Mercedes Benz S Class 320 CDi

Now firstly this is a very expensive, very complicated car that costs money, as do all Mercedes. Mine is now 17 years old and I bought it when it was 14 knowing full well what I was doing. Yes if things go wrong costs are horrendous, but you could say that about every expensive car. It now has 150, 000 miles on it and still runs faultlessly.

I bought it in great condition, rust free with 115, 000 miles on it and part Mercedes service history for 2500 pounds. I have since spent 3500 pounds on it in last 3 years, servicing, new brakes, complete fluids change including transmission, refurbished alloys and quality tyres.

So for £6000 I've had luxury motoring for £2000 a year, compare that with just the depreciation on most cars. Yes the tech is old now, but hey so am I, I can absolutely live without gadgets such as usb/android and stop start. Just a big reliable straight six diesel, through a good old fashioned torque converter, super reliable set up, get one.

So they say Mercedes has that German reliability and comfort. So the truth is the ride is super comfortable yes but the seats aren't. After a while you get a back pain. I have never thought a car of that prestige would be that disappointing. Electrical malfunctions are part of a weekly basis and so is technical issues with almost anything you can imagine.

The exhaust is smoking like you wouldn't believe and any added cleaning substances added didn't help beyond a week or two.

Can not wait to get rid of it and find something better. Avoid at all cost!

I bought this car thinking it must be great. It drives brilliantly but my goodness what a lot of problems. So much goes wrong, every month and it costs a fortune to repair. Suspension. Air conditionining. Electrics. Fuel injectors and on it goes. How Mercedes can claim to be a quality car manufacturer these days beats me. If you buy one, here is a hint - get a full (and I mean full so don't get hoodwinked) warranty from a Mercedes dealer with it. You'll need it.

This is the WORST car I have ever owned! Previous Mercs of mine have been just great (including first series C-class and second series E-class) in terms of reliability and build quality. That's why I went for another. That's where I got it wrong!

Just about evrything that could pack in on this car has packed in - and they're not simple faults either (see below). Rust is like nothing I've seen before - I'm looking at 4 new body panels - if I don't drive it to my nearest scrapyard first, that is.

What has given up? Aircon, air suspension, power steering, cruise control, door closing aids, boot closing aid, memory seats, ABS, engine turbo (blown), COMAND system (dead to the world), BAS, battery flattens if not used for 7 days, stability control... need I go on?

Good points? It still goes.

Without doubt the best saloon car I have driven, fast, incredible torque. 40 mpg, comfortable. With AMG package and command system an absolute belter.

Overall a superb package, MB have transformed the the mid range diesel market with this car, buy one.