Anyone ever had one of these for daily use
For some reason I’m drawn to one, seems like a lot of car for the money

The old adage goes “if you couldn’t afford to run one when it was new, you can’t afford to run one when it’s used”

Having said that – you do get a lot of car for the money but be prepared to write it off as an economic loss if you get something big going worng.

Have a look at what car and honest john’s reviews for good/bad and ugly pointers. Then frequent a forum of merc to see if there are any quick fixes (bear in ind that forums are never frequented by people with no problems to fix though!)

Merc got their game together in 2005-2006 with electrics. That will be your biggest issue.

If you can afford a warranty (for the unexpected expenses) then the running cars of a S350cdi should be OK for that sort of machine.

Have a look on ClubMB forum.

My mates dad bought a brand new one last year.

He doesn’t drive it. Says it’s too complicated… 😯

like most cars – once you step away from merc for servicing it becomes managable.

my parents have had mercedes for many years – ive been tempted my self by an E class 350 CDI estate – except that the years i can afford are the rusty years – the early 2000s.

first dealer oil change on a new AMG C class coupe – 250 quid …. litterally was a filter and a few litres of oil. and a set of disks was 800 quid fitted.

local merc specialist did the disks for 300 – same part.

Get a Toyota GT86 with automatic gear instead if you are willing to spend big money on a Mercedes.

Mercedes is not what it used to be anymore so I would avoid.

Was offered one for just over a grand a couple of years ago.

High milage, but perfect nick.
Full history too.

Cost of tyres and other consumables put me off eventually.

I’ve had a couple over the years, they’re brilliant long-distance machines. Not sure if I’d want to run one (or any expensive-when-new car) when out of warranty though..

I was tempted to do the same recently. Lovely, quiet, luxurious place to be, especially after my rattly old Mondeo. I went for the practicality of an estate in the end, but if I didn’t need that I would probably have taken the plunge.

The idea that I’d feel happy and relaxed, and a smile would spread across my face every time I got into my car (as long as it’s working!) appealed. It’s a big car tho, can be a pain to park in smaller spaces, and to drive along small lanes.

chewkw – Member
Get a Toyota GT86 with automatic gear instead if you are willing to spend big money on a Mercedes.

I can’t even guess how a GT86 is a viable alternative to an S class barge

Get a Toyota GT86 with automatic gear instead if you are willing to spend big money on a Mercedes.

Mercedes is not what it used to be anymore so I would avoid.

Possibly the most bizarre alternative car recommendation ever!

I have a Merc and had one previously. The previous car was really reliable and Merc really seem to have their quality back up. My sometimes airport pick up taxi has an 211 eclass with 450K on it.

For some reason I’m drawn to one,

That’s just gravity at work.

legend – Member

chewkw – Member
Get a Toyota GT86 with automatic gear instead if you are willing to spend big money on a Mercedes.

I can’t even guess how a GT86 is a viable alternative to an S class barge

Ahhh … my apology … 😆 The boy racer in me took over momentarily. D’oh! Somehow I was thinking of Mercedes SLK.

Nope, I would still avoid modern Mercedes but I wouldn’t hesitate for a classic W123/124 if parts are easily available.

chewk – you do realise the reason so many w123/124s are running as taxis in other countries is – labour is cheap.

labour scraps cars in the uk.

trail_rat – Member

chewk – you do realise the reason so many w123/124s are running as taxis in other countries is – labour is cheap.

labour scraps cars in the uk.

Yes, I do realise that but it is just a dream that’s all. Doubt I will have one unless I strike the mega jackpot.

chewk – you do realise the reason so many w123/124s are running as taxis in other countries is – labour is cheap.

Surely that would apply to all cars, not just mercs.

To the OP, buy it!

it does – but does my goat in when people bang on about xyz car being great because you always see them being used as taxis or the famous “hilux’s all over africa”

After traveling in a few iconic cars in other countries with a lesser MOT standard than us …. its scary at times – but they will keep em running even if it is held together with bailer twine

Colleague at work went from CLK430 to S320
CLK was good – reasonable to maintain via specialist – but the Mercedes rust got it (everything worked but it looked like an early 80`s rusty fiat)
S320 – diesel – very nice – circa 04 age – niggly electrical failures – heated seats fail – seatbelt occupation switches – the kind of thing that lasts almost forever on cheaper cars fail in Mercedes and they are not cheap to fix – workarounds include soldering resisters in circuit to fool the system.
The air suspension pump will fail eventually (fitted to all S class ) but its not the end or the world to replace – 700 ish – otherwise they are pretty good.
Mercedes diesel injector seals problems require careful research/checking.
Bottom line – get an assessment from a trusted specialist .

like most cars – once you step away from merc for servicing it becomes managable

I bought a 4 month old demo one a couple of years ago and it was cheaper than a good spec Mondeo which I was looking at.
I have it serviced by an independent and they use MB parts so the warranty is intact and the costs are about 40% less which pretty much puts it on par with most other cars of its size.
It looks and drives fantastic and after 43k it still feels like new. I would have another.
oh and its a sport petrol and yesterday I drove 220 miles at >47 MPG. Not too bad

I wouldn’t hesitate for a classic W123/124 if parts are easily available.

I’ve been running an old W124 diesel for the last 4 years. Cheap it is not. About £3k a year parts and labour.

However, when it’s running it is such a relaxing drive that I persevere. Lovely drive down to Morzine this year, packed to the gunnels.

Going looking at it Sunday, 2007, so hopefully be a better one, new shape
67k , full merc service history, with 6 months left of a tier 1 warranty that the owner can transfer, he’s had it 8 years
I’m tempted,I’ve got a megane soort at the moment, so would be a big change, but sick of having my fillings come loose

Ensure you have a good local independent Merc specialist locally. You will need it.

67k ? Don’t you what the new ones are like, mine’s coming up to 200k…

Missongthepoint.com

But how about a E class estate?

Seonded, cos that’s what mine is. You can put a bike in without taking off the wheels.

Or you can go to Morzine with wife, two dogs, bikes, spares, and virtually the kitchen sink…

E class is gorgeous. Classless(!) yet the ultimate classy vehicle.

Hora I never had you down as a man of infinite taste until now 😀

When I was younger a family friend had a 280TE estate. My word it was nice too. Even as a 12yr old I was smitten. The E class has more balance in shape etc.

Done loads of reading, some say v reliable, no problems
Others say stay away, aaaaaarrrrgghhhhhhh.
I’m going looking that’s for sure
Wouldn’t use merc dealer , use a specialist and merc parts
I mean what could go wrong!,

In your life you could look back and say you have owned a Mercedes?

I’ve owned most models, so may as well go for a merc!,