I never really 'got' Mercedes, however I was 'forced' into my recent purchase of one almost by default. As I've cracked the 'big 5-0' I decided it was time for a convertible. As the standard MLC 911's in my price range were all ripe for imminent IMS failure and I needed nominal rear seat functionality it fell to the German triumvirate of Audi, BMW and Mercedes in the price / age range I was looking at.
Of the 3 an S5 convertible was my preferred option, unfortunately hanging out on the Audi forums and facebook groups quickly revealed that a DSG that had not been maintained correctly or that had been left to sit for a month or more was a ticking time bomb of bank account destroying proportions. The S5 was regretfully set aside.
An E93 M3 was briefly considered but was rejected as it's utter overkill for my daily use and there was some mutterings about bearings and throttle body issues. A 330i / 335i was briefly considered but good ones are like hens teeth as they seem to be loved by boy racers - every one I looked at had stickers, spoilers or had been chipped also they seem to suffer from an unending tirade of small issues on the forums / facebook groups.
I always preferred the look and all weather comfort of the A207 e-class but the engines always seemed a bit lack lustre and the interior a bit dated compared to Audi and BMW. When a ridiculously cheap one surfaced during the first lockdown easing just a few miles from where I live I went to have a look. The forums and facebook groups all seem to agree that while not perfect the facelift A207 e350d is the one to have being a relaxed cruiser that can get down the road when it has to and doesn't break all that often, sensors, some turbo seals and an oil pump seal on older versions being the main issues. This one being the last production year of the A207 I bought it.
To be really honest I still don't get Mercedes, It's 4.5 meters of car where the roof comes off. It's reasonably fun to drive but the gearbox for all it's 9 gears is a bit of a killjoy. It was hobsons choice but I'll probably keep it for years as it does the job it's supposed to do spectacularly well, that being look nice, and enable me to have the top down in comfort at the merest hint of dry and / or sun - my current 'record' is a trip to Aldi to do the weekly shop (it's actually very practical) with the top down in the winter sun at 0.5c.
It's the German Lexus - who I find a far more interesting brand and once the LC500h becomes something I can afford the e350d is gone. Until then I'm happy.
What I really want is a fully electric, 4 seater convertible that I can buy for under 20k after 4 years or lease for a reasonable amount. Unfortunately everyone wants SUV's so this niche is not being served.
These guys will help me, I hope, with car finance.