What other Benz as daily?

[daantjie]

Hi guys

Been looking at other Benzes for potential "one day", maybe type scenario when I let the 6.9 go.  As i think most of us know the 6.9 is far from an ideal daily driver.

Saw a W210 E55 today, they're nice for sure but I believe they have horrible rust issues so that would be a hard pass for me.

I'm partial to V8's so w220 S55 maybe?  That engine/trans combo is bulletproof so that should fit the bill nicely.  They are hard to find unmolested though.

Thoughts?

[nathan]

theres only one thing better than a big impractical V8 as a daily, and thats another on!

I went from 1980s gwagen, to the 6.9 to a few non V8s MBS and finally AMG dailies (212 e63, now 213 e63).  I swap out one of the oldies one day a week for a drive.


The idea of a m113 engine is good i think.  The e55 would be alright indeed, although i think the 203 C55 with the normally aspirated m113 looks a bit better?  i reckon this would go forever and is a compact practical car. i looked at one last year but for once, took my hand of my wallet and let it go (I already have an m113k!).

[Max-NL]

If you are looking for a W220, I would suggest looking at models after MY 2003, as they were treated differently and are less prone to rust. Also be sure to check the Airmatic system, as this can be a common issue (Although as 6.9 owners we shouldn't really complain about suspension stuff  )

As a coupe person I myself am really fond of the CL class.

[daantjie]

Thanks guys.  Yup no 2 doors or convertibles for me, strictly a sedan guy.  I sat in a W211 E55 and was not impressed with how cramped it was in the back.
So for me it has to be S Class all the way
S65 will be nice but they have known coil pack issues.  ABC suspension will be a breeze after my 6.9 purgatory

[Neil4speed]

Hi Daniel, Great post. Do I understand correctly that you DD your 6.9? That is amazing.

To answer your question. I think there are some good options out there.

W210 E55 - wondering if rust would be as much of a concern if it is a car from your neck of the woods? Great value retention, the car might not cost you very much to own. Another car, not a Benz, that I have always lusted over, that I might even prefer to a W210 E55 is the Lexus GS430, or GS460 or even LS430 2004-2006. Absolute sweetheart of an engine, reliable, comfortable and quick enough. Another would be that era Jaguar XJR, aluminum body, great interior, fairly reliable, and very distinct in styling.

Agreed on the W220 S55, great drivetrain, some also had some chronic rust issues but this is a great special car. 2003+ model would b a must as previously indicated.

How about a W221? I think these cars are chronically undervalued for what a special car they are. The refinement is sublime, and anything 'lesser' series-wise feels like a huge step down. Reliability/reparability is generally solid. Very modern in terms of functionality as well. My father has had two, a S450 (Canada exclusive, bought in Van!) and S550, and even though I actively discouraged him from buying it, he has proved me wrong over about 10 years of ownership.

My sense though... Right now is a horrible time to buy a car, new or used. Great time to 'enjoy' the 6.9 until prices regulate a bit as supply increases.

[daantjie]

Nope I've never DD'd my 6.9 and never will.  So many awful drivers here in the Lower Mainland.  Plus the gas bill is of course horrendous.   Remember too that we pay lots more here than you guys in AB.  BC stands for "bring cash"...

Oof, Jaguar, nope, you might as well take a pile of money and set it on fire.  The British don't know how to build a reliable car.  Period.

I think the S55 is my first choice.  But as I said to find one not clapped out will be a challenge.

[Max-NL]

I would also suggest looking into diagnostic software/hardware which can be used on the model which you may end up with.

[ptashek]

I drive two W124s as semi-dailies, and love both in that role. And if you need a V8 there's the 420 and 500, which are more readily available and affordable in NA I think. But the I6 is no slouch either - about the same torque as the euro-450SE, and only 30HP less from an engine half the size.

[Eyeman]

I tend to daily drive smaller and less expensive cars than Mercedes generally makes (I daily drive a modified BMW 1 series now).  I have seen great prices on C216s (2010 CL500s, etc) that tempt me to buy one.  If looking for something newer to daily drive I love the newer model C63 that uses the 4L biturbo engine.  It would definitely be more daily driveable than my AMG GT.

[Neil4speed]

Nope I've never DD'd my 6.9 and never will.  So many awful drivers here in the Lower Mainland.  Plus the gas bill is of course horrendous.   Remember too that we pay lots more here than you guys in AB.  BC stands for "bring cash"...

Oof, Jaguar, nope, you might as well take a pile of money and set it on fire.  The British don't know how to build a reliable car.  Period.

I think the S55 is my first choice.  But as I said to find one not clapped out will be a challenge.

Fair point, and absolutely on the S55, I will keep my eyes peeled. I have seen a handful in Calgary over the past year, and surprisingly, reasonably priced, and also in good shape. Wondering if this one falls a bit under the radar for a certain audience of people.

What is your DD right now, and what do you like about it?

[daantjie]

Honda Civic hahaha...dead boring but dead reliable.  No drama no BS, turn key and go

[Neil4speed]

Honda Civic hahaha...dead boring but dead reliable.  No drama no BS, turn key and go

Great cars - perfect car for a DD!

[azbob]

I don't think you can beat a w211 for a DD. They have quietly evolved into this generation's W123. My preference is pre-facelift.
I picked up a low mileage W163 couple of weeks ago and it has become my DD. It's a little thirsty for the premium petrol, but it will suffice until my W116 ends up in the drive.

[adamb]

I save money when it comes to daily use cars. Family transport is a 2016 Ssangyong Turismo. It's like a cheaper V-Class. Comes with a recent-ish Merc 2.1L diesel and 4WD. We've been all over Europe and even got 34 mpg (Imperial) with 6 people fully loaded and pulling a large camping trailer. My 6.9 can get 17 mpg unloaded if I feather the throttle.