E220 SE CDI S212 Automatic

Stunning face-lift design, refined and comfortable drive, but rides quite low, so beware of speed bumps.

Bought with very low mileage, so looks and drives like new. Loads of electronic features, excellent drive, smooth and comfortable, even on long journeys. Could go on for hours about the good features, but more relevant to mention things that could do with improvement.
The 7 speed auto gearbox is excellent for sedate driving and very smooth, but slow to change when using paddle shift, so don't expect a sporty experience. Re-training the adaptive gearbox every few weeks keeps gear changes silky smooth.
Built-in Satnav is adequate, but speed limit recognition not included, (big mistake). I think road sign recognition is available on later models. Voice control is good and Bluetooth works fine for hands free mobile phone controlled from the steering wheel - so hands can remain on steering wheel almost all the time when driving, due to multi-function steering wheel, which also control infotainment.
Eco and sport driving modes are standard - sadly ignition defaults to Eco mode 'on', which invokes stop-go system. This is a nuisance in slow moving traffic, so it would be nice to be able to change the default setting to 'Off'. A dashboard switch is available to turn it off when required. Sports mode adjusts gear changes to higher revs for sportier performance.
Mercedes mpg figures inaccurate, as are other makes - expect about 40 mpg. The best I have achieved with careful driving is 44 mpg, but normal driving is better for general engine condition and keeping DPF regenerated, etc.
Parking assist is also standard, but rarely usable and needs much more development as at 2014. It just controls the steering, (not brakes throttle or forward/reverse). It only recognizes parking spaces about 50% of the time and is fiddly to use. Forget it in a busy supermarket car park or you will upset other drivers with the time it takes and the distance you have to reverse after it has finally recognized a suitable space, (despite all the other perfect spaces you have already passed). Fun to demonstrate to passengers in a perfect parallel parking situation with no traffic, but what use is that? Touch the steering wheel at any point and the system cancels and you are on your own, (just like parking has always been). If you can't park, then don't drive.
Excellent car for towing, caravan, boat, etc.
Generally speaking, it is a superbly built car and everything you would expect from Mercedes.

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