Faults:

Nothing has really gone wrong with her since I bought her. She did however come with a few faults.

One of her headlamp wipers does not work and one of the rear windows had ceased to work through lack of use.

General Comments:

The Benz is entirely FANTASTIC! I adore it!

She starts first time and never grumbles.

The cream leather seats are spotless and incredibly comfortable. Now the winter is approaching, the added comfort of the seat heaters is especially nice.

When inside the car, it is so pleasant being surrounded by leather arm-chairs and walnut, I often don't want to get out. (Pathetic I know)

The car is a sport-line model, she handles and corners very well for a car of this size. The steering is very precise and can be manoeuvred easily I find.

The straight six, twelve valve engine is exceptionally quick. Good low-end torque and will pull happily from 800rpm.

The fuel consumption is surprisingly good for car of this size, weight and age. I can usually squeeze 30mpg out of her.

The Gearbox has the sport and economy drive selector switch. Kept in the economy mode, she always starts in second gear unless you really have to move fast and will go down to first. Sport mode uses all four gears all the time and changes up at higher engine speeds. The gear changes are always smooth. Changing into top gear is so smooth, the only way to know is by looking at the rev clock.

The car still has a wonderful look. The paintwork still gleams brightly and the alloys sparkle. She does have the odd scratch, but wears her scars with pride!

The quality of the construction is evident everywhere about the car. The satisfying clunk of the doors shutting, to the harmonic hum of the the motor at 3,000rpm make driving this car an absolute pleasure.

I am incredibly lucky to own this wonderful machine.

Being 21 and driving this car does make people wonder. Usually this type of car is owned by the more mature gent, but I'm not bothered about that at all. I would have the Benz over a 'hot-hatch' any day.

The insurance is however, a little steep.

What more can I say?

She has plenty of class, all mod cons, is aesthetically pleasing and a real charmer. My friends all like it, and those who have driven her say how pleasant it is. The one person who does not like it is my mother.

You can't please everybody.

Faults:

The thermostat sensor for the auxiliary fan did not work and eventually the car overheated.

General Comments:

The car is very quick for a 2.6 liter and the fuel consumption very good! In the addition the climate control for the air-conditioning is superb and you would think that it was built for my country.

Faults:

Flat battery due to rear courtesy light being left on!

First sign of rust (1cm diameter at corner of rear number plate).

Side of cloth drivers seat wearing due to abrasion upon entry/exit from car.

General Comments:

This car has been a dream. It was bought 2nd hand after I handed back a 1 year old C180 Esprit company car. Use of my parents well maintained Ford Escort convinced me to stick with Benz.

Dealer service history is important when selling on, for proof of upkeep. Mine as maintained by MBZ until the last 2 when cost outweighed benefit (generally around £500 a time).

Excellent spec included full electrics, but no air con, or leather seats.

This car never let me down and has satisfied the needs of a growing family of 4.

Paintwork remains excellent and only wife's ego prompted the move to a newer version.

Faults:

Front end parts at 90000

Belt broke unexpectedly at 120000.

General Comments:

A far cry from the older diesel Mercedes (220D and 240D) in performance. This car will not only cruise, but will get to speed quite impressively for a 2.5L diesel.

The car retains the high levels of reliability, longevity, dependability and economy of its older siblings, but is far more quiet and comfortable.

This is an excellent long distance touring car. Range on a tank of fuel is over 500 miles. Creature comforts are well designed and function perfectly.

My only regret it that I can't buy a brand new one. Maybe someday again they will be available in the US.