2009 Mercedes-Benz B-Class B200 2.0L petrol
Summary:
Great car to own and drive. Very happy!
Faults:
Nothing so far.
General Comments:
Purchased the car about 18 months ago. We needed a car that had good, easy access; not too low as we are in an older age group, and my wife in particular has joint problems. Didn't want an SUV, and although they call this model an MPV, it still only is a 5 seater. The passenger interior space is incredible and the seats very comfortable. There is some wheel tyre noise evident inside the car, particularly on coarse road surfaces, however this could be due to the tyres being low profile 215x45x17. However on smooth surfaced roads there is no problem. The turning circle on the steering is quite poor in comparison to other Mercedes, possibly due to the front wheel drive configuration.
I was reluctant to purchase any car with a CVT auto transmission, but it works perfectly, and from my research there are very few problems with this generation B200. Being a 2009, soon after I purchased it as a used import from Japan I had the CVT transmission oil and filter changed and was happy to do so. The 2009 model was updated with upgrades to the engine, becoming more fuel efficient and less emissions, so this would be the one to go for if considering a purchase.
Apart from the servicing, I did replace the existing radio with a Kenwood. There have been no other costs and nothing has required fixing.
Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Don't Know
Review Date: 15th September, 2018
17th Sep 2018, 05:35
More often than not now, the majority of small cars with auto transmission are CVT, including the very reliable Toyota Corolla. DAF were the original concept for CVT, and I believe that many trucks are CVT. Many faults are from lack of maintenance and ill treatment. At present I would rather have a CVT than the past offerings of the dual clutch versions from the Volkswagen DSG boxes and Ford group. The manufacturers do not seem to have properly tested these products before fostering them on the public.
2nd Sep 2019, 03:05
One year since my last review and the car has been without fault and now covered 68000 km. I replaced the spark plugs at 55000 as they are not iridium long life but standard NGKs. However there seemed to be no apparent wear on the old ones. Oil and filter service has been the only other cost. The car continues to be a pleasure to drive.
15th Sep 2018, 21:39
Please keep us advised on how the car runs, any problems encountered, etc. I'm pleased you are happy with the car and the CVT - I myself just don't trust that type of gearbox, but hopefully Mercedes has laid those problems to rest.