Thinking about getting a 212 e class estate but..

[dave_s13]

......it must have dab and a means of streaming from my phone (Spotify, podcasts).

Also needs to have the 7 seat option.

And only the V6 350cdi if diesel. Petrols seem thin on the ground but I'd have one.

Max budget would be around 15k and I can't seem to find one that meets the above criteria. Does such a thing exist?

Oh and it'd be my first merc, had a few BMW 5ers in the past but need the occasional seats in the back so they're out. Is this era of e class a decent and reliable car?

[dave_s13]

Thanks chaps.

A bit of a dilemma then if the boot seats are only really suitable for midgets. They would be for occasional use admittedly but it is invaluable to have the option of splitting the little darlings up for those times they decide it's preferable to start civil unrest in the rear. I have 3 kids (3, 5 & 8) and we currently tool around in a 56 plate Ford Galaxy which has been excellent for the last 3 years, I just find it terminally dull.

It is excellent for lugging stuff about though, I've had a full garden swing set and play fort on the roof, filled it to the brim with garden waste more than a few times, loaded it up with 500kg of bricks and blocks in the past, used it to shift fridge freezers, furniture fence panels and a number of washing machines etc etc etc. As a result is shows some scarring from a busy life. Maybe I'd lose out with a shiny merc, I'd be reluctant to get it mucky.

The old 'gal is 10yrs old and on 93k miles now; I had all the belts done last year, a couple of brake calipers, big service and then a few months ago the clutch started to make noises (DMF likely on the way out), needs some new boots too so that's going to be a grand(ish) all in.

Hmm.....do I just keep the old bus until it literally disintegrates into dust and maybe get something fun to go along side it (mk3 MR2 maybe!) or get shut and go upmarket?

I could also get a newer S-Max or Galaxy but blowing 15k on a newer version of what I already have seems very wrong to me. A 56 plate galaxy interior is essentially identical to a 64 plate, albeit with less gadgets.

[dave_s13]

r129sl said:

I often sit in the boot seats myself when my wife drives. I am 6'1". I find them perfectly fine for short runs. My children will sit in them for hours on end.

Ok, back around we go then!

I need to go have an actual look at one.

[dave_s13]

Nice one. I'm just waiting for the right car to come along.

[dave_s13]

I went to see this last week.

http://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/2017...

Of a different era but that engine was silky. I was tempted but it's top money and there were a few things not quite right with it. Saying that I could still be tempted for the right deal.

[dave_s13]

ZX10R NIN said:

Why not make them an offer or ask for the bits to be sorted, I take it you didn't fancy the facelift R Classes then lol

I change my mind every 30 seconds.

1. Keep the galaxy...shell out £700 on the clutch
2. Try and do a deal on the s211 I've linked too. But...it has 4 mismatched ling longs, all cracking with age , only one key and I've not properly checked the history.
3. Sit tight for the right s212 e350cdi to come along..... I've already been in touch with Mercland.com and asked for first refusal on one if they get one in..... they are a place I'd be happy to purchase with over the phone and drive 2.5hrs to pick it up.
4. Get an R class... The looks though, and they seem to be unecessarily heavy on fuel with the 4wd.
5. Get a GL400cdi and be done with it.... they are heavy on fuel too but have their own post code.

The galaxy is booked for its mot on Monday. If the 350 petrol is still there I might go see it again and have a closer look.

Edited by dave_s13 on Tuesday 11th July 21:01

[dave_s13]

gizlaroc said:

Be careful of the M272 engine, it is a 90º engine and has a balance shaft, which tends to wear and causes serious issues.
I believe there was a class action in the States as so many fail, Mercedes will 'help' cover costs if it is within 10 years of production date.

Yep..I've literally just now got the engine number and it falls within the range of affected cars so it's pretty much off the cards now.

Shame as it seems a nice car and I also got a copy of the last service invoice which was nearly £700 and includes a gearbox oil change.

[dave_s13]

gizlaroc said:

Also, if buying a w211 be careful as they have SBC brakes (brake by wire) and the unit will have either 200k or 400k pedal presses before you need a new one.
This is not a question of it going, but once it hits the counter limit you have to replace it and it isn't cheap.

You can get a unit direct from Bosch now for around £800 including vat, plus £300 for fitting and coding, or around £1900 from Mercedes.


I would definitely only look at 211's from MY07 facelift only, unless you know the SBC pump has been done in the last couple of years. They often go between 85-120k miles depending on the life they have had.

I know mate. Shame as it's a lovely car,that engine is a peach.

When you add up the pros,they don't outweigh the cons this time.

Pros..... lovely car, great spec.

Cons.
1 engine could st itself
2. Brakes will st themselves
3. Needs the 4 ling longs replacing
4. Only 1 key.
5. Priced as if it's a concourse conditions car