Mercedes c350e hybrid

eamondunphy

Hi all,

I am looking at getting a c350e hybrid, I drive 2km to work and mostly only drive to shopping centres like Dundrum and blanch which are about 15km away from me.

I might go to the UK to get one if I can sell my car first as trade in offers haven't been great so far.
I know cmvet works out at about 2,500e arlfter relief or is there anything else that can be claimed back.

I was just wondering if its necessary to get a charger for home or is it OK to use just the normal plugs as it's only a small battery, I'd like to think I'd only need to charge it every 3rd or 4th day, but will obviously charge at supping centres when possible.

I was looking at the hybrid as I think it would suit my normal weekly drives, has any one purchased one and got any feedback?

Any comments appreciated

ei9go

Suggest you have a read of this before you buy this.

https://www.independent.ie/life/motoring/car-reviews/my-arguments-for-and-against-this-cclass-plugin-hybrid-36267535.html

Most he got was 16 km before the petrol engine kicked in.

Maybe get something with a battery that is worth the effort to charge.

eamondunphy

Thanks, I think I read that article before, my thinking was that beside driving to work Monday to Friday, I rarely drive anywhere else, so 16km could get me maybe 4 days without a charge.

I live in Dublin and do mainly city driving, I see in the article that the author was only getting around 37mpg, but most user reviews I've seen get alot more, although nowhere near the 135mpg Mercedes state.

I currently have a 131 petrol c class, so I'd I was able to get 60/70 mpg with a hybrid, it would be a massive jump in fuel efficiency for me.

zilog_jones

The US EPA has it rated at 8 miles (13 km) all-electric range, and 36 MPG (imperial) petrol-only driving - and they are usually realistic, maybe slightly pessimistic with EV range. I think you'd be lucky to get 16 km. NEDC figures are as good as useless.

Charging on a 13A socket usually means around a charging rate of around 2.2 kW max, so it would take close to around 3 hours to fully charge the 6.2 kWh battery. And unless it comes with the charger to charge off a normal socket, it will cost you a few hundred.

I'm averaging about 80 MPG with my Prius Plug-in, with about 40% EV driving. The battery is smaller (still get around 16 km range though), but it's a substantially more efficient car (around 60 MPG average petrol-only driving, like the normal 3rd gen Prius).

eamondunphy

eamondunphy wrote: »

Hi all,

I am looking at getting a c350e hybrid, I drive 2km to work and mostly only drive to shopping centres like Dundrum and blanch which are about 15km away from me.

<SNIP>

Any comments appreciated

Here's a comment: Poor car. I wouldn't fancy buing your old car as a used vehicle due to number of cold starts and frequent running below correct operating temp. But yes, any pluging hybrid or even better a fully electric car would be an useful upgrade for your use.

ted1

Sorry I have to ask. But why do you drive 2km to work ?
Would you not just walk or cycle it ?

FriendsEV

So annoying here

OP doesnt want to cycle or buy a bloody Prius

The 350e is class

Go likes a sportscar and looks well, nicely priced too for a near 300bhp premium German beast

It does 10-20km on electric going by reviews

Users say about 40mpg motorway

Its nicer than the 330e imo, much quicker than Lexus IS300H too

zilog_jones

FriendsEV wrote: »

OP doesnt want ... a bloody Prius

I never said that, I'm just trying to set some reasonable expectations with this car. The EV range will only get them one way to their 15 km shopping centre example, and I think averaging 60-70 MPG may be difficult to achieve.

49 MPG average based on 14 owners: https://www.spritmonitor.de/en/overview/28-Mercedes-Benz/270-C-Klasse.html?fueltype=6&powerunit=2

ted1

FriendsEV wrote: »

So annoying here

OP doesnt want to cycle or buy a bloody Prius

The 350e is class

Go likes a sportscar and looks well, nicely priced too for a near 300bhp premium German beast

It does 10-20km on electric going by reviews

Users say about 40mpg motorway

Its nicer than the 330e imo, much quicker than Lexus IS300H too

Where did they say that they don’t want to cycle or get a Prius.
2km is only about a 15 minute walk.

Sometimes people do know what they actually want till presented with options.

TomOnBoard

FriendsEV wrote: »

So annoying here:mad:

OP doesnt want to cycle or buy a bloody Prius :mad:

The 350e is class:D

Go likes a sportscar and looks well, nicely priced too for a near 300bhp premium German beast

It does 10-20km on electric going by reviews:D

Users say about 40mpg motorway:D

Its nicer than the 330e imo, much quicker than Lexus IS300H too:D

I agree with all the points marked

I get really miffed when a person comes on here and asks is the widget I'm thinking of buying a good choice, and someone comes on here to argue that he doesn't need to buy a widget anyway, and proceeds to offer un-solicited advice about doing something else that the OP never mentioned. It annoys ppl who are interested in knowing why OP is buying widget A rather than widget B or C when some fella comes on trying to convince OP he doesnt need a widget- he should get a crocodile. :mad:

Like, it a feckin Motoring thread, not a bloody cycling or walking thread!!! Oh, and yes, I also Looove the 350e. It a 2018 car unlike the BMW 330e which looks like its still 2014 (although the fully charged range is better). Eddie Cunningham's summary in the article referenced above was very usefil in the context of OPs situation: "Overall, the 350e is a decent package and I think wins key arguments for urban-based drivers especially - so long as they don't believe those official fuel consumption claims."

eamondunphy

For the record, I've no shower or locker facilities in work changing after cycling to work so not really into turn up sweaty or wet after getting rained on, I work in a factory doing shift work where l come home at 4am or be could going to work at 4am, with Irish weather and safety, I'm not walking or cycling to work at that time.. I don't wanna walk or cycle to work in the rain or sub zero temperatures etc etc

Back to the car, I would have the option to charge it daily at work so I'd like to think I'd only need petrol at weekends, I only drive out of Dublin 3/4 times a year so I'm not really taking long drives into account.

I'm just wondering if mpg would improve enough to make it worthwhile, I don't like the interior of lexus and my parents and brothers have 5 series bmw, I've gone off the interior over the years,in my opinion, the c class is the nicest visually

mordeith

TomOnBoard wrote: »

Like, it a feckin Motoring thread, not a bloody cycling or walking thread!!!

Yeah but it's not surprising the questions are being asked. If you go on the Computers forum and ask about a new XPS 15 but then say you only want it for Word and browsing Facebook then you are legitimately going to be asked would you not be better offer with a lower spec, lower priced machine. Still counts as advice.

TomOnBoard

mordeith wrote: »

Yeah but it's not surprising the questions are being asked. If you go on the Computers forum and ask about a new XPS 15 but then say you only want it for Word and browsing Facebook then you are legitimately going to be asked would you not be better offer with a lower spec, lower priced machine. Still counts as advice.

Not the same thing at all!

Your example is of someone in a computer forum who asks should I get a big powerful computer, and when he explains its intended use is advised to buy a smaller computer for half the price. Valid advice!

He's NOT being told he should forget about getting a computer and should buy a biro, writing pad and a book of stamps instead! :mad:

TomOnBoard

eamondunphy wrote: »

For the record, I've no shower or locker facilities in work changing after cycling to work so not really into turn up sweaty or wet after getting rained on, I work in a factory doing shift work where l come home at 4am or be could going to work at 4am, with Irish weather and safety, I'm not walking or cycling to work at that time.. I don't wanna walk or cycle to work in the rain or sub zero temperatures etc etc

Back to the car, I would have the option to charge it daily at work so I'd like to think I'd only need petrol at weekends, I only drive out of Dublin 3/4 times a year so I'm not really taking long drives into account.

I'm just wondering if mpg would improve enough to make it worthwhile, I don't like the interior of lexus and my parents and brothers have 5 series bmw, I've gone off the interior over the years,in my opinion, the c class is the nicest visually

IMO, your driving is ideally suited to the C350e. Its not just economy. You'll have a quieter vehicle that'll be more manoeverable, zippy, cleaner in the city, and you'll get bags of fun out of it. I'm assuming you're not doing this solely from the point of view of economy- the up front premium you will pay as as against what you'd pay for a diesel C200 for example will need a lot of fuel economy to get back. If you were doing it solely from an economy perspective, I suspect a BMW i3 would be more suited to your needs. But then you wouldn't be driving in to your shift in a vehicle that makes you smile just by being inside it! And for some of us, that is also very important...:):D

goz83

One would need to be rather unfit and heavy to be sweating after walking/cycling 2 klms.

That said, we don't need any explanation as long as we know you are just not interested in walking/cycling....like myself. I picked up an electric kick scooter for very short trips and have found it quite handy. If I was 2 klms from work I would use that regardless of the time of day/night unless it was bucketing rain.

The 350e looks like a lovely machine. I hope you enjoy it.

ei9go

One thing to check is how the heater works.

This is because some PHEV's have to run the petrol engine to heat water for the heater.

This could mean that in the winter, you may not use the electric engine at all on your short commutes which could impact your mpg greatly.

eamondunphy

ok thanks guys, i think i'll go for a test drive over the next few days.

While i'd like a car that has improved fuel economy, it's not the sole factor for lookings at this car, but i'd look at the c class petrol if the hybrid wasnt worthwhile, i've never owned a diesel and don't want to start now.

As i said, i much prefer the look and interior of the c350e compared to the 3 series 330e, i dont like the interior of the lexus even thought they have a lovely exterior, while i appreciate the economy of the prius, looks wise, they've never been my cup of tea.

If i can drive the 3.4kms (i checked, its not 2km) to work, charged it there and drive back from work and charg it every day, while also being able to charge it at shopping centres, i'd like to think i'd use very little fuel on my normal weekly drives.... obviously i know long drives while mostly use the engine

As I've said, I've no interest walking or cycling to work at 4am in pitch black, sub zero temperatures, I've no changing or shower facilities and work in a factory wearings heavy safety gear and steel capped boots so i'll leave it there on that.

eamondunphy

TomOnBoard wrote: »

IMO, your driving is ideally suited to the C350e. Its not just economy. You'll have a quieter vehicle that'll be more manoeverable, zippy, cleaner in the city, and you'll get bags of fun out of it. I'm assuming you're not doing this solely from the point of view of economy- the up front premium you will pay as as against what you'd pay for a diesel C200 for example will need a lot of fuel economy to get back. If you were doing it solely from an economy perspective, I suspect a BMW i3 would be more suited to your needs. But then you wouldn't be driving in to your shift in a vehicle that makes you smile just by being inside it! And for some of us, that is also very important...:):D

thanks, this was my thinking, i dont like the bmw i3 at all, i much prefer saloons

TomOnBoard

ei9go wrote: »

One thing to check is how the heater works.

This is because some PHEV's have to run the petrol engine to heat water for the heater.

This could mean that in the winter, you may not use the electric engine at all on your short commutes which could impact your mpg greatly.

Ive read that the C350e (at last from 2016 on) has an awesome remote heating and cooling facility called Pre-Entry Climate Control that can be controlled from yer mobile and will switch on the heaters or coolers before you even get into the car. It uses electricity. The thing is, if youre plugged in and charging, and its brass monkeys outside, start up the heater(s) remotely so youll have a toasty cab b4 you even leave the house. While this is very important for the driver and passengers, it is absolutely crucial for the batteries hat need to be heated in Winter and cooled in Summer to maximise performance and life.

And of course, if youre plugged in, the pre-heating /cooling will largely be mains powered, saving your gold-dust electric charge for the driving and keeping the car warm on the go. I'm not sure but Id be surprised if they dont also have electrically heated seats.

I seriously love that car. Are you thinking of importing or buying local? Also, there are a number of excellent YouTube reviews of the c350e compared with the BM 330e. Theyre well worth a look b4 you test drive so youll have an idea of what to look out for.

Heres Johnny

Go for it. Nice car. Fuel efficient petrol hybrid with higher than average power.
You won't be without traditional fuel bills but so what?
But do buy in UK nearly new, these cars lose their bol*ox in value as better batteries inevitably come on line. But that's true of all new or nearly new expensive cars. Diesels too.
But back to beginning, go for it if you like the car.

eamondunphy

thanks guys,

I wanna buy in in UK, but i'm struggling to sell my car privately so might have to trade it in.. my car is a petrol 2013 petrol automatic petrol c class that i got in the uk in 2015, but nobody seems interested in petrol. i've only seen 2 petrol versions go on sale here.

I've looked at a good few video reviews and most seem to state that they get good mpg, especially compared to my car. I've just not come across anyone in Ireland who owns one

Is that pre cooling climate control feature standard on all 2016 versions onwards? i was looking at 161 or 162 versions and didnt see it mentioned

TomOnBoard

eamondunphy wrote: »

thanks guys,

I wanna buy in in UK, but i'm struggling to sell my car privately so might have to trade it in.. my car is a petrol 2013 petrol automatic petrol c class that i got in the uk in 2015, but nobody seems interested in petrol. i've only seen 2 petrol versions go on sale here.

Id say its going to be a mare to sell here. If your car is in great condition, consider doing the reverse, i.e. export back to UK and sell it there. Seek a VRT refund as a permanent export. Its a bit out there as a solution, I know, but its worth checking out.

eamondunphy wrote: »

I've looked at a good few video reviews and most seem to state that they get good mpg, especially compared to my car. I've just not come across anyone in Ireland who owns one

I've not seen one either. And thats the thing that would worry me most as, with Merc labour rates, Id be worried that their mechanics would be learning about PHEVs on my car, and I'd be paying a huge hourly rate for the privilege. But hey ho"- such is the nature of risk taking. And anyway, Im sure there are good EU wide warranties on all Mercs that pass on to 2nd users.

eamondunphy wrote: »

Is that pre cooling climate control feature standard on all 2016 versions onwards? i was looking at 161 or 162 versions and didnt see it mentioned

Check this out. Its a very helpful press release that I think was destined for the US market. Itll give you materials for your research.

See pages 7-8

https://www.mbusa.com/vcm/MB/DigitalAssets/AboutUs/PressReleases/2016_C350_PLUG-IN_HYBRID-FINAL.pdf

eamondunphy

I looked into trying to trade it in back in the UK, but I think I'd lose more money that way, Im still looking at both options but think my best options are to trade in and pay a bit more here, or try sell it to someone like mooneys for cash and then go back to the UK, mooneys will obviously give me less than its worth but still works out ok when adding cash to a UK car

TomOnBoard

eamondunphy wrote: »

I looked into trying to trade it in back in the UK, but I think I'd lose more money that way, Im still looking at both options but think my best options are to trade in and pay a bit more here, or try sell it to someone like mooneys for cash and then go back to the UK, mooneys will obviously give me less than its worth but still works out ok when adding cash to a UK car

Given all those different angles, the locally traded option does look more appealing so. I'd be prepared to pay a reasonable amount more overall here for the security of getting warranties etc. All that's assuming you can get the car you want here of course. God luck and let us know progress. .

eamondunphy

Thanks for the press release info, an interesting read, curious to see if some of the features are standard here compared to the UK and US, will ask exactly what's on the cars available

0lddog

Think I saw one of these charging when I was up in the big smoke today.

Size of charging bay marking need to be increased for them .

Bigus

eamondunphy wrote: »

thanks guys,

I wanna buy in in UK, but i'm struggling to sell my car privately so might have to trade it in.. my car is a petrol 2013 petrol automatic petrol c class that i got in the uk in 2015, but nobody seems interested in petrol. i've only seen 2 petrol versions go on sale here.

I've looked at a good few video reviews and most seem to state that they get good mpg, especially compared to my car. I've just not come across anyone in Ireland who owns one

Is that pre cooling climate control feature standard on all 2016 versions onwards? i was looking at 161 or 162 versions and didnt see it mentioned

I wouldn't write off irish dealers yet , and especially their asking prices.
A good mate of mine picked up a demo C350 e only today, Mercedes dealer here , really made him a ridiculous offer he just couldn't refuse to trade up from a diesel coupe Mercedes . Serious discounts around these parts.

Mooooo

Could check the north as they may take the trade in up there

eamondunphy

Bigus wrote: »

I wouldn't write off irish dealers yet , and especially their asking prices.
A good mate of mine picked up a demo C350 e only today, Mercedes dealer here , really made him a ridiculous offer he just couldn't refuse to trade up from a diesel coupe Mercedes . Serious discounts around these parts.

Do you know what dealer he got his from, I've been to a few dealers and haven't got anything what I'd call a good deal, all prices were pretty consistent but nothing that made me think I was getting a great offer

eamondunphy

Mooooo wrote: »

Could check the north as they may take the trade in up there

There's not alot of hybrids up north that I can see, the UK has alot more obviously but found very few up north

TomOnBoard

Bigus wrote: »

I wouldn't write off irish dealers yet, and especially their asking prices.
A good mate of mine picked up a demo C350 e only today, Mercedes dealer here , really made him a ridiculous offer he just couldn't refuse to trade up from a diesel coupe Mercedes . Serious discounts around these parts.

A Diesel coupe will be preferred by most drivers here in Ireland. OPs circumstances particularly suif the C350e, but for anyone doing a good bit of Motorway miles it would be a different story. I'd say OP is quite unusual in wanting a luxury bus and doing such relatively short mainly urban journies. Unfortunately for him, his PX is a big petrol which would be much less saleable than a diesel coupe IMHO. That may change as diesel is more and more shunned in the future, but not yet.

unkel

TomOnBoard wrote: »

A Diesel coupe will be preferred by most drivers here in Ireland.

Shure. Chape tax and a few hundred quid savings in fuel is all that matters to the Irish buyer. As they were in the past, the current generation of Mercedes coupé and convertible cars are beautifully styled and designed.

You see one around you, you're entranced by its glory and then the owner starts the diesel engine

eamondunphy

Mine isn't a even a big petrol car, it's a c180 saloon, which is only a 1.6 litre engine, tax is only 280e, its a 2013 white car with only 60,000 km on it, leather seats, parking sensors etc

I had it up for sale for 2/3 months on carzone and donedeal and got only 1 phone call and a couple of texts that then never replied... I've seen similar diesel with cloth seats and no parking sensors etc up for 19k in bradys castleknock.. Msl ballsbridge had a petrol up for sale for 19k also, the ad was only up for 2/3 days so I assume they sold it very quick


So my only options seem to be trade in here or sell to mooneys or Joe duffy.
I have to take a spin to the to see out of curiosity what they'd offer in cash, obviously it won't be as much as what the car is worth but could still be worthwhile if it means adding less cash to a car I could get in the UK

ELM327

FOr the likes of "we buy your car" etc.. you need to see what the trade value of your car is and deduct 15-20%

Look in the likes of Merlin's, Wilson's etc and see what similar cars go for and thats the trade value.

If they are retailing examples of your cars at main dealers for 19k, you can extrapolate that smaller dealers would probably list at 18 and accept 17-17.5. Private sale maybe at 16.5-17, and trade value maybe 14-15.

eamondunphy

Then figures seem about correct with regards what I've been offered in trade in, I had the car for sale for 16k and got no where, was surprised with how little interest I've had.. If I got 13-14k cash, I'd still save money by going to he UK, most hybrids are around 26-17k including vrt over there, are 32k plus here

RedorDead

Due to a 750000 car recall I heard c class is affected by a sales stop across Europe on some engines. Is the hybrid affected or is it just diesel?

TomOnBoard

RedorDead wrote: »

Due to a 750000 car recall I heard c class is affected by a sales stop across Europe on some engines. Is the hybrid affected or is it just diesel?

AFAIK its to do with diesels only. Its basically diesel engines whose software contained emissions defeats.

SeanElec1

Hello, Curious to know if you bought. I'm looking at C350e hybrid, coming out of C180 kompressor petrol. The only disadvantage seems to be the reduced boot space. Eager to know how it went for you.

eamondunphy

Yes, I actually only got the car on Monday this week, it's lovely and also nice to drive. The boot space is small bit isn't an issue for me, the rear seats fold down also, so that helps.

Really enjoying driving on battery, th car is so silent, my only issue is that I'm only getting a round 18kms out of the battery, so need to get a home charger for it

eamondunphy

I went to the UK for it, massive savings compared to here

Orebro

eamondunphy wrote: »

I went to the UK for it, massive savings compared to here

If you don't mind giving us the info - what year did you get and what did the VRT bill end up being?

eamondunphy

Got a 162 for 24k sterling, vrt will be 2100 euro when I get the log book,

Depending on spec and colour, you could get it a few grand cheaper also, I got premium plus spec in brilliant blue was set on the blue colour so paid more than I'd liked but still alot cheaper than here, should come to around 29k euro in total after vrt done. Dealers like fitzpatricks in naas are selling 161 model with lesser spec for 35k so I'm happy, when spending that much I only like to dealer with official dealers

SeanElec1

Congratulations, and best of luck with the new car. One other concern that I have is the availability of service and repair possibilities for the car. I do n't want to end up paying an MB carage x hundreds of euro per day of technician time while he (or she) gets trained on the hybrid at my expense. Did you investagate that issue ?

kingshankly

Thinking of upgrading my 15 c class to one of these is the boot space a lot smaller thus would definitely be an issue for me

Orebro

kingshankly wrote: »

Thinking of upgrading my 15 c class to one of these is the boot space a lot smaller thus would definitely be an issue for me

They're also available in estate - might suit better?

eamondunphy

I didn't think too much into repairs to be honest, the car is around since 2015 so I'd hope main dealer here would know how to handle them.

The boot is smaller yes, it's not a problem for me, I can still fit groceries or a golf bag in there, the mack set as easily fold down also so there are options for room,

Johnny Wilcox

Hi Eamon,
I'm looking at the 350e at the moment. I drive 20km a day, all city driving so plenty of stop/start driving. We use my wife's car for longer journeys. My total annual driving is 8000km.
I was driving a diesel up until recently.

Would you recommend this car?
What range are you getting on the battery?
Is the petrol consumption similar to the C200 estate petrol model?

I too am looking at purchasing in the UK. Did you buy from a main dealer over there?

Congratulations on your purchase.
Thanks.

IdHidden

i just bought a 2018 350e estate in the U.k. (much cheaper than here) and I really like it. Range is an issue and it needs to be charged up each night. Any owner tips ?

Kramer

IdHidden wrote: »

it needs to be charged up each night. Any owner tips ?

Yep.
Charge it up each night .

Precondition if possible so it's warm as you set off - save on heating.
Use seat heaters, again, save on heating.
Choose the most efficient coasting mode & coast, where possible.

General EV driving tips for efficiency really.

Well wear .

Limestone1

Anybody know if you can remotely program the time of the charging via the app ? i.e. so that you can plug in to a dumb EV charger but don't want to charge until after the night rates kicks in ?