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Showing 121 - 130 results (out of a total of 188) found for "Mercedes-Benz" in Ask Us Anything

Can you help me choose between a new Audi A6 or BMW 5 Series?

I'm stuck between my choice for a new car. I've narrowed it down to an Audi A6 or BMW 5 Series. I hated the Mercedes-Benz E-Class; it felt so cheap inside. Friends tell me that the BMW is a much more dynamic car due to being rear-wheel drive, but I'm not the kind who likes to throw my car into roundabouts and corners; I would prefer a good, solid, reliable car with attractive features. I'm getting swayed towards an A6 at the moment. Probably mostly because I'm seeing too many BMW 5 Series on the roads. Any help or opinions would be appreciated...

James Corbett (Nenagh)

Sep 2013 Filed under: choosing new car

Expert answer

Hi James,

Well, frankly that's a good dilemma to have. Both are utterly excellent cars and you honestly won't go wrong picking either.

To compare, you're right that the BMW does feel that bit more reactive, that bit more plugged in to the road surface, but the gap between the A6 and the 5 Series is far narrower in that regard than once it was. 

You're also right that the 5 Series is becoming a touch, shall we say, common on the roads these days and while Audi is hardly struggling to shift A6s, they are perhaps a little less widely seen.

One small spanner in the works; have you tried the Jaguar XF? It does give a little away to both the Germans in terms of cabin design and space, but it's gorgeous and utterly brilliant to drive. Plus, of a Friday night, you get to turn to your significant other and utter the immortal words; "Darling, tonight, shall we take the Jaaaaaaaaag...?"


Do I have to go for a people carrier if I have three child seats?

I'm looking for a car that will fit three child seats across the back seat. Is there one or is a people carrier the only option?

Colin Walsh (Celbridge)

Sep 2013 Filed under: child or baby seats

Expert answer

Hi Colin,

I'm afraid a people carrier is pretty much your only option. The Renault Scenic, Toyota Verso or Citroen C4 Picasso can all take three abreast, as can the Peuegot 5008. If you want a conventional car that can carry three kids, your only choice is probably a Mercedes-Benz E-Class Estate with the optional pair of rear-facing seats in the boot.


What should I worry about on the 2008 Mercedes S-Class?

I am considering buying a 2008 Mercedes-Benz S 320 CDI long wheelbase with 100,000 miles on the clock; what kind of trouble am I buying?

Paul Kelly (Dublin)

Sep 2013 Filed under: choosing used car

Expert answer

Hi Paul,

Generally speaking not too much trouble although it's worth bearing in mind that the 2006-on S-Class comes from a time when Mercedes-Benz was still suffering from problems in the electrical department. It's those electrics that are the most fragile point of any S-Class, especially the complicated Comand  infotainment and satnav system. Make sure everything works and budget some extra for problems in the future.


Can you advise me on buying a Mercedes-Benz C-Class?

Can you advise me on buying a Mercedes-Benz C 180 petrol, manual , 2005?

Joseph O'Leary (Cork)

Sep 2013 Filed under:

Expert answer

Hi Joseph,

A nice car that, with a very smooth chassis, and while the 1.8-litre supercharged petrol engine sounds a bit rough and ready, it's pretty economical. 

Now, this car comes from an era when Mercedes-Benz quality took a distinct dip, and although the C-Class wasn't as badly affected as the E-Class, there are still some issues. Chiefly they're electronic (engine management, faulty keys) and issues with incorrectly specced brake discs being fitted, although a previous owner should have caught that one.

Listen for clonking sounds from the rear suspension too - it's not an especial weak point but can be indicative of problems ahead. 

Finally, don't if you can avoid it, go for the manual. Not only will an automatic have a better resale value down the line, with Merc's awkward foot-operated parking brake, manual C-Classes are just too awkward to drive.


Are there any known faults with the 2008 Mercedes-Benz C-Class?

Are there any known faults with the 2008 Mercedes-Benz C-Class C 180 AMG?

Brigid Aylward (Waterford)

Sep 2013 Filed under: fault

Expert answer

Hi Brigid,

That generation of C-Class was, sadly, not the most robust car that Mercedes has ever built, although thankfully it seems to have avoided the disastrous quality problems that afflicted the contemporary E-Class. 

There are a few problems in the engine bay, where dodgy crankshaft sensors can cause the engine to fall into limp-home mode or even shutdown altogether. Models fitted with Merc's Active Body Control sometimes had faulty acceleration sensors too, which set up a vibration that affects the car's high speed stability. 

Noisy power steering could indicate a fluid leak, while some cars actually had the incorrect spec of brake disc fitted. Finally, a lot of C-Classes had faulty remote lock keys, but it's rare for both keys to fail so if the car you're looking at has a spare, you should be OK.


Does the Mercedes C-Class have a camshaft issue?

Is there a problem with the camshaft in the 2007 C-Class Mercedes-Benz C 180 petrol?

Arthur Ward (Dublin)

Aug 2013 Filed under: fault

Expert answer

Hi Arthur,

Potentially, yes. There are some isolated reports of camshafts physically snapping and causing damage to the valve gear, but it seems to be relatively rare and only affects cars with mileages above 200,000 miles. There is also a somewhat more common issue of the timing chain breaking and causing similar damage, but the cure for that seems simply to make sure that the chain is replaced once the car nears or has passed the 150,000-mile mark.

Hope that helps


I need a six-seat car with room for a wheelchair...

I'm looking to upgrade my car. I need something to hold six people comfortably and to be fuel efficient, as I do 25,000km a year. I also need it to have boot space with all seats up as I need to fit hoist and collapsible wheelchair... I won't be carrying six all the time but need it to suit and be safe... All suggestions welcome.

Sarah Doyle (Kildare)

Aug 2013 Filed under: seating

Expert answer

Hi Sarah,

Tricky one this. It's very, very hard to find an MPV of any size that can take lots of people and their cargo at the same time. 

I think you might be best going for either a Fiat Multipla or a Honda FR-V. Their two-rows-of-three seating allows you to seat six (albeit the front centre passenger had better be someone small and/or young) and they still have usefully big boots behind.

Otherwise, you need to go up a size and maybe even think about a compact minibus. A Mercedes-Benz Viano or Volkswagen Caravelle perhaps. There's also the option of a Chrysler Grand Voyager, which has a bit more room than the standard model, but I'd suggest you try it with a full load of people and wheelchair before buying, just to make sure you'll all fit.

Hope that helps


Volvo V40 or Mercedes-Benz A-Class?

In your opinion which would be the better car: Volvo V40 or Mercedes-Benz A 180 CDI AMG?

Willy Boland (BALLINASLOE)

Aug 2013 Filed under: choosing new car

Expert answer

Hi Willy,

Split decision: the Mercedes is better to drive (slightly), but the Volvo is more comfy and more spacious. If you're doing lots of long journeys, I'd take the Volvo.

Then it's down to personal taste in terms of interior and exterior styling.


How reliable is the 2011 Mercedes-Benz E 220 CDI?

How reliable is the 2011 Mercedes-Benz E 220 CDI?

Peter Graham (Dublin)

Aug 2013 Filed under: reliability

Expert answer

Hi Peter,

Bit early to tell yet as it's still a very new model but we've heard no horror stories. Mercedes-Benz seems to have gotten on top of the build quality issues that plagued it in the early 2000s. Just, as always, make sure there's a full main dealer service history.


Is the Audi A8 a popular chauffeur car?

Is the Audi A8 a popular chauffeur car?

Peter Graham (Dublin)

Aug 2013 Filed under: miscellaneous

Expert answer

Hi Peter,

Yes, apparently so, but possibly still not quite so popular as the evergreen Mercedes-Benz S-Class.


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