Mercedes-Benz B-Class (2005 – 2012) Review
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Mercedes-Benz B-Class (2005 – 2012) At A Glance
Raised driving position, lots of interior room, decent diesel engines, good ride quality on smaller wheels.
Not good enough for the money, steering feels too artificial, problematic CVT automatic gearboxes, lacklustre petrol engines.
Reviews for Mercedes-Benz B-Class (2005 – 2012)'s top 3 rivals
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Mercedes-Benz B-Class (2005 – 2012) handling and engines
- Engines range from B160 BlueEfficiency to B200 Turbo
- Readers report Real MPG to be between 25–56 mpg
Seat and steering wheel are fully adjustable in all directions. The controls are all quite light, especially the steering (on Michelin Energy 205/55 R16 tyres). The manual B170 petrol comes with a 5-speed box, though most buyers will pay £1,390 extra to get the seven ratio ZF CVT Autotronic also available in the A Class and Ford Focus and C-Max 1.6 TDCIs.
That light feeling translates to the way the car handles. It's effortless, a quality much appreciated and even needed by some drivers. At low speeds the handling is viceless. Though at speed the lightness and lack of ‘feel' conspire with the shape of the body to demand constant attention, especially in crosswinds on the motorway. Ride quality is good and "speed cushions" absorbed reasonably well.
Despite only 116bhp, the optional Speedtronic cruise control works simply and is well worth the extra £205 now that many road works limits are enforced by SPECS average speed cameras. Speedtronic also includes a maximum speed limiter.
I got a very average 34.55mpg measured brim to brim over 222 miles. It's very difficult to get excited about the B-Class. The luggage capacity and practicality are definitely better than a Golf or a Focus, for example, though on a par with a Golf Plus or C-Max. The fact that, like the A-Class, you sit fairly high is a definite bonus in side-impact accidents. The fit and finish is good. Even cubbyholes are properly trimmed. But list prices are very stiff.
| Engine | MPG | 0-62 | CO2 |
|---|---|---|---|
| B150 | 43 mpg | 13.2 s | 158–163 g/km |
| B150 BlueEfficiency | 46 mpg | 13.2 s | 148–154 g/km |
| B160 Autotronic | 40 mpg | 14.2 s | 168–173 g/km |
| B160 BlueEfficiency | 44 mpg | 13.2 s | 149–152 g/km |
| B170 | 42 mpg | 11.3 s | 163–171 g/km |
| B170 BlueEfficiency | 44 mpg | 11.3 s | 152–156 g/km |
| B180 BlueEfficiency | 46–48 mpg | 10.4 s | 137–144 g/km |
| B180 CDI | 63–69 mpg | 11.6 s | 108–117 g/km |
| B200 CDI | 61–64 mpg | 9.5 s | 114–121 g/km |
Real MPG average for the Mercedes-Benz B-Class (2005 – 2012)
Real MPG was created following thousands of readers telling us that their cars could not match the official figures.
Real MPG gives real world data from drivers like you to show how much fuel a vehicle really uses.
Average performance
75%
Real MPG
25–56 mpg
MPGs submitted
228
Mercedes-Benz B-Class (2005 – 2012) interior
- Boot space is 488–1547 litres
- Euro NCAP rating of five stars
| Dimensions | |
|---|---|
| Length | 4270–4359 mm |
| Width | 1777–2010 mm |
| Height | 1557–1603 mm |
| Wheelbase | 2699–2778 mm |
The interior is quite versatile. The basic luggage area is rectangular. The rear seats tuck and fold 2/3:1/3. The passenger seatback folds forward onto its squab allowing transportation of objects up to 2,950mm (nine feet) long. My car had the £205 ‘Easy Vario' option of a removable passenger seat and removable rear seat cushions and backrests giving it the capacity of a small van.
For the amount of safety equipment on board it's surprising that the B-Class has not been Euro NCAP tested, though the five stars of its smaller sister, the A-Class, are reassuring.
Mercedes-Benz B-Class (2005 – 2012) models and specs
| Dimensions | |
|---|---|
| Length | 4270–4359 mm |
| Width | 1777–2010 mm |
| Height | 1557–1603 mm |
| Wheelbase | 2699–2778 mm |
| Miscellaneous | |
|---|---|
| Kerb Weight | 1300–1475 kg |
| Boot Space | 488–1547 L |
| Warranty | 3 years / Unlimited miles |
| Servicing | 15500 miles |
| Spare Wheel | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Standard | Tyre-repair kit | ||
| Costs | |
|---|---|
| List Price | £17,710–£25,425 |
| Insurance Groups | 13–21 |
| Road Tax Bands | B–H |
| Official MPG | 33.6–68.9 mpg |
| Euro NCAP Safety Ratings | |
|---|---|
| Adult | 5 |
| Child | 4 |
| Pedestrian | 2 |
| Overall | 5 |
On sale until January 2015
| MPV | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Version | List Price | MPG | 0-62 |
| B 180 CDI Sport 109 5dr | £24,075 | 62.8 mpg | 11.6 s |
| B 180 SE 122 5dr | £22,020 | 47.9 mpg | 10.4 s |
| B 180 Sport 122 5dr | £23,335 | 45.6 mpg | 10.4 s |
| B 200 CDI Sport 136 5dr | £25,425 | 61.4 mpg | 9.5 s |
On sale until April 2014
| MPV | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Version | List Price | MPG | 0-62 |
| B 180 CDI SE 5dr | £22,775 | 68.9 mpg | 11.6 s |
| B 200 CDI SE 5dr | £24,125 | 64.2 mpg | 9.5 s |
On sale until December 2011
| People Carrier | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Version | List Price | MPG | 0-62 |
| B 160 BlueEFFICIENCY SE 5dr | £19,640 | 44.1 mpg | 13.2 s |
| B 160 BlueEFFICIENCY Sport 5dr | £19,985 | 44.1 mpg | 13.2 s |
| B 160 SE Autotronic 5dr | £21,200 | 39.8 mpg | 14.2 s |
| B 160 Sport Autotronic 5dr | £21,510 | 39.8 mpg | 14.2 s |
On sale until May 2009
| People Carrier | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Version | List Price | MPG | 0-62 |
| B 150 BlueEFFICIENCY SE 5dr | £18,424 | 45.6 mpg | 13.2 s |
| B 150 BlueEFFICIENCY Sport 5dr | £18,449 | 45.6 mpg | 13.2 s |
| B 150 SE 5dr | £18,449 | 42.8 mpg | 13.2 s |
| B 150 SE 5dr Auto | £18,449 | - | - |
| B 150 Sport 5dr | £18,449 | 42.8 mpg | 13.2 s |
| B 150 Sport 5dr Auto | £18,449 | - | - |
| B 170 BlueEFFICIENCY SE 5dr | £19,712 | 44.1 mpg | 11.3 s |
| B 170 BlueEFFICIENCY Sport 5dr | £19,712 | 44.1 mpg | 11.3 s |
| B 170 SE 5dr | £19,712 | 41.5 mpg | 11.3 s |
| B 170 SE 5dr Auto | £19,712 | - | - |
| B 170 Sport 5dr | £19,737 | 41.5 mpg | 11.3 s |
| B 170 Sport 5dr Auto | £19,737 | - | - |
On sale until April 2008
| People Carrier | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Version | List Price | MPG | 0-62 |
| B 150 5dr | £17,710 | - | - |
| B 150 5dr Auto | £17,710 | - | - |
| B 170 5dr | £19,000 | - | - |
| B 170 5dr Auto | £19,000 | - | - |
| B 180 CDI 5dr | £19,720 | - | - |
| B 180 CDI 5dr Auto | £19,720 | - | - |
| B 200 SE 5dr | £21,275 | - | - |
| B 200 SE 5dr Auto | £21,275 | - | - |
| B 200 Turbo 5dr | £23,680 | - | - |
| B 200 Turbo 5dr Auto | £23,680 | - | - |
Model History
February 2005
Mercedes-Benz B-Class unveiled
Sits in between A Class and C Class. 4,270mm long x 1,777mm wide by 1,604mm high. Long wheelbase of 2,778mm gives generous rear legroom.
Same sandwich floor construction as A Class. Same parabolic rear suspension as 2nd generation A Class. Same engine range as A Class with 200 Turbo from the start. 5 or 6 speed manual transmissions or Autotronic 7 ratio CVTs available with all engines. Rear seats fold flat easily without removing headrests. Plenty of room in the back.
July 2008
B-Class revised
For Spring 2008 Mercedes overhauled the design and engineering of the B-Class. The facelift focused on environmental compatibility, economic efficiency and comfort. Engines now burn up to seven percent less fuel than previously with low exhaust emissions.
Mercedes-Benz has developed a new ECO start/stop function for the B 150 and B 170 models. This switches off the engine when stopped at traffic lights, for example, producing a fuel saving of up to nine percent in practical use. Additional new developments include active parking assist which helps drivers to both find a suitable parking spot, and then manoeuvre into it.
What to watch out for
If water pump retaining bolts work loose (which can happen) it's an engine out job to get at them.
16-04-2010:First report of failure of Autotronic CVT autobox in an A or B Class received. Car was a B200CDI SE auto, purchased 14-7-2006, mileage 43,000. Quoted £5,355 AFTER a 25% contribution from Mercedes. (Possibly same ZF CF23 CVT at the Forc C-Max and Focus 1.6TDCI auto?)
Diesel engines used for repeated short runs from cold are prone to problems with the glowplugs that corrode into the cylinder head due to condensation.
Driveshaft problems emerging at around 5 years old.
18-08-2011:Autotronic CVT valve bodies are starting to fail after 6 years and around 70k miles. Cost £1,250 to replace.
02-08-2012:A/c condensers vulnerable to stone damage.
16-03-2014:If bulkhead vent wells get blocked on a 2005-2012 B-Class, then the battery compartment also floods and, of course, the pollen filter will become sodden. These are £27 from a parts factor.
19-03-2015:On 2005-2012 Mercedes B Class, seals around cabin vent flaps fitted between the load area and the sides of the bumper valences fail, leading to spare wheel well filling with water. A possible DIY fix once you buy the seals.
12-12-2016:Repeat failure of EIS ignition switch module in 2011 Mercedes B200. Went dead and car would not start. EIS replaced at cost of £500. Then went deradf again and MB dealer at a loss how to fix. This link explains: http://www.ogsmechanics.com/tutorials-view/mercedes-eis-ezs-immobiliser-key-module/
04-09-2017:Report of CVT transmission trouble in a 2011 Mercedes Benz B Class, this one at 30,000 miles. Has full MS service history. Automatic transmission went into racing mode, described by the mechanics as "a secondary speed sensor defect". The repair price quoted was £1,576.89, reduced to £1,439.68.
25-03-2018:Report of Autotronic CVT of 2010 Mercedes Benz B-Class failing at 62,000 miles. Replacement cost quoted by MB dealer £4,200.
28-03-2018:Historical report of water ingress to load area and spare wheel well of Mercedes Benz B Class. It had been coming in via broken one-way cabin vents between the load area and the rear bumper valence extensions. MB Guildford took 9 days to strip the load area and replace the vents. Customer eventually paid £1,200. (The vents could have been broken by rats chewing their way through to get at anything they thought might be edible in the load area.)
03-12-2019:Report of engine air intake of 2009 Mercedes Benz 1.5 B160 Blue Efficiency (petrol) "blowing up" in France. Took 8 weeks to repatriate the car.
