Mercedes CVT - yes or no?

[Pork]

Chaps,

Does anyone own one a Mercedes with a CVT box? What are your thoughts on it?

I've been looking for a B Class and have found one with near perfect spec but is a CVT. I wanted a manual ideally, but happy to go Auto if its a good box.

Google suggests they're probemlatic, but sounds like its primarily in North America where the temperatures aren't kind to it.

Any experiences/opinions appreciated.

Cheers
Pork

[Pork]

Thanks chaps.

Deva Link said:

What age are you looking at? Rusty doors (all 5 of 'em) are an issue on older models.

Its a 2006, one owner car. The spec is cracking though, I don't know of an option you could have that this one doenst have fitted!

Will take a look, but the CVT seems to be disliked more than liked....unless my folks are thinking of driving around in reverse!

[Pork]

Thanks for the responsed fellas, much appreicated.

Went to see the car Saturday and while it was a lovely spec, one owner etc, it was actually not at all well loved. My Dad drove the CVT and liked it. While I was only a passenger in the car, it seemed to drive well and I think the fact it was a B200 Turbo would have helped. Didnt use the paddles but they were fitted.

I'm in a bit of a quandry though... the CVT is a little unusual as auto's go but it does seem popular - approvimately half of B classes for sale are CVT.

I agree with the above though, it did feel a little go-carty. Not sure if thats a good or bad thing - for me, bad, but for most, I can see the appeal.