USED Mercedes-Benz E-Class Estate (02 - 06)

My car

I love the very comfortable ride, now 60,000 miles. Hardly use the sports adjustment that comes with air suspension, though it can be fun at times. Power output is great. Small car mileage with sportscar fun.

Like the 320cdi I owned before this one, both seem to suffer electronic problems with the auto gearbox. Every once in a while it will change gears not so smoothly or even forget to shift when accalerating. Dealer is familiar with the problems and keeps on hoping that the next soft ware program will solve the problem.

Although the hifi sounds like one, the built in nav is practically useless and not so trustworthy. Xenon curve lights are super and after initial minor problems now seems to function fine.

4-Zone climate control sounds interesting, less so in practice.

Though some doubts with regard to electronics mainly still very satisfied.

My car

I've owned an E270 CDi Advantgarde Estate since Dec 04 and find it the most reliable vehicle I've ever owned. It looks good, drives smoothly and pulls strongly. All in all, I have to keep reminding myself that I'm driving a Diesel its that good a drive. I've had not problems over the 33k it has done so far. Would I buy another? You bet I would!

My car

I have just sold my Oct 2005 highly spec-ed 280cdi Avantgarde after 15 months and 31k miles.

It was absolutely faultless and never missed a beat. MPG averaged 34. I had two new tyres after 27,000 miles. It was one of the best cars I have owned.

I replaced it with a three-month old 2007 280 cdi Avantgarde.

It now has 11k miles and the air con has stopped working.

My car

I am very disapointed with my E320 CDI estate. After three years and 27,000 miles, it is starting to experience a series of small but annoying problems, all electric.

The Command system works properly only if it feels like it, and the side mirrors no longer fold. I received a letter from Mercedes this week inviting me to take out their extended warranty. The premium for this year will be £871.

I think this is a discrace and evidence that Mercedes expect problems, otherwise the premium would not be that high. It's time for a change and it won't be another Mercedes.