E 220 CDI Blue Tec

Could be so much better

After having several Volvo T5's/V90's and XC90's - all developed gearbox faults after a 100K miles I decided to go for the Mercedes E-Class estate 2.1 CDI BlueEfficiency 5dr with 59K miles.

After being held up on the M32 for seven hours one day, I realised I had made a huge mistake - after having auto gearboxes predominantly the manual gearbox was very painful to use. The car does have a tendency to roll backwards - I suppose like most large manual estate cars - so beware.

The cabin is a great place to be - all leather, functions at easy reach BUT you suddenly realise the inconsistencies of the design layout - one stick to control wipers and indicators - OK - will have to get used to that. Audio functions are partially controlled via the steering wheel - the on/off button and the control system on the arm rest - very confusing.

The handbrake to the right of the steering wheel along with that brake pedal is a solution looking for a problem! I understand it's different in newer models - about time!

The power boot is interesting - if something gets in the line of the rear door it opens again without any warnings - so technically after packing your Sainsbury's shopping the boot could open as you drive off - I lost a box of beer due to this silly design.

A great motorway cruiser let down by lots of design faults and issues - did I mention the sticking of the driver seat gave way - I understand its a common problem? Also why after 89K miles, why did I had to replace my clutch and flywheel its absurd. Why do Mercedes only offer partial power seating - the horizontal movement was missing from my car - the other 2 options available? Again does not make sense.

The engine box is wooly but the torque is superb even on this lowly 2.1 Diesel engine and the mpg is great. I guess the question is would I buy another? No - there are too many design issues that render the car a poor choice or if you can afford it be a later automatic model.

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