Mercedes E Class saloon

**TaviaRS** · 25-05-2007, 11:21

Car has now been owned for 6 months, so here we go......

Performance

Various engines are available form a littl 145bhp lump right up to a monster 6.3 V8

Petrol and diesel are available. The diesels are very torquey but don't make massive BHP outputs. I have the baby of the diesel range - 170bhp and 400nM of torque.
It goes OK considering its small power output, 0-60 just over 7 seconds and a top whack of over 145 (GPS read 153). It punts along quite nicely really

The one I have has a 5 speed auto, rather than the bigger engined cars 7 speed ones. It has 3 modes - comfort, sport and manual. It also learns how you drive. As I always keep it in C, whenever I do change to S it is absolutely hpyer and swaps gears like a real demon - not a good thing really. Manual isn't

You can change it in to 2nd, but it will change up if you get too close to the limiter (closeness depends on if C or S are selected.

Handling

Car is on 16s and has standard suspension. Handling is very nice and stable, understeer or oversteer on demand. On the whole it is very balanced and can be very playfull if you want. Seems to be quite tail happy at times

Donuts are dead easy

It has ESP. I have made comments about that in the SLK review

Ride is excellent and it covers big distances rather well.

Interior

Nice and comfy. Controls are well laid out and are logical. Lots of cubby space. One nice feature is the speed limit function. Set a speed and it won't let you past it unless you engage kickdown. Very good, applies brakes if you are going down a hill. This last bit happens when you have cruise control set as well ie it keeps you at that speed and doesn't let it drift up.

The seats are comfy and adjust just as you'd hope. This one has electric seats, unfortunately it doesn't have memory function. Headroom is excellent and there is room for me to wear a helmet in it.

Rear legroom is good, as you'd expect - I can sit behind me which is a test I apply to all cars.

Storage space is good and everything is well screwed together.

Only one questionable area - why don't Merc fit cupholders in the front? There is a double fold out one in the rear centre armrest.

The aircon is excellent and I like the rear vents.

The dealer experience

The salesman was the same cnut with a shiny suit and a very bad haircut who sold us the SLK - nuff said

This one I collected from Merc in Sheffield. Handover was very good and the free golf umbrella was a nice touch - got given a second one when I took it in for its service too.

Dealer seems helpful and the service experience was good. Price for the first service (16,000 miles) was £205. Compares pretty well to my old Skoda in that respect.

Fuel consumption isn't bad - long runs are about 45-48, over all average is 34.5. The overall average is fairly poor due to a daily 55 mile commute over tha Cat and Fiddle which is jolly good fun so who cares about economy

. When I get to play it drops down to about 16 (which is most days on the way to work. Its a big heavy car with an ickle engine and a driver with a lead right foot so its about what I'd expect.

Tyre life

As Adrian so kindly reminded me - something I wanted to talk about was tyre life.

It's short, especially at the rear!

The car originally came with 225/55 16 Dunlop SP9000 all round. The rears lasted just over 8k (could have something do do with what I wrote in the handling section

) I then swapped the rears for Michelin Pilot Exalto PE2 - they lasted about 7k

I then swapped them to the front when the front Dunlops died and put some Pirelli P7s on the back. These have been on for 7k miles and have loads of tread left whilst the Michelins swapped to the front have less tread than I have hair

So it looks like it's time for some more new rears (the old P7s will move to the front). Either I'm getting more gentle or these ones offer the best longevity to grip ratio.

SkodiRS · 25-05-2007, 11:27

You haven't commented on how long the tyres last.

**TaviaRS** · 25-05-2007, 11:36

Sorted!

sharkrider · 26-05-2007, 18:56

nice review..... confirm to the new forest meet, and let me have a go in it

I like mercs... last one I drove was the SLK..... I'm gonna have to get much older before I consider buying one though

Tom_vRS · 26-05-2007, 19:22

Sounds like a lovely car indeed. Wish I could afford something as capable...

I'd love to blag a passenger ride over the feline & violin...

Tom_vRS · 26-05-2007, 19:23

Quote:

Originally Posted by sharkrider

I'm gonna have to get much older and balder before I consider buying one though

Now thats not very nice is it!?

***Neo_VR*** · 27-05-2007, 16:37

The question is why did you buy the E-class over the C-class?

Tom_vRS · 27-05-2007, 16:56

Isn't the C Class FWD?

Basil · 27-05-2007, 17:02

Genuinely glad your happy with your ride TaviaRS

- Mercedes is pure class tbh.

Only one thing - I wish to disagree with your sig - 170bhp and 400Nm in a 1715kg vehicle with an autobox will not be breakfasting on my Fabia anytime soon (even if only because I'm a few thousand miles away!).

(And if it did, because I'm admittedly a fairly carp driver, I'd send in the Mongrel.....

)

Apologies in advance if any offense is taken - none intended

Cheers

Bas

redbaron · 27-05-2007, 17:12

Quote:

Originally Posted by Basil

Only one thing - I wish to disagree with your sig - 170bhp and 400Nm in a 1715kg vehicle with an autobox will not be breakfasting on my Fabia anytime soon (even if only because I'm a few thousand miles away!).

(And if it did, because I'm admittedly a fairly carp driver, I'd send in the Mongrel.....

)

Apologies in advance if any offense is taken - none intended

Cheers

Bas

Clueless... you would get beasted every time.

i can lend jon my 204hp 1850kg auto barge in the very unlikely event he struggles...

Tom_vRS · 27-05-2007, 17:19

If only you knew Basil, if only you knew...

Basil · 27-05-2007, 17:24

I don't get it - what am I missing? I'm only going by specs and mine is cheating (remapped)...

Go on mates - give me a clue so I know what mess I've dropped myself into!

Tom_vRS · 27-05-2007, 17:39

High Performance Club

Basil · 27-05-2007, 17:52

still clueless - did I say I was a carp driver? Well the enthusiasm is still there....

I was comparing cars, not drivers......

awaiting enlightenment.......

Bas

Tom_vRS · 27-05-2007, 18:02

If 250bhp Subarus couldn't outrun Jon on a track in an SDI Octavia, I dare say you may have difficultly chasing his E-class.

Basil · 27-05-2007, 18:25

Jon! that name rings a bell now! He's the one I was told about last year when I was in the UK - supposed to be a totally amazing driver

- now all is clear.

How about this angle then - it'd be easier for Jon to beat me if I was driving his car?

Total Respect to you mate! your rep has made it out here as well...

Cheers

Bas

ScoobyChris · 28-05-2007, 23:02

Quote:

Originally Posted by Tom_vRS

High Performance Club

Although I hear Jon would very much love to be a member of that club (again!)

Chris

**TaviaRS** · 29-05-2007, 11:00

Nah, I decided to remove my head from my bottom

Bas, I have played with a few remapped Fabias - not much to worry me there.

Now if I happened to find a tuning box that would fit - it'd probably be quicker than you'd think

**TaviaRS** · 29-05-2007, 11:01

Quote:

Originally Posted by Basil

Jon! that name rings a bell now! He's the one I was told about last year when I was in the UK - supposed to be a totally amazing driver

- now all is clear.

It's all lies - I couldn't drive a pointy stick up a dead dogs bottom

I reckon it's all luck

25-05-2007, 11:21	#1
TaviaRS Dinosaur Join Date: Oct 2002 Location: North of the Watford Gap Posts: 14,918 Thanks: 19 Thanked 42 Times in 38 Posts	Mercedes E Class saloon Car has now been owned for 6 months, so here we go...... Performance Various engines are available form a littl 145bhp lump right up to a monster 6.3 V8 Petrol and diesel are available. The diesels are very torquey but don't make massive BHP outputs. I have the baby of the diesel range - 170bhp and 400nM of torque. It goes OK considering its small power output, 0-60 just over 7 seconds and a top whack of over 145 (GPS read 153). It punts along quite nicely really The one I have has a 5 speed auto, rather than the bigger engined cars 7 speed ones. It has 3 modes - comfort, sport and manual. It also learns how you drive. As I always keep it in C, whenever I do change to S it is absolutely hpyer and swaps gears like a real demon - not a good thing really. Manual isn't You can change it in to 2nd, but it will change up if you get too close to the limiter (closeness depends on if C or S are selected. Handling Car is on 16s and has standard suspension. Handling is very nice and stable, understeer or oversteer on demand. On the whole it is very balanced and can be very playfull if you want. Seems to be quite tail happy at times Donuts are dead easy It has ESP. I have made comments about that in the SLK review Ride is excellent and it covers big distances rather well. Interior Nice and comfy. Controls are well laid out and are logical. Lots of cubby space. One nice feature is the speed limit function. Set a speed and it won't let you past it unless you engage kickdown. Very good, applies brakes if you are going down a hill. This last bit happens when you have cruise control set as well ie it keeps you at that speed and doesn't let it drift up. The seats are comfy and adjust just as you'd hope. This one has electric seats, unfortunately it doesn't have memory function. Headroom is excellent and there is room for me to wear a helmet in it. Rear legroom is good, as you'd expect - I can sit behind me which is a test I apply to all cars. Storage space is good and everything is well screwed together. Only one questionable area - why don't Merc fit cupholders in the front? There is a double fold out one in the rear centre armrest. The aircon is excellent and I like the rear vents. The dealer experience The salesman was the same cnut with a shiny suit and a very bad haircut who sold us the SLK - nuff said This one I collected from Merc in Sheffield. Handover was very good and the free golf umbrella was a nice touch - got given a second one when I took it in for its service too. Dealer seems helpful and the service experience was good. Price for the first service (16,000 miles) was £205. Compares pretty well to my old Skoda in that respect. Fuel consumption isn't bad - long runs are about 45-48, over all average is 34.5. The overall average is fairly poor due to a daily 55 mile commute over tha Cat and Fiddle which is jolly good fun so who cares about economy . When I get to play it drops down to about 16 (which is most days on the way to work. Its a big heavy car with an ickle engine and a driver with a lead right foot so its about what I'd expect. Tyre life As Adrian so kindly reminded me - something I wanted to talk about was tyre life. It's short, especially at the rear! The car originally came with 225/55 16 Dunlop SP9000 all round. The rears lasted just over 8k (could have something do do with what I wrote in the handling section ) I then swapped the rears for Michelin Pilot Exalto PE2 - they lasted about 7k I then swapped them to the front when the front Dunlops died and put some Pirelli P7s on the back. These have been on for 7k miles and have loads of tread left whilst the Michelins swapped to the front have less tread than I have hair So it looks like it's time for some more new rears (the old P7s will move to the front). Either I'm getting more gentle or these ones offer the best longevity to grip ratio. __________________ A jolly sensible Mercedes E class saloon in a rather fetching bluey grey colour. No it isn't fast, no it isn't modded, and yes, it will still eat your Fabia for breakfast. Official mobile chicane for Briskoda trackdays Last edited by TaviaRS; 25-05-2007 at 11:36.

25-05-2007, 11:27	#2
SkodiRS BRISKODA Staff Join Date: Oct 2002 Location: darkest Hampshire Posts: 8,650 Thanks: 0 Thanked 17 Times in 13 Posts	Re: Mercedes E Class saloon You haven't commented on how long the tyres last. __________________ Adrian.

25-05-2007, 11:36	#3
TaviaRS Dinosaur Join Date: Oct 2002 Location: North of the Watford Gap Posts: 14,918 Thanks: 19 Thanked 42 Times in 38 Posts	Re: Mercedes E Class saloon Sorted! __________________ A jolly sensible Mercedes E class saloon in a rather fetching bluey grey colour. No it isn't fast, no it isn't modded, and yes, it will still eat your Fabia for breakfast. Official mobile chicane for Briskoda trackdays

26-05-2007, 18:56	#4
sharkrider rider of sharks Join Date: Apr 2005 Location: Cumbria Posts: 3,699 Thanks: 187 Thanked 90 Times in 78 Posts	Re: Mercedes E Class saloon nice review..... confirm to the new forest meet, and let me have a go in it I like mercs... last one I drove was the SLK..... I'm gonna have to get much older before I consider buying one though __________________ Fiat Grande Punto Sporting (158 bhp 314 lbs/ft) in Red.... Furby vRS , black magic,passenger airbag de-activation switch, (now gone, but not forgotten!)

26-05-2007, 19:22	#5
Tom_vRS Briskodaholic Join Date: Dec 2004 Location: Fenland, Cambridgeshire Posts: 10,787 Thanks: 573 Thanked 362 Times in 244 Posts	Re: Mercedes E Class saloon Sounds like a lovely car indeed. Wish I could afford something as capable... I'd love to blag a passenger ride over the feline & violin... __________________ 97/R BMW 328i in Boston Green. << Clickable for boring info. My Journal

27-05-2007, 16:37	#7
*Neo_VR* UberMod™ Join Date: Feb 2003 Location: Manchester Posts: 11,874 Thanks: 61 Thanked 153 Times in 108 Posts	Re: Mercedes E Class saloon The question is why did you buy the E-class over the C-class? __________________ ColGod the UberMod VXR, Gti, ST, Type-R, vRS, Shifty... An MPS fears not these things...

27-05-2007, 16:56	#8
Tom_vRS Briskodaholic Join Date: Dec 2004 Location: Fenland, Cambridgeshire Posts: 10,787 Thanks: 573 Thanked 362 Times in 244 Posts	Re: Mercedes E Class saloon Isn't the C Class FWD? __________________ 97/R BMW 328i in Boston Green. << Clickable for boring info. My Journal

27-05-2007, 17:02	#9
Basil hardcore modder Join Date: Feb 2006 Location: Bahrain Posts: 3,038 Thanks: 171 Thanked 162 Times in 130 Posts	Re: Mercedes E Class saloon Genuinely glad your happy with your ride TaviaRS - Mercedes is pure class tbh. Only one thing - I wish to disagree with your sig - 170bhp and 400Nm in a 1715kg vehicle with an autobox will not be breakfasting on my Fabia anytime soon (even if only because I'm a few thousand miles away!). (And if it did, because I'm admittedly a fairly carp driver, I'd send in the Mongrel..... ) Apologies in advance if any offense is taken - none intended Cheers Bas __________________ Fab vRS - Black Magic - PD160 intake - Forge FMIC - colour coded front grille -SLC Splitter - K&N Airfilter -SEAT Strutbrace - Jabba ARB - IC Waterspray (need to wire it in!) - 312mm TT brakes - Eibach Springs - Skoda Reversing sensors - Devonutopia Tuning (tm) Custom Exhaust (2 1/4" straight pipe) - Short shifter mod- 5 brake light mod - Helix Steel SMF + Organic Clutch + pressure plate - Peloquin LSD - TD stage 2 Hybrid - Washbrook remapped ECU - Uprated injectors - Cupra bushes -Poly-filled dogbone - Allard racepipe - Pirelli Dragons - Forge Rear Strutbrace - DIY SS upper boostpipe delete -Koni FSD's - elephant pipe CCV mod

27-05-2007, 17:19	#11
Tom_vRS Briskodaholic Join Date: Dec 2004 Location: Fenland, Cambridgeshire Posts: 10,787 Thanks: 573 Thanked 362 Times in 244 Posts	Re: Mercedes E Class saloon If only you knew Basil, if only you knew... __________________ 97/R BMW 328i in Boston Green. << Clickable for boring info. My Journal

27-05-2007, 17:24	#12
Basil hardcore modder Join Date: Feb 2006 Location: Bahrain Posts: 3,038 Thanks: 171 Thanked 162 Times in 130 Posts	Re: Mercedes E Class saloon I don't get it - what am I missing? I'm only going by specs and mine is cheating (remapped)... Go on mates - give me a clue so I know what mess I've dropped myself into! __________________ Fab vRS - Black Magic - PD160 intake - Forge FMIC - colour coded front grille -SLC Splitter - K&N Airfilter -SEAT Strutbrace - Jabba ARB - IC Waterspray (need to wire it in!) - 312mm TT brakes - Eibach Springs - Skoda Reversing sensors - Devonutopia Tuning (tm) Custom Exhaust (2 1/4" straight pipe) - Short shifter mod- 5 brake light mod - Helix Steel SMF + Organic Clutch + pressure plate - Peloquin LSD - TD stage 2 Hybrid - Washbrook remapped ECU - Uprated injectors - Cupra bushes -Poly-filled dogbone - Allard racepipe - Pirelli Dragons - Forge Rear Strutbrace - DIY SS upper boostpipe delete -Koni FSD's - elephant pipe CCV mod

27-05-2007, 17:39	#13
Tom_vRS Briskodaholic Join Date: Dec 2004 Location: Fenland, Cambridgeshire Posts: 10,787 Thanks: 573 Thanked 362 Times in 244 Posts	Re: Mercedes E Class saloon High Performance Club __________________ 97/R BMW 328i in Boston Green. << Clickable for boring info. My Journal

27-05-2007, 17:52	#14
Basil hardcore modder Join Date: Feb 2006 Location: Bahrain Posts: 3,038 Thanks: 171 Thanked 162 Times in 130 Posts	Re: Mercedes E Class saloon still clueless - did I say I was a carp driver? Well the enthusiasm is still there.... I was comparing cars, not drivers...... awaiting enlightenment....... Bas __________________ Fab vRS - Black Magic - PD160 intake - Forge FMIC - colour coded front grille -SLC Splitter - K&N Airfilter -SEAT Strutbrace - Jabba ARB - IC Waterspray (need to wire it in!) - 312mm TT brakes - Eibach Springs - Skoda Reversing sensors - Devonutopia Tuning (tm) Custom Exhaust (2 1/4" straight pipe) - Short shifter mod- 5 brake light mod - Helix Steel SMF + Organic Clutch + pressure plate - Peloquin LSD - TD stage 2 Hybrid - Washbrook remapped ECU - Uprated injectors - Cupra bushes -Poly-filled dogbone - Allard racepipe - Pirelli Dragons - Forge Rear Strutbrace - DIY SS upper boostpipe delete -Koni FSD's - elephant pipe CCV mod

27-05-2007, 18:02	#15
Tom_vRS Briskodaholic Join Date: Dec 2004 Location: Fenland, Cambridgeshire Posts: 10,787 Thanks: 573 Thanked 362 Times in 244 Posts	Re: Mercedes E Class saloon If 250bhp Subarus couldn't outrun Jon on a track in an SDI Octavia, I dare say you may have difficultly chasing his E-class. __________________ 97/R BMW 328i in Boston Green. << Clickable for boring info. My Journal

27-05-2007, 18:25	#16
Basil hardcore modder Join Date: Feb 2006 Location: Bahrain Posts: 3,038 Thanks: 171 Thanked 162 Times in 130 Posts	Re: Mercedes E Class saloon Jon! that name rings a bell now! He's the one I was told about last year when I was in the UK - supposed to be a totally amazing driver - now all is clear. How about this angle then - it'd be easier for Jon to beat me if I was driving his car? Total Respect to you mate! your rep has made it out here as well... Cheers Bas __________________ Fab vRS - Black Magic - PD160 intake - Forge FMIC - colour coded front grille -SLC Splitter - K&N Airfilter -SEAT Strutbrace - Jabba ARB - IC Waterspray (need to wire it in!) - 312mm TT brakes - Eibach Springs - Skoda Reversing sensors - Devonutopia Tuning (tm) Custom Exhaust (2 1/4" straight pipe) - Short shifter mod- 5 brake light mod - Helix Steel SMF + Organic Clutch + pressure plate - Peloquin LSD - TD stage 2 Hybrid - Washbrook remapped ECU - Uprated injectors - Cupra bushes -Poly-filled dogbone - Allard racepipe - Pirelli Dragons - Forge Rear Strutbrace - DIY SS upper boostpipe delete -Koni FSD's - elephant pipe CCV mod

29-05-2007, 11:00	#18
TaviaRS Dinosaur Join Date: Oct 2002 Location: North of the Watford Gap Posts: 14,918 Thanks: 19 Thanked 42 Times in 38 Posts	Re: Mercedes E Class saloon Nah, I decided to remove my head from my bottom Bas, I have played with a few remapped Fabias - not much to worry me there. Now if I happened to find a tuning box that would fit - it'd probably be quicker than you'd think __________________ A jolly sensible Mercedes E class saloon in a rather fetching bluey grey colour. No it isn't fast, no it isn't modded, and yes, it will still eat your Fabia for breakfast. Official mobile chicane for Briskoda trackdays

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