Motoring Discussion > Mercedes Benz E-Class W211 - Do all estates have 7 seats?
Thread Author: Alanovich	Replies: 48

Mon 22 Aug 11 11:43   Mercedes Benz E-Class W211 - Do all estates have 7 seats? - Alanovich

As above, really. Do all W211 Merc estates have the extra 2 pop up seats in the boot as standard, or were they an optional extra when new? When looking at a photo, like photo 7 here: tinyurl.com/3s7fkaa Is the silver coloured handle in the middle of the boot floor indicative of the presence of the extra seats? I presume that the handle nearer the tailgate in the floor is where the spare wheel goes, but I may be wrong. Thanks for any pointers. Reply to this message | Report message

Mon 22 Aug 11 11:53   Mercedes Benz E-Class W211 - Do all estates have 7 seats? - Number_Cruncher

A more reliable indicator of the presence of the 2 extra seats is the presence of the extra seat belts. If these are anything like W124 estates (the design looks very similar), the flaps in the floor are present whether the 2 extra seats are fitted or not. They provide extra storage space - which is sadly lacking in W124s. The other change which can help identify if the 2 extra seats are fitted is the presence of a hand loop / handle on the inside of the tailgate. Reply to this message | Report message

Mon 22 Aug 11 11:53   Mercedes Benz E-Class W211 - Do all estates have 7 seats? - rtj70

They were an option. But lots had them. And when in use there's not really any load space. Reply to this message | Report message

Mon 22 Aug 11 11:57   Mercedes Benz E-Class W211 - Do all estates have 7 seats? - PeterS

Definitely an optional extra - somewhere in the region of £1k IIRC. That looks like it has them - I had an E class estate with them and the boot floor looked like that. The rearmost bit lifted up to form the seat back, and the front bit flipped over to form the base. The dead cert give away would be being able to see the seatbelts for the rear facing seats (since they are fixed to the 'C' pillar), but I can't make them out in the side shot. I seem to remember that the space saver spare sat under the footwell for the rear facing seats hth Peter Reply to this message | Report message

Mon 22 Aug 11 12:05   Mercedes Benz E-Class W211 - Do all estates have 7 seats? - Alanovich

Thanks, all. After a few days in my PD Galaxy I've started to think wistfully about getting a proper estate car with a nice compliant ride and quiet cabin, as our longer journeys are increasing in number as the children get older. Occasional use 7 seats are an essential (don't need to carry luggage when we use the 6th and 7th seats), so I think an E-Class is just about the only thing out there worth considering. I know there's the Volvo V70/XC70, but the front passenger seat feels cramped in those (my sister has one so I'm familiar with them), the missus don't like 'em. Never wanted a Merc, never aspried to one, but ho hum. There's nothing else out there to do the job I want. I think I'll be doing the swap before next summer holiday, so plenty of time to look out for something. If only there was a modern day Citroen CX Familiale or an estate version of the Peugeot 607 with 7 seats................... Reply to this message | Report message

Mon 22 Aug 11 12:23   Mercedes Benz E-Class W211 - Do all estates have 7 seats? - rtj70

Would an S-MAX be a good compromise? More car like than the new Galaxy and many people regard them very highly. Reply to this message | Report message

Mon 22 Aug 11 12:30   Mercedes Benz E-Class W211 - Do all estates have 7 seats? - Alanovich

Yeah, maybe, I'll have to have a look at them. Perhaps even the newer Galaxy with a more refined engine would be fine, but I do fancy getting back in a proper car to be honest, rather than a Mum truck. Reply to this message | Report message

Mon 22 Aug 11 12:39   Mercedes Benz E-Class W211 - Do all estates have 7 seats? - rtj70

Which is why I mention the S-MAX. If don't mind paying for petrol and the high road fund licence, you could get the 2.5T petrol. Reply to this message | Report message

Mon 22 Aug 11 12:48   Mercedes Benz E-Class W211 - Do all estates have 7 seats? - Alanovich

Ah right, I still kind of see the SMAX as a Mum truck, because it looks like one, but perhaps I need to drive one. Even if I liked it though, I'd still prefer a proper estate on looks alone. What I'm really after is long dsitance cruising comfort and quietness though, I don't really care about razor sharp handling and a sporty ride, in fact quite the opposite, and that's what SMAXs are feted for I understand. So I've discounted the SMAX in my mind already without consciously considering it. I'm even quietly considering being a right dare devil and trying to find a (late as possible, N reg or so) W124 estate. Reply to this message | Report message

Mon 22 Aug 11 13:12   Mercedes Benz E-Class W211 - Do all estates have 7 seats? - -

>> I'm even quietly considering being a right dare devil and trying to find a (late >> as possible, N reg or so) W124 estate. >> Not as roomy inside as you'd want i fear AV, good ones are far too much money as they are sought out by the one or two 124 specialists and retailed at high end prices. Ideal vehicle for your needs, and flagship comfort would be a Landcruiser Amazon or the slightly smaller LC4 or 5, titter ye not. More seriously..;) do extensive research on W211's before taking the plunge. Last edited by: gordonbennet on Mon 22 Aug 11 at 13:13 Reply to this message | Report message

Mon 22 Aug 11 13:24   Mercedes Benz E-Class W211 - Do all estates have 7 seats? - Alanovich

>> More seriously..;) do extensive research on W211's before taking the plunge. Yerss, I've been reading a certain behatted Oracle's review and it seems it needs to be a late 2006 (56) or newer is needed to avoid electrical gremlins and huge repair bills. Just about achievable around the 10k mark at the moment, should be a few more in my price range next summer. The W124 really appeals to me, in fact I'd love a W123 to be frank! I'd be able to home service a W124 with ease, and frankly I wouldn't mind (too much) paying an inflated price at a specialist for a good one. Thing would probably last forever, and longer than a more modern stuffed-with-electronic-nonsense W211 in all probability. (I'll ignore the Landcruiser comments! ;-)) Reply to this message | Report message

Mon 22 Aug 11 14:02   Mercedes Benz E-Class W211 - Do all estates have 7 seats? - Alanovich

Oo. Hello. tinyurl.com/3zbvw3r Never knew those had a 7 seat option, I suppose it was never available on the 407 SW though, in order to encourage people to buy MPVs and 4x4s. Harumph. Reply to this message | Report message

Mon 22 Aug 11 14:12   Mercedes Benz E-Class W211 - Do all estates have 7 seats? - spamcan61

My mate had a mid 2000s 307SW with 7 seat option, a tad cosy but did the job he needed. Reply to this message | Report message

Mon 22 Aug 11 14:24   Mercedes Benz E-Class W211 - Do all estates have 7 seats? - Alanovich

Yes, those are good, and I have a friend who has one with three children. Does them fine. But I'm after something a bit bigger for that proper relaxed motorway experience. Actually, you know what I need to do? I need to keep the Galaxy for donkey work and get a Citroen C6...............or a Phaeton............... Someone lock me up for my own good. Reply to this message | Report message

Mon 22 Aug 11 14:29   Mercedes Benz E-Class W211 - Do all estates have 7 seats? - -

If you don't mind going older AV you could do worse than peruse the seriously long lived Volvos, even prior to V70. Don't be afraid of a low mileage 940/960, heavy on fuel though unless you happen to find a 940 turbodiesel, which sported the 6cyl 2.4 Diesel engine plucked from the VW LT van. Little to go wrong on those, worlds comfiest seats and surprising turn of speed if you can stand the roar...actually that 6 pot Diesel sounds the business if you like that sort of thing. Rust, you won't find any anywhere. 3 litre 960 petrol could be a viable and luxurious LPG machine, but you might have to put a smallish toroidal tank where the full size spare goes, standing upright beside the rear wing, identical space the other side so you could have a linked pair of tanks and just relocate the rear washer bottle and pump. My sis still runs our 93 940 TD estate, manual with overdrive 5th, fits like an old slipper and as comfy, built like a brick outhouse, it seldom goes wrong and when it does it's things like a fuel pipe leak, refuses to rust, sits on 195/65 x 15 tyres like a 124 cheap as chips for top quality, and we've kicked ourselves round the block more times than you could shake a stick at for letting it go. Last edited by: gordonbennet on Mon 22 Aug 11 at 14:30 Reply to this message | Report message

Mon 22 Aug 11 14:44   Mercedes Benz E-Class W211 - Do all estates have 7 seats? - Alanovich

Hmm... That's a good thought GB. Not worried about fuel costs, company fuel card takes care of that. I'm looking for smooth and quiet though, so you're saying "if you don't mind the roar" is a bit off putting. In the next few years we're going to start continental driving holidays with the children, hence the advance planning. C6.............C6...................C6................... *grins* Reply to this message | Report message

Mon 22 Aug 11 14:50   Mercedes Benz E-Class W211 - Do all estates have 7 seats? - -

>> I'm looking for smooth and quiet though, so you're saying "if you don't mind the >> roar" is a bit off putting. Not inside the car, they are very well insulated, but there's no mistaking that VW LT engine is a 6 pot Diesel, think mechanical pump real injectors and no ECU...now that's tempting. If fuel's not a problem find yourself a 960 3litre, lovely car and fine quiet engine. Reply to this message | Report message

Mon 22 Aug 11 17:51   Mercedes Benz E-Class W211 - Do all estates have 7 seats? - Boxsterboy

I've had a couple of W211 estates, but am now driving an S-Max. And prefer it. The boot seats on the W211 are really only for small kids and face backwards, whilst the transmission tunnel in the rear (middle row) seats make the middle seat (if you are seating 3) uncomfortable and unpopular, even with small kids despite the better view forward (i.e. one not obscured by front seat head restraints). The S-Max, like your Galaxy, has a far roomier interior and will be a far more comfortable car for long continental journies. I too have fond memories of large French estate cars, like our Peugeot 504 Family estate with 3 forward facing rows (and a boot). The only way you'll get one of these is a trip to Egypt where a surprising number are still serving as taxis, and with a bench front seat are 9-seaters (at least!). Reply to this message | Report message

Mon 22 Aug 11 18:05   Mercedes Benz E-Class W211 - Do all estates have 7 seats? - madf

I had a 260E - W124. I am afraid to anyone used to modern cars, the handling is poor, they are not as reliable as heralded and I thought they were over-rated. My BIL has a 300D estate 124 which has done 150k miles - he's had since since 40k... The rear suspension air pipes are going, and propshaft bearings go and suspension adjustment after a rebuild is a pia... Nothing is cheap or easy to fix... Last edited by: madf on Mon 22 Aug 11 at 18:06 Reply to this message | Report message

Mon 22 Aug 11 18:28   Mercedes Benz E-Class W211 - Do all estates have 7 seats? - Duncan

Alanovic. To answer your original question. No they don't. Cars without the seven seat option still have the handles in the boot floor, they provide access to a couples of compartments. Very useful for hiding stuff away. Reply to this message | Report message

Mon 22 Aug 11 21:57   Mercedes Benz E-Class W211 - Do all estates have 7 seats? - Boxsterboy

Going back to the advertised car in Alanovic's first post, something's not right. I'm 99% sure that Mercedes did not sell the W211 estate with the 200K engine and Sport trim in the UK. Import? Ringer? Modified car? Mistake in the ad? Oh and there's no seatbelts in the rear so it's a 5-seater. Last edited by: Boxsterboy on Mon 22 Aug 11 at 22:00 Reply to this message | Report message

Mon 22 Aug 11 22:56   Mercedes Benz E-Class W211 - Do all estates have 7 seats? - swiss tony

>> Going back to the advertised car in Alanovic's first post, something's not right. I'm 99% >> sure that Mercedes did not sell the W211 estate with the 200K engine and Sport >> trim in the UK. Import? Ringer? Modified car? Mistake in the ad? Oh and there's >> no seatbelts in the rear so it's a 5-seater. >> That IS a UK car... But, its an Avantgarde spec. Reply to this message | Report message

Mon 22 Aug 11 22:57   Mercedes Benz E-Class W211 - Do all estates have 7 seats? - rtj70

And I would think if it had seven seats the advert would mention them. I know I would if I was selling. Under number of seats it says 5. Last edited by: rtj70 on Mon 22 Aug 11 at 22:58 Reply to this message | Report message

Mon 22 Aug 11 23:02   Mercedes Benz E-Class W211 - Do all estates have 7 seats? - swiss tony

ok... full(ish) spec of said car... 205B OWNERS MANUAL AND SERVICE RECORD - ENGLISH 213 PARAMETER STEERING 220 PARKTRONIC SYSTEM (PTS) 221B INFO PLATE, COOLANT - ENGLISH 244 SPORTS SEATS, FRONT 249 AUTOMATICALLY DIPPING INSIDE REAR VIEW MIRROR 260 TYPE DESTINATION ON TRUNK LID - ELIMINATION 265 LINES-NO.PLATE DISCONTINUED 280 LEATHER STEERING WHEEL AND LEATHER GEAR SHIFT KNOB 287 THROUGH-LOADING FEATURE 414 ELECTRIC TILT/SLIDE SUNROOF IN GLASS VERSION 423 5-SPEED AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION 461 INSTRUMENT WITH MILES IND. AND ENGLISH LEGEND 500 OUTSIDE REAR VIEW MIRROR LH AND RH FOLDING 523 RADIO AUDIO 20 537L GREAT BRITAIN 543 SUN VISOR WITH MAKE-UP MIRROR L. AND R., BE- 551 ANTI-THEFT/ANTI-BREAK-IN WARNING SYSTEM 580 AIR CONDITIONING 5XXL EUROPE 600 HEADLAMPS - CLEANING EQUIPMENT 619 XENON LIGHT UNIT - HEADLAMP DISCONTINUED 666 10-HOLE LIGHT ALLOY WHEELS WITH WIDE TIRES 673 HIGH-CAPACITY BATTERY 732 BIRDSEYE MAPLE WOOD TRIM, BLACK 807 AEJ 06/1/M/X 875 HEATED SCREEN WASH SYSTEM 882 INTERIOR SAFEGUARD/TOWING PROTECTION 910 DYNAMO WITH HIGHER CAPACITY (FFO) 915 FUEL TANK WITH LARGER CAPACITY 926 AIR POLLUTION CONTROL D4 EU4-MEASURES 954 EQUIPMENT PACKAGE FOR AVANTGARDE VEHICLES 983 VEH. TITLE OF OWNERSHIP-OMITTED AND W/O COC PAPERS K12 STEUERCODE FUER SERVICEINTERVALL M18 DISPLACEMENT 1.8 LITER Reply to this message | Report message

Tue 23 Aug 11 15:03   Mercedes Benz E-Class W211 - Do all estates have 7 seats? - Boxsterboy

>> >> That IS a UK car... But, its an Avantgarde spec. >> With 'Sport' trim alloys, not the Sport trim that the advert claims. Surprised Car Giant have fallen for that old trick. Reply to this message | Report message

Tue 23 Aug 11 12:06   Mercedes Benz E-Class W211 - Do all estates have 7 seats? - WillDeBeest

...Never knew those had a 7 seat option, I suppose it was never available on the 407 SW though, in order to encourage people to buy MPVs and 4x4s. And maybe because the 407 was a hideous pile of cack that four people could fit into only because squeezing into the interior gave them the best chance to avoid looking at the outside. Reply to this message | Report message

Mon 22 Aug 11 22:37   Mercedes Benz E-Class W211 - Do all estates have 7 seats? - swiss tony

In direct answer to the question... No, it wasn't standard. Reply to this message | Report message

Tue 30 Aug 11 15:04   Mercedes Benz E-Class W211 - Do all estates have 7 seats? - Alanovich

Just been looking in to V70s. Only the pre-2007 facelift models came with the option of 7 seats, and neither can they be retrofitted to 2007 and later examples. Another example of manufacturers pushing customers to over priced and unnecessary SUVs where more than 5 seats are required. Shame on you, Volvo. And Peugeot. And the rest. Does that leave only Mercedes producing a 7 seater estate? Reply to this message | Report message

Tue 30 Aug 11 17:48   Mercedes Benz E-Class W211 - Do all estates have 7 seats? - WillDeBeest

Hardly. I think it has more to do with safety. Volvo recognized that a purpose-built seven seater was always going to be safer than rear-facing seats in a luggage compartment. In 2000 the V70 was Volvo's most capacious bus, but by 2007 there was the XC90 and its Ford stablemate, the S-Max, either of which is a safer choice for a large family. I've always thought Volvo missed a trick by not making a V90 seven-seater. Middle-class badge snobs with too much social conscience (or vertigo) for an XC90 would have gobbled them up. Reply to this message | Report message

Tue 30 Aug 11 22:22   Mercedes Benz E-Class W211 - Do all estates have 7 seats? - Boxsterboy

>> Does that leave only Mercedes producing >> a 7 seater estate? >> Yes. Reply to this message | Report message

Tue 30 Aug 11 22:41   Mercedes Benz E-Class W211 - Do all estates have 7 seats? - Alastairw

>> Does that leave only Mercedes producing >> a 7 seater estate? >> Not quite. www.teslamotors.com/models Apparently this also seats 7, but the rearmost seats must be pretty cramped. Reply to this message | Report message

Wed 31 Aug 11 00:04   Mercedes Benz E-Class W211 - Do all estates have 7 seats? - rtj70

Mercedes are in the real world the only ones doing this for estate cars? I suppose there are cars that do this so even MB might stop with their E class estate cars. Reply to this message | Report message

Wed 31 Aug 11 12:58   Mercedes Benz E-Class W211 - Do all estates have 7 seats? - apm

We looked at this conundrum earlier in the year. We wanted to avoid a people carrier and I prefer a proper estate anyway. We looked at the XC90 and liked it, but decided that we didn't really want a 4x4. We ultimately decided that we really didn't need the 7 seats, and instead looked for a big estate that could fit 2 child seats and still put an adult in between. Became a shoot-out between the V70 and E class. We did like the V70, but preferred the E- just a bit bigger and felt more classy and nicer to drive (I think). We ended up with an E220 CDI estate in Elegance trim- silver with black leather. Would have preferred dark blue or grey, but heigh ho. If you're keen on one, then here are my criteria for our purchase (if it helps): Essential 1) has to be post 56 (as mentioned to avoid the gremlins; tell by the louvres on the indicators above the headlights) 2) full leather (it's good quality and will be harder to shift later without) 3) COMAND- the combined audio/sat nav/phone etc, really is excellent- worth seeking out. 4) autobox- the foot-operated parking brake means it's much easier to drive etc; will also be trickier to sell a manual later 5) diesel- just because it's cheaper to run, but obviously depends on the miles. Desirable 1) parking sensors (ours didn't have, but we had some retrofitted which are great on such a large car) 2) electric heated seats- just nice to have, and we'd have missed them as our previous Volvo had them 3) folding mirrors- it's a WIDE car and pretty tight through the narrower width barriers, so these are nice. 4) integrated bluetooth kit- we have this and it's absolutely brilliant, works seamlessly. Get the Viseeo device that will enable it to pair with more than 1 phone. 5) 7 seats- we didn't get these, but they can be retrofitted if absolutely necessary (but obviosuly cheaper to find one as a factory fit). overall, we love the Merc. It carried us from Kent to Limousin in a day (500 miles, 8 hours) and I got out feeling refreshed and relaxed. No car I've owned would do that as well. Inside it's a really nice place to be, with a real quality feel. The bootspace is huge, and versatile (if you take off the covers in the boot floor, there's quite a bit more room. Hope that's helpful, Alex. Reply to this message | Report message       2

Wed 31 Aug 11 13:04   Mercedes Benz E-Class W211 - Do all estates have 7 seats? - Alanovich

Alex, that is terrific, thank you. Food for thought. I just wish it wasn't a, well, a Mercedes. I'm a bit of a weirdo, I'd love an old Merc, say pre-96ish, but newer ones, well, I just don't like "Premium" brands in general, I suppose. I reckon I could be convinced, though. Reply to this message | Report message

Wed 31 Aug 11 13:08   Mercedes Benz E-Class W211 - Do all estates have 7 seats? - -

Debadge it AV, and replace the bonnet target with a cheaply bought blanking plate, many do. How many people know what a car is without the badge. Good write up by Alex though, 220cdi is probably the best of the bunch, still runs around 170hp from that 4 pot if i recall. Last edited by: gordonbennet on Wed 31 Aug 11 at 13:09 Reply to this message | Report message

Wed 31 Aug 11 13:18   Mercedes Benz E-Class W211 - Do all estates have 7 seats? - Alanovich

That did cross my mind, GB. Needs a new steering wheel too, though. ;-) Reply to this message | Report message

Wed 31 Aug 11 14:07   Mercedes Benz E-Class W211 - Do all estates have 7 seats? - captain chaos

Here you go Alanovic. Classic car insurance too :) www.youtube.com/watch?v=uxS8P_eB5MI&NR=1 Last edited by: captain chaos on Wed 31 Aug 11 at 14:12 Reply to this message | Report message

Wed 31 Aug 11 14:15   Mercedes Benz E-Class W211 - Do all estates have 7 seats? - Boxsterboy

>> I just wish it wasn't a, well, a Mercedes. I'm a bit of a weirdo, >> I'd love an old Merc, say pre-96ish, but newer ones, well, I just don't like >> "Premium" brands in general, I suppose. >> I know what you mean, and this is partly why I am much happier driving my S-Max than the E280 estate that preceeded it! I also prefer the driving experience with the S-Max - more comfortable, nicer steering responses, etc. despite not being a 'conventional' estate. Reply to this message | Report message

Wed 31 Aug 11 14:23   Mercedes Benz E-Class W211 - Do all estates have 7 seats? - Alanovich

I'll definately look at an SMAX next year. I was in the back of a recent Galaxy 2.0TDCi the other night, and liked that very much. So far as I can tell, the interior is pretty much the same as the SMAX. This Gal was a taxi, the engine was quite, the ride was very smooth and there was no vibration at tick over (which is one of the things that bugs me about my TDi PD Galaxy). Reply to this message | Report message

Wed 31 Aug 11 15:10   Mercedes Benz E-Class W211 - Do all estates have 7 seats? - WillDeBeest

Yes, there's much to admire in the S-Max - nicer to be in than the Mondeo, if you ask me, and very pleasant to drive without being frenetic like the last BMW 3 I drove. It is awfully big on the outside, though; modern cars being as they are, if you want the space and the crash-resistance, size is the price you pay. I did an airport trip a few weeks ago in the back - well, middle - of a 2005 Galaxy and it's safe to say that had there been an S-Max and a cocked hat about... Well, you get the idea. Reply to this message | Report message

Wed 31 Aug 11 17:22   Mercedes Benz E-Class W211 - Do all estates have 7 seats? - Boxsterboy

>> This Gal was a taxi, the engine was quite, the ride was very smooth and >> there was no vibration at tick over (which is one of the things that bugs >> me about my TDi PD Galaxy). >> That's the difference between VAG diesels and PSA/Ford ones! Reply to this message | Report message

Wed 31 Aug 11 18:23   Mercedes Benz E-Class W211 - Do all estates have 7 seats? - rtj70

I once volunteered to go in the rear seat of the current model Vx Zafira. Wish I hadn't! Not much/any legroom there! Not helped by having six footers in the front passenger and also middle row. The alternative was a few hours with three a breast in the middle row mind. I stretched out across the back seats. But there was meant to be 6th person who didn't come in the end. I also regretted volunteering because of the short distance between rear of vehicle and your seat. But the roads from Belfast to Londonderry were fairly quiet to be honest. Reply to this message | Report message

Thu 1 Sep 11 09:15   Mercedes Benz E-Class W211 - Do all estates have 7 seats? - Alanovich

>> That's the difference between VAG diesels and PSA/Ford ones! >> In fairness, I've experienced the new VAG 1.6 CR TDi in two vehicles in recent months (a Golf and a Caddy), and it's almost a match for the PSA 1.6 HDi in terms of smoothness and noise. Almost, mind. Not quite. It was amazingly economical, though. Reply to this message | Report message

Thu 1 Sep 11 10:02   Mercedes Benz E-Class W211 - Do all estates have 7 seats? - Boxsterboy

Yes, perhaps I should have said "that's the difference between old VAG diesels and new PSA/Ford ones!" I had an early Sharan diesel many years ago, so I hear what you are saying (just about, above the din of the engine!). Reply to this message | Report message

Thu 1 Sep 11 10:04   Mercedes Benz E-Class W211 - Do all estates have 7 seats? - Iffy

It's still true, although the difference is not so marked as it once was. Ford diesels are a bit quieter, but a bit less economical, than VAG diesels. Reply to this message | Report message

Thu 1 Sep 11 10:09   Mercedes Benz E-Class W211 - Do all estates have 7 seats? - Alanovich

I can put up with it most of the time, but on long journies it's quite tiring. The same engine in our Golf MkIV auto is nowhere near as noisy, nor frantic. I suppose it's doing less work, but then it is detuned to 100PS whereas the Galaxy is a 115PS. The Galaxy really needs the 130PS version, but for some bizarre reason that was never an option with an automatic gearbox. I wonder why. I really, really love that little Golf. I never thought I would when I bought it, but I've become a real convert. It's on 85k miles (02 plate), and I reckon we'll have it for a long time to come yet. I suspect that I will get shot once the thing starts physically deteriorating (creaking, rattling etc) beyond acceptable levels, which I predict will happen long before it rots into the ground or the engine gives up. Could do with better seats, mind. Volvo seats, for instance. Reply to this message | Report message

Thu 1 Sep 11 10:19   Mercedes Benz E-Class W211 - Do all estates have 7 seats? - Iffy

...The Galaxy really needs the 130PS version, but for some bizarre reason that was never an option with an automatic gearbox. I wonder why... The auto box can't handle the extra torque. The Jag X-Type diesel auto didn't get the more powerful engine for the same reason. Reply to this message | Report message

Thu 1 Sep 11 10:36   Mercedes Benz E-Class W211 - Do all estates have 7 seats? - Alanovich

And there's me been considering getting a chip or remap on the Galaxy. I have a relation who is a diesel/gearbox specialist (the designer and creator of the "van Aaken Smartbox" www.dieselsmartbox.com ), and he has a chip designed for my car. Been toying with the idea of getting one for a while. He's been working in the automotive industy since the seventies (started on Formula 3 cars designing and building gearboxes, then spent a time in F1 I think) so knows his onions. He assures me it would cause the gearbox no problem. I think there were 130PS Golf/Bora autos, though. How come those have auto boxes which can take the torque but the Sharalhambralaxy doesn't? Last edited by: VxFan on Thu 1 Sep 11 at 12:50 Reply to this message | Report message

Thu 1 Sep 11 11:00   Mercedes Benz E-Class W211 - Do all estates have 7 seats? - Iffy

...How come those have auto boxes which can take the torque but the Sharalhambralaxy doesn't?... Not sure, extra weight of the Galaxy? I doubt the chip would give the 'box any bother provided the car was driven sensibly. Reply to this message | Report message