Mercedes-Benz E-Class Cabriolet (2010 - 2017) E350 CDI BlueEFFICIENCY SE 2d Tip Auto (2011/11) Owner Review

What does this car say about you?

Don't know, don't care. I just love it for me. I guess it says I have too much money, (which I don't) but I have just retired, and this car is intended as a 'keeper'. Yes, I treated myself. When my beautiful wife is sitting in it I guess people pay more attention than when I (a neo-hippy 16 going on 61) am in it on my own. It is quite different to the previous CLK, and it is nowhere near as staid as the E-Class saloon. It is not as ubiquitous as a Beemer of Audi cabriolet...I see these all the time, so I guess it is seen as a bit more 'special' A lot of people give it a second look.

What do your friends / family / neighbours think of the car?

They admire it. They think I'm very lucky. Everybody loves it.

Would you buy this car again and why?

Definitely. The style of it, the power of it, and the feel of it. The Diamond White metallic paint is beautiful, the Almond Beige leather interior and the Burr Walnut trim is luxurious, the car is powerful and exciting to drive, the equipment levels are very high. It is the SE version (originally 43K on the road) with loads of extras taking the original sale price to 54K. It has AMG 18" wheels and AMG Sports suspension, has Carlsson tuning and has the Sprint Booster fitted. It has all the extra electronic gizmos that you could imagine. It drives like a dream.

What are you likely to buy next?

This really is almost certainly one of the last great cars I will ever own. I guess in about 8 years the new Jag XE could be a reasonable change, but I will need to economise on a much cheaper used one. In the meantime, I am going to enjoy the open road in this beautiful cabriolet.

Type of dealer you bought from?

Independent

Did you buy this car new?

No

What price did you pay?

£27,995

When did you buy the car?

September 2014

Did you get a good deal and why?

How often can you get a 3 year old Merc with just about every extra going, with just 3700 miles on it (checked and confirmed) for almost half the original purchase price? Great looking car, no dings, no problems, had it checked out by an official independent inspection engineer, who gave it a clean bill of health and said it was a virtually new car.

Is there any special reason why you bought this car?

This car was 3 years old but genuinely had only 3700 miles on the clock.

What was the dealer like?

Great. Nothing was too much effort. Very helpful. This was easily the most expensive car at the small dealership that I bought it from, so it looked somewhat out of place, but having had the full engineers report, I had 100% confidence in buying it.

What's it like to drive?

Smooth, and with the sprint booster on, it's acceleration is insane. Highly responsive. Hugs the road, especially with the Sports button switched on to harden up the suspension. The Sports button also changes the response of the auto gearbox.

What's it like to park?

Usually ok, but can be tricky. The nose is low and pointed. I caught it yesterday. Grrrr! The rear is blind. The rear view camera turns on when I engage reverse, but that also turns the bloody radio sound on. That is SO annoying. There should be a fix for it.

Have you had any problems with the car?

No faults at all.

What's most practical about your car?

4 seats, soft top, all mod cons, 100% comfortable car with the appeal of something on a higher level. I can fit everything (and anybody) I need to in it. OK, the boot is a bit small when the roof is down, booth's a small compromise.

Favourite gadget, option or accessory?

The Sprint Booster that is fitted, and the ECU tuning gives it a leg up into a different league. It turns it from a luxury car into a car with acceleration which two of my friends & family have described as 'insane'. These changes mad the car a real thrill to drive.