Didn't go for the E Class estate, after a B then an R, as insufficient total legroom (front OK for me, but no legroom in the back, etc). My 12 plate Elegance build quality is a good as the B, which was excellent, and way, way better than the R, which was a dog (10 yo Citroen build quality!) although a great cruiser.

But the E is a great wagon. The Mercedes stability software and the integration of engine, gearbox and cruise control/speed limiter is way better than anyone else's system. it's the thing I miss most on the Elegance.

Forgot to mention in earlier post. Before your new car arrives Ray, buy some gtechniq c2v3... http://gtechniq.com/shop/3s-for-cars/exterior-coatings/c2v3-liquid-crystal/

Excellent at sealing paintwork, glass and wheels. It's so easy to apply first time round and top up too. I would thoroughly recommend it.

If you want to try some, drop me your address by PM and I'll send you some.

Cheers

Steve

Ray,

Sorry to hear that your are defecting to another make.

Can I say thanks for all your help and advice in the past and best wishes for the future.

I have the same car as you, but with 97K miles on the clock. Still going strong, have you sold your superb yet?

Regards

Terry.

Thanks, Terry, for the kind words. The Superb was collected yesterday (Saturday 8th. June) and now lives near the Olympic Park. Should find out a build date for the new car tomorrow.

Ray

...Very best of luck with your new car Ray. Please let us know your thoughts on it when you get to know it a little bit...

Forgot to mention in earlier post. Before your new car arrives Ray, buy some gtechniq c2v3... http://gtechniq.com/...liquid-crystal/

Excellent at sealing paintwork, glass and wheels. It's so easy to apply first time round and top up too. I would thoroughly recommend it.

If you want to try some, drop me your address by PM and I'll send you some.

Cheers

Steve

Hi Steve,

Can you elaborate a bit about the application of it and how it protects from road tar, flies in summer etc?

Cheers,

Rob

Edited 9 June, 201313 yr by Robbo Cop

Hi Rob

You can apply neat to a dry or wet car. Spray on panel, wipe on with one microfibre and dry/buff with another or good drying towel.

Personally, I apply after washing car while its still wet. I dilute 1:1 with water to give me more time and do a panel at a time. This way, it probably won't last as long, but it works for me. You can dilute 4:1 to use as a QD and top up every wash or every month, whichever you prefer.

C1 and C5 on wheels will protect and last longer as they chemically bond to paint, so if tar spots and brake dust are a real issue, then these would be better. C2v3 will help to keep it a lot cleaner, and the flies, most of tar spots and brake dust easily cleans off with just a shampoo.

Stubborn brake dust/metal particles and large tar spots will still stick though, so its not a miracle cure. Maybe if you washed your car every week it could be, but not for me. So every 4 months or so I reach for Iron X and tardis to give it a good clean.

Hope this helps.

Cheers

Steve

Thanks Steve, sounds good to me. I'm a big milage user so in the current hot spell (long may it last) I'm crucified with bloody flies.

Much appreciated,

Rob

The E Class wagon is really nice and the quality seems to have returned. Shame they've got rid of the gunsight on the bonnet though! :wonder:

Good luck with the new car Ray, does that mean I am the last remaining Superb owner in Crowborough on Brisky?

... does that mean I am the last remaining Superb owner in Crowborough on Brisky?

Looks very much like it, once I've gone. Looks like a 26th. July delivery date for the Merc.

BTW, RedDog, I prefer the massive tri-star in the grille. The gun-sight is a vandal magnet, AFAICT.

Ray

Love my gunsight on the pre-facelift E'.

Altho, have considered changing it to the Star in the Grille...

Al.

Looks like delivery will now be on the 23rd. July. BTW, anyone looking for Replacement Gap Insurance might want to look at http://www.gapinsurance.co.uk  

 

Ray

congratulation for your e class 

Nice spec. I drove a E220CDi Sport Estate around Millbrook's Alpine circuit and was very impressed. For me, it'd be a hard choice between that or a 520D Touring.

The E Class boot is ideal for cycles, just like the Superb Estate. I appreciate being able to fit my 700c wheeled cycle into the boot (back seateds folded down of course!) without first having to remove the front wheel.

What capacity is the optional long range tank for the E Class?

What capacity is the optional long range tank for the E Class?

 

80 litres

 

Ray

Mine's a standard 60L - but is the less economical, 250 CDI (Same engine, but some thoughtful person has whacked an extra turbo on for good luck!) and usually achieve around 520 miles before the light comes on. - long 60mph journey, could see 600+

 

Al. 

I'd have thought that with the optional 80 litre tank and 220CDi engine, the theoretical range should be close to 1,000 miles.

How does the e class rear legroom compare to the Superb?

I'll let you know when it arrives.

 

Ray

How does the e class rear legroom compare to the Superb?

 

It's smaller; definitely smaller.  

 

That doesn't stop me being jealous, though.  I think Mercedes have definitely got their mojo back: build quality seems to be up; the enormous star in the grill looks potent and menacing and their range is being expertly pitched through inspired advertising.  It's a BMW with class, reserve and understated cojones; it speaks softly but carries a big, turned aluminium stick.

It's smaller; definitely smaller.  

 

That doesn't stop me being jealous, though.  I think Mercedes have definitely got their mojo back: build quality seems to be up; the enormous star in the grill looks potent and menacing and their range is being expertly pitched through inspired advertising.  It's a BMW with class, reserve and understated cojones; it speaks softly but carries a big, turned aluminium stick.

Just a shame about the awful foot operated park brake.

Just a shame about the awful foot operated park brake.

 

Had one of those on a Citroen XM in the nineties; I quite liked it, as I never use the h/brake except on the steepest of inclines or when I park up.  Inclines never seemed to bother me; perhaps I got the timing just right?

Just a shame about the awful foot operated park brake.

 

 

What makes the parking brake awful? It's part of the design of several other makes and models and - given what it does - it's more than fit for purpose. The 2014 Facelift E-Class has the Eco system, which includes a "Hold" function for inclines (just an extra press of the brake pedal), thereby removing the need for a conventional handbrake for such purposes. The lack of a central gear-change and/or handbrake allows the central console to be really clean and attractive, together with a very effective central storage compartments. It does not reduce or interfere in any way with free space for the left foot when driving.

 

If I'm ever going to use the parking brake, it will be as backup to the "P" position of the transmission, if required. If it has to be used as an emergency brake, I'd guess I could put more physical effort into a foot pedal than by hauling up on a handbrake lever - and I'd still have both hands on the wheel - but I hope I never have to find out!

 

Ray

I use the parking brake, when parking on serious hills. on the flat, never used, just pop it into park.

 

when sitting at lights, a hard(er) press of the foot brake (as Ray said) "holds" the foot brake on (and will cut the engine) a press of the throttle will remove the brakes, start the engine and the car in motion - simples.

 

rear leg room IS less than the Superb. Simples. 

 

BUT - Boot space is bigger! - and the elec boot, is linked with the load cover; it goes up and down with the boot - i like that!

 

cabin (without gear sticks and hand brakes!) is nice and clean. Mine has the brushed-alloy (not plastic!) dash and centre console - i like that too! 

 

Al. 

Well, apart from when the car is in my garage on level ground, I always engage the park brake when the car is parked (not just stopped). I have had a Chrysler 300C and a Merc C Class...both with foot operated park brake. I've also had a Jag XF and a Jag XJ...both with electronic park brake. To me...and we are all individual aren't we...the best was on the Jags, on my Superb its okay...but the Chrysler and Merc were just awful. I found the pedal got in the way of my left foot and the release mechanism was sometimes a bugger to operate.