The used Mercedes compact exec saloon or property makes a superb (and dependable) all-rounder
The Mercedes C-Class has all the time been up in opposition to stiff competitors, not least the BMW 3 Collection and Audi A4.
However this technology, the ‘W205 C-Class‘, produced from 2014 to 2021 is greater than able to holding its head excessive in opposition to its contemporaries, and now you can purchase one from round £4000.
The W in that codename refers back to the saloon however there’s additionally the S205 property, C205 coupé and A205 convertible. The 2-door variants are fairly completely different, so we’ll depart them for an additional time.
This C-Class was the primary Merc to undertake the MRA platform, whose in depth use of aluminium helped make it 100kg lighter than the earlier mannequin, regardless of being nearly 100mm longer. Mercedes claimed it was essentially the most inflexible in its class and we had been definitely impressed by its dynamic means.
We referred to as the steering “breathtaking” and praised the automobile’s plush rolling refinement. If that attribute is necessary to you, hunt down smaller-wheeled, extra softly sprung SE or Sport vehicles to benefit from the trip consolation at its greatest.
The W205 arrived throughout a golden period for mile-munching diesels so there are some amazingly abstemious oil-burners. Mercedes claimed 70mpg for essentially the most frugal fashions, which is optimistic however not fully out of attain at a delicate motorway cruise. The cleanest variations formally emit simply 99g/km of CO₂ and are all ULEZ-compliant.
It isn’t all sunshine and roses, although. The C200d makes use of a Renault-sourced 134bhp 1.6-litre that’s unrefined and a bit sluggish. The 2.1-litre (168bhp C220d and 201bhp C250d) is livelier but additionally very environment friendly, nevertheless it’s nonetheless rattly and missing in grunt in contrast with an equal 3 Collection. Earlier than the C-Class acquired its facelift in 2018, the C300h diesel-hybrid was essentially the most environment friendly and quickest of the bunch. Its batteries rob it of some boot house nevertheless it’s an important all-rounder when you can reside with that trade-off.
On the petrol entrance, the 158bhp 1.6-litre C180 is a bit torpid, the 181bhp 2.0-litre C200 pleasingly punchy and fairly environment friendly, and the C350e plug-in hybrid brief on electrical vary. Leaving apart the monstrous V8-engined C63, there’s the semi-sporting, 362bhp V6-powered C43. It is very succesful however gives little additional enjoyable over a typical mannequin so a BMW 340i makes a greater driver’s automobile.
The inside is fashionable and spacious. SE trim feels a bit primary however Sport and AMG Line are well-equipped. The Premium pack ups the ante (panoramic roof, reminiscence entrance seats) and the Premium Plus pack provides Burmester encompass sound and a 360deg digital camera.
In 2018 the engine line-up was overhauled and a a lot bigger and extra trendy infotainment system grew to become customary. Energy from the 1.6-litre diesel rose to 158bhp and the two.1-litre was changed by an all-new 2.0-litre in 191bhp (C220d) and 242bhp (C300d) kinds. These 2.0-litre diesels are the choose of the vary: they’re refined, highly effective and economical.
The 1.5-litre petrol with 154bhp (C180) or 184bhp (C200) feels strained. The 254bhp C300 is healthier, however a bit thirsty. The C43 was lifted to 385bhp and the C300e changed the C350e and took EV vary from 19 miles to 34 miles, which the C300de (changing the C300h) matched.
Select your powertrain rigorously and also you’re on to a winner right here.
What to look out for
Engines: Some 1.6 and a pair of.0-litre petrol fashions have skilled untimely thermostat failure, so regulate the temperature gauge. Changing it’s a troublesome job, so anticipate a big invoice. Turbo failure on the two.0-litre petrol is usually a downside as properly.
The two.1-litre diesel is liable to simplex chain tensioner points, whereas the plastic inlet manifold can crack and the plastic gas filter housing can leak. The identical points seem like cropping up for the two.0-litre diesel that changed it, so go for one with an impeccable service historical past.
The DPF can get blocked after consecutive brief or low-speed drives; a diesel with a really low mileage won’t be wholesome.
Physique: A number of homeowners have reported rattling sunroofs and squeaking door seals. Normal cabin noises are additionally frequent not like in a used BMW 3 Collection or Audi A4.
Electrics: The blindspot detection system is understood to cease working so check it earlier than you depend on it. The infotainment system can freeze, however not completely.
Inside: In addition to listening out for rattles, examine the inside trim intently as a result of it has been recognized to indicate cracks. Additionally look at the Artico upholstery on the seats as a result of they often present indicators of wear and tear a bit too simply.
Additionally value figuring out
Facelifted vehicles nonetheless command a big premium and with good purpose. The tech, diesel engines and computerized gearbox (a nine-speeder changed the seven-speeder) are all a step up.
A six-speed handbook remained customary on lower-powered vehicles.
4-wheel drive is uncommon however could also be value in search of out together with the property. The wagon has 490 litres of boot house, 35 litres up on the saloon, and got here as customary with 40/20/40-split folding seats. The property sacrifices little when it comes to dynamics and is not rather more costly to purchase.
Air suspension was obtainable, however the usual trip is comfy sufficient.
How a lot to spend
£4000-£8999 The C-Class is a well-known selection amongst minicabbers and cross-country reps, though excessive mileage should not put you off if the historical past is sweet. Notice that it is principally lower-spec fashions right here.
£9000-£11,999 That is the place affordable mileage C220d vehicles come into play. Preserve your eyes peeled and also you would possibly spot a C300h.
£12,000-£16,999 We’re into first rate facelift territory. You may discover some C43s right here, too.
£17,000-£34,000 Low-mileage plug-in hybrids can be found, and the 300de is an particularly good possibility in order for you a powertrain with flexibility. It is in all probability not value spending double that on a late C43.
An proprietor’s view
Ian Blackburn: “I not too long ago bought an approved-used 2020 C220d AMG Line and I am actually having fun with it. It is good to drive, actually environment friendly – greater than 60mpg – and nonetheless seems to be trendy. I am completely satisfied I selected a facelifted automobile as the larger, 10.3in infotainment display seems to be way more updated. I averted the newer technology as a result of its screen-heavy inside and inferior high quality and up to now I’ve had no regrets. My solely challenge is that the seats really feel a bit overstuffed: not as cozy as a Merc needs to be.”
