USED Mercedes-Benz E-Class Saloon (99 - 03)

My car

I researched the 320CDI long and hard and thought it had good potential.

I have recently retired from a job which entailed 50,000 business miles every year. The company switched to diesel power some time ago and, although I disliked the balance of the Mondeo Diesel, I thought the replacement VW Passat 110 TDI to be quite the best car in its class.

My 18 months with a BMW 318 TD SE confirmed the poise and balance of rear-wheel drive. My recent AUDI A4 100TDI was super but really too small in the back. Mind you, when I visited our German factory from time to time it sat at 127mph indicated for hour after hour!

This love of the economy of diesel, with the strong pulling power from 1500rpm AND rear wheel drive made the MB 320CDI almost compulsory! How does it fail?

I really do prefer a manual change, when you need to take off rapidly the Mercedes Auto-box seems to pause for a second as the 'intelligent transmission' seems to work out if I really did mean 'Kick-Down'. AND then it goes. When 'she' picks up her skirts and decides to fly, you'd just better be prepared because 'she' goes and goes and I have not tried the 141mph top whack just yet.

On a recent trip to France I was unable to make more than 40.7mpg.

My car

I have had my E320 CDi for some time and it is fantastic to drive, has all the refinements I wanted in a car and is so quiet for a diesel.

I know it's an expensive purchase BUT it's worth it as it gives you so much more than the average car. I have had a BMW too and this is head and shoulders above BMW in its refinement and appeal.

Yes, the BMW was perhaps quicker 'off the mark' when at lights BUT this is also very good. If you are thinking of buying one always go for the 320 CDi and not the 220 CDi.

My car

Lovely car to drive or to be a passenger in. It as all the equipment you need bar sat-nav. Great car to own.

My car

I was disappointed to learn after buying the car that it had no air-conditioning, or CD player, which I thought to be strange for a car manufactured in January 2000.

Having never owned a Mercedes before, there were so many controls on board, I assumed that air-con was standard.

A nice drive, although I feel paranoid about the auto gearbox not being right when changing gear.