Bye bye Merc CLS and hello BMW 535d???

After so many bloody problems with the CLS 320cdi (turbo failure, cat and DPF failure, cracked alloy wheels from poor forging and now a SEIZED engine - meaning engine replacement!!!) enough is enough after just 6 months ownership and less than 20k miles.

After they took the engine to bits, they found filings from the manufacturing process actually INSIDE the engine! So much for top end Merc quality!

The actual level of service from Mercedes has been nearly on a par with our last experience with Alfa UK (total lack of communication, empty promises and general poor treatment for a ~£38k car!).

At least we have a brand new loan 220cdi E class estate to pootle about in Jeez Im pleased to have my 159 - never thought I'd say that hey people!

JCT600 also own BMW dealerships and we're so ****ed off with Merc, we're seriously considering jumping ship altogether and going for a replacement BMW 535d with 268bhp. One of the fastest diesels on the market at the moment. Twin turbo unit that can do 0-60 in 6.5 secs and 412lb ft of twisty stuff at 2000rpm.

Anyone driven one

JCT600 Approved - Lister Park BMW Used Cars

Yes, I know its a black BM. Yes I know it'll be souless and empty. Yes I know I'll get flamed when I post piccies, but there really isn't anything available from Alfa or Masser that come close on C02 emissions, not going back to Merc again if we have the choice and the Audi offerings are very good but even more dull than BMW....

So what choice do we have for a very powerful diesel 5 door sports saloon that's got to do 35k miles per year and pack a punch.

If Alfa had pulled their finger out with the 169 and the 3.5/4.0 twin turbo diesel, then I'd have one like a shot!

Know nothing on CO2 emissions but I'd say I'd rather walk than drive a Beemer

I was kinda expecting that answer!

Walking 35k miles per year isn't an option

Fairly attractive compared to driving a Beemer

Does it have to be a powerful 5 door saloon??? Honestly??? If so, why??? Why don't you just buy an older cheaper car and run that instead... If it's a company car again buy a smaller car that way you'll be better off tax wise...

Has to be at least a 4 seater. Quite often we have customers actually in the cars with us. Hence me having a 159 and not a Brera

It has to be a fairly new car, so we have at least 1.5 years warranty remaining on it and it has to be a diesel based on the wonderful way we're taxed in the UK

Normally we run all our cars for 2 to 2.5 years and then chop them in. In fact the 166 30.0 we ran for 4 years it was so good!

Hate to say it, but the only real alternative (size, performance, price, c02 emissions, economy etc) to the CLS 320cdi is the BMW 535d

Can't say I like the 5 or the 3 series. Phoned a BMW dealer yesterday and his attitude was awful too

I am sure it is a fine car and if it makes sense financially for you try it and see - get an extended test drive first.

Terrible service on the Merc - I like the CLS too

You are not having much luck car wise lately H

I've got to say that the 535d is a beast of a car (although personally I'd go for the same engine in 3 series format).

There's unlikely to be anything that comes close from a power perspective but the new Jag might be worth a look.

Fully agree re the Merc dealer****s - I ended up getting my dealer to buy mine back from me (at the original sale price) after 9 months/20k miles.

How about a Lexus?

Yes, I agree about that engine being in the 3 series (had that week in the Swiss 330i remember ) , but there just isn't enough space for what we want - so the 5 series is really the only viable option right now....

Unless anyone can suggest something else

Originally Posted by BigFoot

How about a Lexus?

No big diesel Biggie

Plus as technologically advanced as it is, it's sooooooooo dull and even more fugly than the BM.

Why not a Jaguar?

I used to sell BMWs and the 535d is awsome for power delivery, very quick, quiet and sure footed, a little firmer than the Merc especially if you go for the very pretty MSport models which most drivers prefer. The 530d is also good and you can have a manual transmission on that if you want it. No other really good fast diesel 4 seaters but if you want a car with all the bells and whistles you can get some reasonable lease deals on the 730d that might suit you. Of course nothing else will feel like an Alfa.

I'm in the south and worked for Snows but I would recommend Barons at Hindhead or Farnborough.

Like k3lvc said, what about the new Jag? Looks alright, don't know about the quality inside, but most reviewers say that its decent...2.7L V6, so it should sound OK, don't know about the performance though...

Originally Posted by BigFoot

Why not a Jaguar?

Don't like it really. Styling is a mish mash and not distinctive enough.

The diesel is underpowered in real terms and although dynamically a good car apparantly, it's not firebreather either

Dear god.. are you automotively jinxed!

I feel sorry for you mate.

Originally Posted by Meridien

I used to sell BMWs and the 535d is awsome for power delivery, very quick, quiet and sure footed, a little firmer than the Merc especially if you go for the very pretty MSport models which most drivers prefer. The 530d is also good and you can have a manual transmission on that if you want it. No other really good fast diesel 4 seaters but if you want a car with all the bells and whistles you can get some reasonable lease deals on the 730d that might suit you. Of course nothing else will feel like an Alfa.

I'm in the south and worked for Snows but I would recommend Barons at Hindhead or Farnborough.

Thanks for the tip

However I guess we have to either keep to JCT600 stock or Merc UK stock for choice As per the linky at the top of this page

Originally Posted by Hunter

Don't like it really. Styling is a mish mash and not distinctive enough.

And a Bangle era 5 series is neither a mish-mash nor lacking in distinction ?

I'm pulling your leg but I have to agree the Jag is a better car than some give it credit for. Had one out for a day and really liked it - it's light and nimble which compensates for lack of outright grunt. The PSA/Ford/Jag unit can also be easily remapped though that's probably not an option.

That said despite the fact that they are the default choice 5 series BMs with the diesel engines are awesome in their own way.

Here's a slight left field choice - Audi A8. Available on v good lease terms new to business and also make a good second owner prospect as initial depreciation is high. 3.0tdi diesel is a good motor or 4.0 V8 if feeling super flush !

Here's a pretty good example - Audi A8 3.0 TDI quattro Sport

EDIT - Ah just read your opening post more closlely - the 4 rings don't do it for you ! A6 I agree is dull beyond measure but I think the A8 is an altogether more interesting choice.

Originally Posted by OperationAlfa

Dear god.. are you automotively jinxed!

I feel sorry for you mate.

Yep!

Originally Posted by RSK