2012 Mercedes-Benz C-Class SE Estate 2.1 CDI
Summary:
Excellent family car / business tool
Faults:
Nothing much has gone wrong. A brake return spring was replaced under warranty because of a slight rattle. That is it!
General Comments:
Comfortable, reliable and economical. Bought as an ex-Mercedes fleet car and it's my daily transport. I do 15-17,000 miles per year. Economy has been 55-57 MPG average on mixed driving, but will regularly achieve 65 MPG on long motorway runs, and has hit 70 MPG on 3 occasions (fill to fill, not trip computer). I have done 800 miles on a tank before the light comes on.
Even as a base SE model it has Bluetooth phone connection, climate control, cruise control, front & rear park sensors, automatic wipers, electric seat adjustment, sat nav and electric tailgate (estate). 16" wheels with common size tyres cost about £75 per tyre to replace, but the good news is that fronts last an amazing 50,000 miles and rears 25,000 (miles, not km).
Good points: Room for 4 adults plus luggage. Very relaxed on the motorway. Flat boot floor is very convenient. Build quality. Dealers can be a bit pricey, but I have a 3 year service contract which eases the pain.
Bad points: Foot operated parking brake is an acquired taste. 2.1 diesel is a bit grumbly sometimes. Clutch on manual gearbox has quite a long throw.
I would certainly buy another one.
Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes
Review Date: 5th October, 2016
23rd Oct 2017, 00:39
When you say nothing has gone wrong in 60000 miles you have lost all credibility.
23rd Oct 2017, 08:57
What's a C250 high pressure fuel pump problem got to do with this? It's a petrol engine; the review was for a 2.1-litre diesel.
23rd Oct 2017, 09:13
That's a bit harsh. To lose "all credibility" - what, on a car that is only 5 years old and done 100K km? Sure, Mercedes isn't anywhere near what it was in the 1970s and 1980s, but there are definitely enough cars out there (be they Chevy, Fiat, Renault, or Mercedes) which have not had any problems bar wear and tear - that's why people still keep buying them. You can go by averages that Toyotas or Hondas are not likely to break down, but owning a young, fairly basic Mercedes (this is not an S-class) doesn't mean it's inevitable that it will break down. Being a Mercedes, sure it might, there is a likelihood, but it's quite possible that the first non-wear and tear fix is still to happen within the next 20K km (12K miles).
22nd Oct 2017, 20:05
Problems with the C250 fuel pump: https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=KHlrfGBq7Is