ye olde recession' so see if they can price match - or at least come close.

Not only that there is something called good will. Good will is basically Mercedes Benz assisting with the costs of a repair bill.

For instance, if your E280 is 4 months out of warranty & it goes into limp home mode one day and it turns out it wants a turbo because actuators knackered - thats a £1500 job.
If you have had full dealer history up until this point in time, the advisor at the dealership may see if you apply for good will based on the fact above. This will increase you chance at the very least of getting some contribution from Mercedes Benz towards that £1500 bill, they may even pay the entire repair bill depending on the fault.

[mercGLowner]

I had a recall done on my 7.5 year old CLK55 at a main dealership during a service. As had been said the key is to phone around, get a fixed price service quote and then play one off against the other. As part of the service they will produce an ESS (Electronic Service Sheet) to tell them/you exactly what needs to be done at the service (plugs/brakes/filters etc ). In fact look here http://lite.servicemercedes.co.uk/ and it will make up an ESS for you after you input the car details.

[taxboy]

Thanks for the tips - the rust issue is a bit scary though. May have to reconsider my choice

[matc]

va1o said:

I sold this car new! Small world!

ETA:

taxboy said:

Thanks for the tips - the rust issue is a bit scary though. May have to reconsider my choice

I wouldn't worry too much about rust on the newer models, the old ones were an absolute nightmare, but Merc have upped their game enormously over the last 6/7 years after their massive dropping of the ball, to sacrifice quality for cost.

Edited by matc on Wednesday 5th August 22:30

[va1o]

You won't have rust problems in a late-reg nearly new W211, and in the very rare event you did theres a 30-year anti-corrosion warranty in place.