Mercedes E270 CDI Estate

[jaiymes]

Hi folks. We are buying a new van this year, intending to get a Swift Challenger 540 or similar, and this will mean a change of tow-car as well. We currently have a Skoda Superb Elegance but this will be too light for our new van. I am considering a Mercedes for the first time, and after reading a few reviews about the car have decided that the E270 CDI Estate might make a good choice. It has a cosiderable kerbwight, and the ecomomy seems not too bad either for such a large car, but never having owned one before I was wondering how it performed as a tow-car, and if there are any potential problems towing with it.

We would really appreciate any advice, hints and tips you may be able to give us on this car.

Kind regards

James

 

[rob_jax]

Hi James,

I've driven parts of what you're considering: What was a new C270 CDI with the 5G-tronic automatic gearbox, and a new E320 CDI with the 7G-tronic automatic gearbox.

The 5 cylinder 270 CDI engine is a real honey, producing around 180 bhp and 400+ NM torque - exact figures depend on the model and year.

Great fuel economy for this class of engine and Euro III emission compliant, and does indeed run better (more power) on a premium diesel fuel.

The E-class is significantly heavier than the C-class, but performance is still adequate, and it's nice and roomy inside.

What to look out for:

1. Full MB service history - aside from the peace of mind that the previous owners did it right, then you still have 25 years of the free pan-European roadside assistance to hand.

2. Self levelling suspension on the E-class estate - nice.

3. If the E-class has been used for towing - and covered 100,000 km - get the suspension bushes checked and possibly replaced

4. The fluid in the automatic gearbox - have that changed if the car ticks the box for previous towing history

5. Rear tyre wear - I get about 15,000 miles from a set of rear tyres - does depend on how you drive, but sub-10 seconds 0-60 towing our caravan is OK performance.

6. MB factory tow-bar - part of the factory kit is a 50% upgrade to the engine cooling fan. This nice to have extra cooling to caress the engine will be missing from any after-market tow-bar...

7. Avoid "Classic" models - they are a bit thin on toys - but it's unlikely you'll find too many E270 in Classic trim.

An E270 Avantgarde with four zone air-conditioning and a few other toys above the standard specification makes a pretty good car... And with rear wheel drive, they tow well too.

Robert (a confirmed MB nut)

 

[Rogerdraper]

I own one of these and i am very pleased with it.But i am told that the E320 cdi will give you more mpg ,but a higher cost to buy .The self leveling suspension is very good ,load space ,ride and build quality is also very good ,this is my 3rd mercedes.If it has not yet got a towbar and electrics ,may i suggest that you check out a local fitting company as the work is requiring some merc bits. I hope you enjoy ,any other points just ask

 

[rob_jax]

In continuation of Roger's comments about the E320 - there are two E320 CDI engines:

The Euro III 6-cylinder in-line E320 which produces around 190 bhp and almost 500 NM torque - not significantly more powerful than the E270, but almost 20% more torque - and fuel consumption is similar

The Euro IV+ 6-cylinder V6 that is fitted to the latest E-class, about 240 bhp and 550 NM torque - and most people can't tell that it's a diesel when being driven. The Euro IV engines are more fuel efficient, whilst offering higher maximum outputs, but from what you say will probably be too new.

And try an insurance quote from MB Insurance...

Robert

 

[jaiymes]

Hi James,

I've driven parts of what you're considering: What was a new C270 CDI with the 5G-tronic automatic gearbox, and a new E320 CDI with the 7G-tronic automatic gearbox.

The 5 cylinder 270 CDI engine is a real honey, producing around 180 bhp and 400+ NM torque - exact figures depend on the model and year.

Great fuel economy for this class of engine and Euro III emission compliant, and does indeed run better (more power) on a premium diesel fuel.

The E-class is significantly heavier than the C-class, but performance is still adequate, and it's nice and roomy inside.

What to look out for:

1. Full MB service history - aside from the peace of mind that the previous owners did it right, then you still have 25 years of the free pan-European roadside assistance to hand.

2. Self levelling suspension on the E-class estate - nice.

3. If the E-class has been used for towing - and covered 100,000 km - get the suspension bushes checked and possibly replaced

4. The fluid in the automatic gearbox - have that changed if the car ticks the box for previous towing history

5. Rear tyre wear - I get about 15,000 miles from a set of rear tyres - does depend on how you drive, but sub-10 seconds 0-60 towing our caravan is OK performance.

6. MB factory tow-bar - part of the factory kit is a 50% upgrade to the engine cooling fan. This nice to have extra cooling to caress the engine will be missing from any after-market tow-bar...

7. Avoid "Classic" models - they are a bit thin on toys - but it's unlikely you'll find too many E270 in Classic trim.

An E270 Avantgarde with four zone air-conditioning and a few other toys above the standard specification makes a pretty good car... And with rear wheel drive, they tow well too.

Robert (a confirmed MB nut)

Hi Robert

Thank you very much for taking the time to respond to my request. You have been very helpful, and I will take onboard everything you say. It is looking very good, and most likely that we will indeed plumb for the E270 Cdi Estate at the moment. We will let you know how we get on, and once again thank you.

Kind regards

James

 

[jaiymes]

I own one of these and i am very pleased with it.But i am told that the E320 cdi will give you more mpg ,but a higher cost to buy .The self leveling suspension is very good ,load space ,ride and build quality is also very good ,this is my 3rd mercedes.If it has not yet got a towbar and electrics ,may i suggest that you check out a local fitting company as the work is requiring some merc bits. I hope you enjoy ,any other points just ask

Hi Roger

Thank you for your comments. I read somewhere that the E320 is a little more noisy than the E270, which is why I thought the E270 would be a better choice for me, but we will see what turns up when the time comes to take the plunge, although I just have the E270 in my head if you know what I mean.

Kind regards

James