My Mercedes W204 is gone and I miss it already! Welcome the new daily!

For the last few years my S204 Mercedes C250 has been the perfect daily and I was going to keep it until it broke, but the expanding Ultra Low Emission Zones (ULEZ) meant it had t go, but what could fill those ideal shoes?
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[@Leethemetalwarrior]

Unfortunate that you had to sell a perfectly decent car, just shows the whole thing is a total sham. I can't believe your old merc didn't have cruise! New car is smart as, the interior looks a stunning place to be.

[@eddie7167]

Recently bought an Audi A5 with a 7 speed DSG box, couldn't go back to a manual now. It changes gear in a split second and the computer always seems to choose the right gear for the situation. Very impressive.

[@squeakers27]

Ashame to see the W204 go. A dependable, 100% reliable car is something you get attached to for that reason. Funnily enough older petrols aren't as effective so my father's 20 year old original RS4 is ULEZ compliant which I think is bonkers. Maybe a manual petrol estate that still does good mpg might have still been a decent price and be compliant if such a thing exists. The ULEZ makes me sick too. I live inside the proposed extended boundaries and I consider myself to live in Essex because it's that rural, it is nothing like central London. I could cross the actual greater London boundary in under 5 mins easy, that's how unlucky I've got with it. My car is only £30 tax and makes very small amounts of co2 but it's not allowed because it's not euro 6. So just getting priced off the roads, crazy to think that during this hard time, it's going to hurt the ordinary people not the stinking rich people who actually could afford to live in London.

[@furiousdriving]

those big petrols are thirsty, I found a ULEZ happy Quattroporte but it only did 18MPG!

[@Thanos.m]

Absolutely agree with everything said funnily enough my S-Type jag is ulez compliment despite doing 20mpg and having higher emissions than most diesels of the past 15 years just on the virtue its petrol

[@fritzkuhne2055]

@@Thanos.m this is just stupid. whoever did this needs to be thrown out of office

[@curtisj2165]

@@fritzkuhne2055 we had a chance to vote Sadiq Khan out, but thanks to the muslim voters he got back in

[@fritzkuhne2055]

@@curtisj2165 this is also a problem here in germany. the boomers literally gave our country away. now, the folk does not have self-determination anymore. its just a polit- circus, in which different ethnic groups fight for power.

[@Lot76CARS]

Hi Matt, nice new ‘wheels’, however going the manual route is becoming increasingly difficult.. the combination of increased auto demand, emissions and reduced manufacturing complexity will result in less power train choice. Not more! Simply put, you’ll be hard pressed to get all the things you want without going for a much older car and then you’re back to the ULEZ problem…. I’ve had countless autos for the last 10 years and I still enjoy a manual… until I get stuck in traffic… stick with it, seems a good car and you can upgrade to CarPlay with the aftermarket.

[@danielrussell446]

Totally agree some makes have virtually no manual options such as Toyota

[@1701_FyldeFlyer]

If it was up to me, I wouldnt have gone to a manual after selling my E89 Z4 but swmbo will not drive an auto. The one specification Id insist on is the auto MUST have flappy paddles as these give loads of fun.

[@greatbritannialine]

A V70 would be absolutely AMAZING! You can yet a 2016 super low mileage one with all the bells and whistles for under 15k, with a manual gearbox and fancy seats. Food for thought maybe???? Huge Volvo fan and I think it would fit really well with your 740.

[@GoldenCroc]

Dont tell him its a Mondeo under the shell though.... ;)

[@HirooKoslov]

Idk, for 15k you're getting into S90/V90 teritory, and while those don't come as manuals, they're far nicer cars than the V70

[@SuperFIFTHGEAR]

@@HirooKoslov Have to agree with you, that's base model/high miles money for an S90/V90. Has to be some of the best value on a new-ish car.

[@peterriggall8409]

Would it be ULEZ compliant though?

[@HirooKoslov]

@@peterriggall8409 Yeah, they're all post 2016 diesels

[@lloydvehicleconsulting]

Thank you for the mention, sir! Interesting that two years after driving my mother's S205, you actually ended up buying one.

[@ianjenkins4641]

A manual Merc is the kiss of death on any forecourt. I wouldn’t entertain ever buying one. Mercs have lovely auto boxes

[@furiousdriving]

a lovely auto is still a poor second. You forget Ive just P/Xd a manual C250 so know exactly what the manual is like, and its fine

[@alansimpson835]

I think the easiest way to reason with your choice is to remind yourself what the purpose of this car is on the fleet. It's the comfy, no nonsense cruiser. It's the one that, after a long day doing your day job, you can sink back into, will eat up miles with minimal fuss and will let you enjoy the tunes with a cracking system while you do. If you want a fun, involved drive where you go for a blast to enjoy driving, you have the rest of the Furious fleet for that. Plus, if a car is too capable, you'll be inclined to jump in it more at the expense of the rest of the fleet. I think you've done a good thing. My fleet ethos is similar. The modern, predictable Seat Toledo is the worker bee that can be relied on to get me to London and back in a day in comfort with loads of toys and will mile munch with Minimal expense. My Mini is the toy for fun and adventures when time, comfort and actually the need to know you'll get somewhere with out incident are less of a priority

[@x6land]

What you described is an E class. The C-class rides stiffer, grumpier and has more road/wind noice than the E class. My fathers W212 E class rides way better than my W205 C250d

[@spainter1985]

I didn't realise they came with wood on the dash, I've only ever seen the piano black plastic and yours looks way better!

[@AJC508]

Matt - if you want to feel good about that 9 speed transmission, come over to me and experience the unbridled joy of the 722.6 box. Yours will feel so quick after that. Of course, my gearbox IS mated to a m113k v8, and that more than covers the gearbox’s inadequacies. Edit: if that thing has adaptive cruise, you’ll love it after the few initial buttock clenching moments as you learn to trust the system. Edit 2: learn to left foot brake. Then you have two pedals, two paddles and four contact points. Easy to trail brake into bends whilst staying on boost, and change gears at any moment. I learned that … on a mazda6 2.2D 175 auto. Great car, you should have tried one.

[@furiousdriving]

sadly not got adaptive cruise, or Ive not found it! I like that system, weird at first great but soon great. I was keen on the Mazda, especially in that red, I might still go back to one

[@francoisworld9924]

@@furiousdriving I think the mazda will need that extra bit of TLC but minus the plastics , a lovely car x

[@davewright7512]

Hang on there’s no need to left foot brake, it’s not a BTCC car!

[@EmilysDadd]

@@davewright7512 I've left foot braked for the best part of 30 yrs .... 😉

[@danielrussell446]

@@furiousdriving soul red is a great colour personally I prefer the merc the drive mode is worth looking out I had the same with a 9 speed in a GLA200d

[@luketrend1161]

Also, you can get it to kick down prior to an overtake by holding the right paddle down for a few seconds…. That way you have a bit more control over the gearbox 😉

[@philcrockford5534]

I've had a W213 E Class for the last 5 1/2 years or so. When I bought it I asked why there was no front fog light option and the dealer just advised that the LED headlights meant that it was less of an issue than with incandescent bulbs. I have to say that having driven in fog more than once he was largely right - the spread of the light seems to work very effectively, not quite as wide as with fog lights but certainly well enough. The 9 speed auto is a peach - if the kickdown isn't as quick as you expect (which it is for the vast majority of the time) flick it into Sport!

[@kelvynmoore4882]

Correct, if your E-Class has the full MB Multibeam LED headlights there's no front fog light switch. The cameras do their work. Data from the cameras detect rain, snow, fog etc as well as relative speed and adjust the LED beam pattern accordingly.

[@markwright3161]

​@@kelvynmoore4882 That sounds like a bigger future electrical failure than with the Alfa's self leveling headlights.

[@kelvynmoore4882]

@@markwright3161 I would have to agree. With all this super tech in car systems, I'd hate to be the 4/5 owner down the line when they need repairing or replacing.

[@jonp5641]

A sad day indeed. I much prefer the looks of your original Merc, a real shame people are being forced to give up perfectly good cars that they love.

[@willwonka1325]

ULEZ is nothing to do with air quality and ALL to do with £££ Great video 👍

[@EnglishLaw]

It is certainly inconsistent. I have a C220 57 reg W204 which is ULEZ compliant, which is essential for me, but newer ones I had checked were not compliant. Mine had no DPF from factory. Odd stuff. I had a 13 reg Audi A1, which had free car tax. There must be a master formula somewhere.

[@jameshunterford4099]

Don’t be like that. It’s a fantastic car and the automatic is silky quality. Surrounded by all the lovely toys and comfort with very smart respected looks. Think of those of us who have to drive something naff and would be overjoyed at your new car.

[@alextoft9199]

I'm not sure he is being ungrateful. Nobody would turn down a nice C Class. As an enthusiast price isn't always an indication of how much you will enjoy it. I personally prefer older stuff, more character. 🙂

[@jameshunterford4099]

@@alextoft9199 I don’t think I said he was ungrateful. I was just trying to point out the positives as he sounds very negative and down at the end of the video. Also pointing out how many people out there would be overjoyed with such s lovely car. I share your sentiment on older cars though. I’m much of the same mind.

[@kaneCVR]

I understand your love for manual transmissions. All our toys (the e30, e36 and e46 compact) are manuals. In fact I just finished putting in a getrag 6 speed off an E90 325i in my 325ti compact - all that's left is getting the driveshaft shortened and balanced - but our daily drivers are both autos (e39 525d and my wife's '07 730d). While I love driving a manual, when I have lots of stuff to do and lots of km to cover changing gears becomes a chore. And don't even get me started about rush hour and stop and go traffic. Sure, it's not as fun as a manual, but when I have chores to do I don't think about driving - reflex driving is what I do - and an automatic is just more comfortable. As for the 4x4 thing... In my opinion It's just a waste of fuel... especially on a daily driven sedan/wagon (or estate as you britts call them). I've previously had an F30 325d xdrive and an F31 325d (2wd) - both automatics (ZF 8HP) Despite the F31 (3 series wagon) being larger, it got noticeably better mileage, and had better acceleration. The 4 wheel drive system adds significant weight to a car and robs the engine of torque, and while 4x4 might be required for effective acceleration in cars that make big power, it's more of a nuisance for cars with smaller engines. Another thing is the 325d xdrive tended to understeer a lot when I wanted to drive more aggressively, and it was quite noticeable in the wet.

[@stephenjcuk7562]

I miss the days when I could choose the car I wanted, not the one the maker or the local authority insists I have. Honestly it's a nice car but you have to know your Mercs to tell the differences.

[@cjmillsnun]

Should've looked at the Skoda Superb 4x4. Huge boot with the estate, 4x4 and manual.

[@danielrussell446]

Bet most are DSG most VAG cars are I had to factory special order my T Roc to get a manual 6 speed

[@dobrien757]

@@danielrussell446 in ireland half of them are autos, but you dont have to order new ones! Great cars! Very reliable

[@GrumpyToffee]

I finally relented at the beginning of the month and went for something "modern". PHEV with a DSG box - the Passat GTE. I wasn't sure how I'd get on with it but I have to say I'm really enjoying it. The icing on the cake was the trip down to Cornwall for our hols this week - did the 395 mile journey on a smidge over half a tank - loaded with four people and a boot full of luggage. Impressive.

[@christopherreed442]

I’ve been in a similar position, but mine is a VW Golf mk7.5 estate with the 2.0 tdi and dsg box. Same reason as you, wanted for space for family and travelling. Thankfully I am nor at the mercy of ULEZ yet. I’m not an auto person, manuals are just better for me. VW do not make a manual with the 2.0 diesel and GT spec. I’ve had it 2 years now and it does the job very well indeed. The car would undoubtedly give me more driving pleasure with a manual box though.

[@jameskyle380]

A few years ago I bought a 2015 26k mile Toyota Auris Hybrid Estate. Love the colour in blue. The £0 road tax and its reliable and cheap to run. Thing is my 1996 Volvo 940 auto estate with 206,000 miles puts a smile on my face. Especially when using kickdown at the lights. The Toyota is a good everyday A to B car. Hope your Merc serves your family well. I enjoy your Vids. James.

[@SuperFIFTHGEAR]

You do the same as me!! 960 owner, those old Volvos are much quicker than people give them credit for

[@tobyt6888]

Stick with it Matt. We all get buyer's remorse. Great spec and to have a sunroof is a joy - still miss my 1991 230TE sunroof. 12 months ago I bought a manual C220d wagon (pre facelift 2018) - it took me months to like it... you'd hate the SE "executive" spec - awful halogens, 17" wheels, the clutch is heavy and seems to go on forever, I forget to apply the electric parking break, so when I get out to open a gate, the car is occassionally rolling down the road. The fuel tank is 41 litres, no spare wheel, no jack.... BUT ..... it has the sunglass holder, rear camera, and when set to "sport" the gearbox does rev matching, when changing down. Didn't expect that. I like it. Coming from a 2002 E320cdi avant-garde wagon (with proper auto stick that you can "thump" left or right to change gear) this thing rolls like the 230TE around corners. Whether my left leg can hold up for the next 10 years, who knows, maybe the hand break will get me first. hah... 10,000 mile average mpg 52.5. 6th gear is 1700 revs at 70mph. AD Blue still 50% full. Bought GardX tyre guard - the tin says the tyre can be cleaned and repaired after a puncture. Merc dealer said it was pukka.

[@BRED510]

Modern cars with LED headlights tend to be all weather so they don't need foglights anymore. I think you are being slightly picky about it being an Auto, everything is becoming auto now so it's something you'll have to accept on modern stuff, most of it is pretty decent to drive, especially on something you just want to munch the miles in. Accept it and embrace it. And you are correct the ULEZ thing is killing Diesels, as its not only London it's affecting, most other major cities are following suit.

[@MrGaryRoberton]

The truly bizarre thing is in Canada the Standard transmission vehicles tend to be the wallflowers at the dealers, waiting for someone who likes to not be bored to come along. Since the chip shortage, this has changed, but not much. I used to see used Toyota's with stick shifts priced thousands less that autoboxes....

[@michaeltutty1540]

The autobox was often a $1,500 or even $2,000 optional extra, which explains the price difference. I would not have any new automatic. They will not last because the torque converter lock up is meant to slip. Lucky to see 120,000 miles out of one. The AW-70 in my Volvo is at 616,000 km and still works like new.

[@andyarmstrong1493]

Sorry you miss the old one so much, hopefully you'll come to terms with the auto. It should be easier on those long trips. Love the wet patch worry!

[@peteredwards7872]

In my humble opinion you have not made a mistake. I had an identical car for 18 months and there’s not a day goes by that I don’t miss it (currently driving a diesel C Max). I’d happily swap😂😂

[@LeighParkin]

Aww, loved the 204. Lovely 205 though. The auto will make you really want to keep the Alfa and vi on the road now, so small win 😂

[@robshipway2269]

15 years ago, I wanted to get exchange my Ford Focus 1.8 TDCI Y reg car for a used Honda Civic. Both my Focus and the secondhand Civic I was going for where manual cars. However, before I could test drive the secondhand Civic it had been sold. The garage asked if I would be interested in buying brand new instead, to which I said yes. The Mk8 Honda Civic I test drove was semi-automatic. Yes, it had the push paddles on the steering wheel and no clutch where i could change the gears myself, but it also had the automatic mode where if my left leg was hurting or my left arm was hurting I could still drive my car. Well, I ended up buying a brand new Honda Civic 1.8 I-VTEC EX with the semi automatic gear box and have actually enjoyed my driving over the last 15 years in it as it gives me the choice of how I want to drive the car. Admittedly, most of the time I have put it into automatic mode. But the car is pretty quick on the pickup of speed even in auto mode and it will quite happily do 35mpg.

[@Charlie4pants]

I sympathise. I went from a manual Audi A5 to an automatic A6. Both three litre oil burners, the A5 with 240bhp and the A6 with 340bhp. The A5 was engaging, responsive, involving, whereas the A6 was bland and soulless. I too deeply regretted the change.

[@Blaa_Boi]

I've actually just picked up a 08 C200 Kompressor. One owner and only 97k miles on the clock, but she's a thirsty thing with the 5 speed auto 27-36mpg, my first automatic as well but it is built like a tank, not a single squeak or rattle in the interior and the original mats are still in perfect condition. Other than the tan interior and broken headrests, I've actually fallen in love with it, now it just needs a head unit upgrade so I can have Android Auto and a rear view camera. If anyone on here has any suggestions they would be appreciated.

[@neilsheppard6673]

Hi Matt, I think only time will tell. Give it a few months and see, I hope you will get used to it as that is a beautiful car. My current ride and the one before it is an auto because I specifically wanted that. I have a 16 mile each way commute, about 10 miles motorway and the rest stop/start bumper-to-bumper, on and off the clutch, neutral, 1st, 2nd, rinse and repeat. In the end I'd had enough. Now, driving an auto is a dream by comparison. But to each their own. As I said, a lovely motor, I really hope you get to like it. Good luck! PS. The first half of the video looks like deleted scenes from Duel, with that artic you overtook following you! 😀

[@ruk2023--]

Use the paddle shifters when you want some control over shift delays - they aren't going to replace a manual though, or get a BMW because they have quicker thinking auto boxes, or put the car in sport mode if it has one.

[@danielrussell446]

Would have one being an AMG edition

[@neilw3149]

Sorry to hear you had to sell the trusty old Merc, new one does look nice though! Agree with the PCP especially in these times! Having the same thing with my Alfa 159 diesel and driving in Brum, luckily I avoid driving through the centre if possible but it's really a waste of good cars and picking on the poor folks who can't upgrade!

[@Blackmamba12345]

Good, if you can’t afford it then don’t. Enough cars on the road as it is.

[@neilw3149]

@@Blackmamba12345 Well I actually use my ULEZ compliant vehicle so I'm fine for funds - it's all good in the hood (of my ULEZ car). The issue here is that people who do need a car for work, struggling already with the cost of living and who do some of the hardest and most underappreciated jobs can't always just say, jeez oh well, that's me out of the game... Perhaps they can use the cheap trains (strike action) or trams that have been out of action for over a year! Maybe a troll road... Oh I mean toll road pricing system! Anyway, loved your work in Home Alone!

[@lordbungle6235]

Old Mother Bungle lives in London, Ulez means the only vehicle I can drive in for free is my 1979 Transit. I don't need an estate so looking around and putting my evil head on, I have decided my next car will be a mid 70's Rolls Royce, oh 15 mpg is about what I get in the camper, But I can pick a Rolls up that needs paint and body work for less than I paid for the camper and the insurance (I got a quote is under £190 a year fully comp for me) Tax free Mot Exempt. So if you see a 70's shadow in Matt Black with Dayglo wheels (Got to upset the purists ) driven by a 6 5 bloke with a Mohawk, Wave at me 😁

[@richfixescars]

Lovely car, you will get used to the auto, will make your driving more relaxed. Manuals are for sports cars, when your working or long journeys autos are best. Use the paddles or dynamic modes to improve the response. PCPs are just like bank loans, call up get a settlement figure. Air quality is bad in cities, people die of cancer, lung disease, asthma, so this is why we have to have ULEZ, because people won't do the right thing on their own.

[@aaronbensi9723]

You will get use to to it mate.. especially in heavy traffic there Fantastic.. once l changed to an automatic for a daily.. l will never go back to a stick.. All my classics are stick .. so l have my fun there..

[@VeyronBD]

We dont have any ULEZ zones in northern ireland, so I was kind of wondering.. How do they even enforce this? Surely you can just get away without paying 95% of the time? Anyway, the whole idea is the most visible example of taxing the poor I think ive ever seen.

[@furiousdriving]

ANPR cameras on all the roads as you drive in, and inside them, so you're clocked if the car moves. You have to go online to pay if you went in, if not you get a massive fine. You also cant check if you did go in by mistake or not, so if in doubt you have to pay just in case

[@VeyronBD]

@@furiousdriving Ah I see, that really doesnt leave any choice then. Best of luck with the new merc regardless, I've yet to drive an automatic of any form but I can imagine it does suck the fun out entirely in some cars.

[@seancooke7332]

I've often wondered exactly how much we in Northern Ireland could influence the quality of the air. Surely there are hardly enough of us here to cause much pollution compared to other heavily populated countries.

[@davewright7512]

Surely that spec of car was a showroom/demo or even maybe a press car? Put the gearbox in sport or the equivalent to make it more responsive

[@LGaragem]

Awesome, I was sad at first, but I'm glad it was replaced by another Benz!

[@pit_stop77]

Matt, since going auto with my hybrid, I've never looked back. It's the perfect car for heavy traffic where you don't want to be constantly changing gears.

[@furiousdriving]

I do lanes more than traffic so it'll be hated more than loved

[@Stars_Falling_93]

I can so much understand your reservations about the auto gearbox. I didn't buy cars that ticked all the other boxes, just because they had an automatic gearbox. Seems there are less and less people who get the appeal of a manual. I'm very curious how you will like the new Merc in the longer run. It's a stunningly nice car! Although such a shame you had to sell the old one. Those emission zones only induce a lot of waste.

[@m44kts]

Good choice and a very nice spec. you have there, especially with the nicer 19” wheels. A few years ago I was looking for something to replace a VW Arteon, I’d settled for a C Class estate, exactly what you have. Apart from, I was very picky with the spec., I wanted adaptive cruise and the 360° camera, it was impossible to find one as I’d be looking at Premium Plus with options on top. They just didn’t seem to exist. In the end, it was either starship mileage or they were incredibly expensive. I ended up going for a 4 month old ex-demo Volvo V90 that was roughly the same cost as a 3 year old C Class. No brainer really.

[@paulghosal6736]

Nice car Matt but a travesty to have to sell the w204. I suspect you won’t have it for too long. I had the C200 petrol fully specced version of the W205 - absolutely beautiful to sit in, competent, smooth and reliable however it was dull to drive and I felt that it had far too many electric aids which in the end I found annoying. I’ve gone back to a W204 just because I prefer the styling and think it’s better built. As for ULEZ - ill thought through strategy.

[@MaximilianvonPinneberg]

I miss my W204, 250,000 miles from new in it. Amazing car.

[@alextoft9199]

I still love driving our 2006 C220 diesel Avantgarde. I still love the way it looks. I like the sound of the engine. It's good character, but it's really smooth and refined at the same time. I like your new addition but like you say. A bit too modern and not involving maybe? Interesting to see how you get on.

[@dwyerwazere]

Yep I flew from Inverness to Stansted to save nearly £3 000 on a used car. I can see the pros of protecting the environment but the frustration of Ulez it doesn't seem fair on someone who just wants a run about.

[@brusselssprouts560]

To be converse, I regret buying a 6 speed diesel manual rather than the equivalent 6 speed auto. I was very very tempted with the auto, because with the electronic handbrake it was point and go, and with Sport mode it was like two cars in one. I decided on the manual because it was zero road tax as opposed to £30 per year for the auto, and, even at the moment, I can afford £2.50 per month.

[@michaeltutty1540]

The idiot electric hand brake would make me run far, far away. A rotten idea. A safety feature should not run through the computer.

[@mikes747]

I used to run a top of the range 03 Honda accord tourer and that was ulez compliant! You should've gone for something like that and kept the other Merc!

[@tubaman66]

The DVLA site says you have to pay the higher rate of car tax (for cars over £40K new) for 5 years from the second year it is taxed. I read that as being years 2 through to 6, so I think they are correct in what they've charged you.

[@paulmussett94]

Manuals are very rare. I had the saloon 220cdi AMG..........but couldn’t get along with a manual box. I sold it for a BMW 320d touring shadow edition with the ZF gearbox. Absolutely sublime car............I do have an 09 S204 with the autobox as a daily hack and it’s a great all rounder!

[@andrewstones2921]

I sold my W204 and regretted it ever since. Fabulous cars, mine was a petrol and the last of the 1.8 Supercharged models.

[@giulianomarco]

"You can't always get what you want, but if you try sometimes, you just might find, you get what you need..." 😄

[@turtle3393]

Hi Matt Odd the 2 small round interior lights under the rear view mirror when driving keep flashing on and off- did you spot that? Watch the first few mins on the drive. Hope all is well. I think for the longer trips you have to do this will save your overall well being and you have some manuals to use when not working. Lee

[@linseyyoung1772]

The new LEZ here in Edinburgh means I can't drive my 01 Audi A2 1.4 tdi into the city centre but I CAN drive my '92 Transit 2.5di since that's 30 year old and is classed as a historic vehicle for the purposes of the LEZ. Unfortunately DVLA's definition is different so it's still liable for road tax..

[@scottishcarenthusiastsandtrain]

One reason I got rid of my 75 is the Edinburgh LEZ zone, means I cannot drive into work for when I need it!

[@furiousdriving]

Only 10 years to go!

[@linseyyoung1772]

@@furiousdriving I've had the old lumpen thing for 10 years next month - halfway there! Although I do begrudge that it *used* to be tax exemption at 30... That was a certain Mr G. Brown responsible for that little bit of meanness if I recall correctly...

[@danielrussell446]

Hi Matt such a lovely car I don’t know now but back in the day the Daimler Benz autos were fantastic and so easy to drive and the manual gearbox cars were not popular when I was a technician most were automatic you didn’t see many manuals and I would suspect there are far many auto cars still about given the class Mercedes used to do 4 matic on the 124 with auto At the end of the day try it and see how you get on but my wife is like you I was looking at a golf estate and she couldn’t get on with DSG so had a mk8 hatch manual I am fine with it but she felt out of control a bit

[@SB4me]

The W204/S204 is an amazing car. 2011 S204 Estate Wagon and the car is like new 12 years later. The best car I’ve owned.

[@ktmmark]

The amazing w204 face lift Estate. It's the only car i have owned Twice as i just Brought it Back after i sold it 5 years ago and it's a Manual .

[@peterbroad1772]

I have a similar car in the fantastic brilliant blue - I much prefer it to the W204. You have got fog lights. The matrix headlamps reconfigure themselves when you press the button - same as when you switch to LH/RH driving. You don't need separate units. I love the 9 speed auto. The "E" mode isn't a waste of time as well as changing the shift point in enables the coasting mode in I think the top 3 gears. The "D" goes green when it is active. The dark open grain wood is lovely but it is a very easy swap for the centre console and I actually prefer the brushed stainless steel on the doors. For various reasons I went back to petrol and I'm happy enough with even the smaller engine - people warned me it was "slow" at 0-60 in 8.4 seconds but it's enough. What I do miss is a spare wheel because your tyre choices are limited by the gunk in a can solution. The luggage compartment under the cover is also only 480 litres so is smaller than you think. I like the Artico more than actual leather. I'm thinking about retrimming my P6 in the same stuff - we have scary similar taste in cars but I'd take the Chevy impala SS over the crown Vic.. (sorry).

[@furiousdriving]

I like Gliding mode, nice way to save fuel! I did hunt for the wood trim on ebay, its about £500 for the set. Ive seen W205 spare wheels on eBay but not investigated if that actually fit!

[@jkk244]

Argh! An automatic!? As an American it’s very difficult to keep owning manual transmission cars - they are rare here - but in nearly 50 years of driving I’m proud to say I’ve never owned an automatic.

[@johncallaghan4616]

Lovely car, and agree with @Lee Smith on the element of “sham” - don’t worry about the automatic issue - you’ll get used to her soon enough, and you’ve always got the Classics to go back to for some “shift action” !

[@simon.revill]

I’ve got an automatic W204 facelift and I’m so pleased with the automatic, I had completely had enough of driving 35K a year with a manual box. The flappy paddle semi-manual mode provides the control and manual interaction when I want it (the throttle response is more immediate and that mode is better for pulling off of roundabouts). The sport mode has a more instant response and makes the engine feel more “torquier” / responsive / faster (just be smooth and “squeeze” the throttle, don’t stab at it). The economic E mode is effortless to drive, suits my driving style (yes, only preference would be that it dropped down the gears sooner, to avoid the lag). In any mode though, you’ll accelerate faster than manual box cars because of the quick efficient change (which I find makes a positive difference to making progress on roundabout heavy A roads). If you do a lot of miles, stick with it and then see who you feel. Save the manual box fun for the weekend driver.

[@michaeltutty1540]

That lag in E mode is dangerous. Period. In an emergency, there is no time to change modes, nor to be dealing with a computer that thinks last month's driving has any influence about right now. Worst idea going. That and engines with no torque low down.

[@simon.revill]

@Michael Tutty I understand what you mean, that split second when you need the torque, it’s not there. But, after 100K of miles, I wouldn’t call it dangerous - with driving that is safe and observant with forward planning. If there is a situation with lots of traffic and the lag could be an issue, that upcoming situation would be observed and the gearbox mode changed to suit the conditions, plenty of time in advance.

[@gleng6812]

It's a shame about ulez it's absolutely madness! This C250 is beautiful I have the same model it definitely eats the miles comfortably. On the gearbox you need to set up your own I mode on dynamic and set the driving mode to Sport. It makes no difference to fuel economy but the gearbox steps down more like the way you want. The standard Comfort mode is a bit naff

[@michaeltutty1540]

This is where I have a monster problem with electronically controlled transmissions. All of them. Forget modes. Forget transmissions that "learn". Dangerous in some conditions. If I have an automatic, I want it to do what I want right now, this instant. It can make the difference between "Whew, that was close" and "Someone best call an ambulance and a tow truck". The old hydraulic/vacuum controlled automatics behaved according to the demand right now, not according to conditions a month ago.

[@dominotr7]

I had a company car Mazda 6 sport estate for 4 years. Lovely looking car. Bland infotainment system and utterly unreliable. In 4 years and only 65,000 miles (thanks to lockdown) it still managed to go through 4 sets of front discs and pads, re-skimmed front discs within 3 months from new! And even a set of rear discs, as that was what the Mazda Master Tech who examined the car when Mazda took it back for 2 full weeks to investigate the issues decided was the cause. It used to develop an unpleasant rumble under braking and eventually would get so bad, it could be felt though the chassis. New brakes always seemed to fix for short term. They never fully resolved the issue. The other problem, as you say was with the diesel engines. They had a load of issues with bunged up dpfs. The way they resolved was, apparently to force an active regen after only a couple of hundred miles. Meaning on a long trip, the economy might look reasonable, then suddenly drop dramatically as it ran its regen cycle. For a diesel the economy return was frankly woeful. And with the relatively high emissions for BIK and the brake issues I was glad to see the back of it. Oh, and the boot space isn’t as good as you might think. My previous Octavia estate was much, much better in all aspects.

[@furiousdriving]

sounds like I had a lucky escape!

[@dominotr7]

A shame, was more form over function sadly. Were none of the Skoda estates ULEZ compliant? The Octavia is a capable load-lugger and the Superb is cavernous. Both available in manual as well?

[@curtisj2165]

I live in the recently expanded ulez zone, scrapped my Mondeo mk3 diesel for a mk4 petrol. My wife's Mercedes b class W246 is not compliant, but fortunately is disabled tax car. Nothing wrong with the car but will fall foul of ulez when the sunset period runs out. This is madness

[@tom5001]

A Skoda superb would have been another option. Especially in L&k trim

[@furiousdriving]

I did look at them, they hold their value incredibly well

[@MaximilianvonPinneberg]

Hard to find one that’s not been a taxi.

[@paulie-Gualtieri.]

Absolutely Tom, my mate Absolutely loves his 2012 170 CRD DSG L&K estate, it's been bulletproof, 47mpg around town and 63mpg on a long run.

[@SuperFIFTHGEAR]

@@paulie-Gualtieri. That one won't be ULEZ compliant though :(

[@paulie-Gualtieri.]

@@SuperFIFTHGEAR Yeah it's BS isn't it, this doesn't smoke, runs like a dream, pulls like a train, great economy, but a 1970s Ford Transit with far higher emissions is perfectly fine to drive into London, absolutely clown world we live in now.

[@williamstarr8293]

Great choice buddy, but I do agree with you that the w204 has nicer styling than the newer models but a great choice and great looking car still! Also I have a manual and much prefer driving manuals, I drive an auto van for work however my dad has offered me his DGS GTTdi sirocco for a very good deal and I’m interested but very worried about the auto long term if il hate it or love it in the long term, great gearbox just a little dull and boring to drive

[@furiousdriving]

Im 1500 miles in and really finding it dull, even things like my favourite 'drop it in 3rd and hammer it' bends just before I get home are no fun, even with the silly paddles. Im going to go back to manual unless I wind up with a hybrid or EV

[@williamstarr8293]

@@furiousdriving yeah I understand that, however a lot of my driving is sitting in traffic on the a23 from Brighton to Gatwick air port so I’m a way the auto is appealing but also really boring😂

[@juliancaston9598]

Matt, I feel your pain regarding automatic transmissions, like you I much prefer a manual gearbox as you are much more in control ...furthermore they are less complex and less likely to malfunction what with sll the electronic, valves and solenoids and pressure galleries that could clog up if the transmission fluids get dirty and contaminated. Manuals are splash fed with oil and and far less likely to go wrong . Keep the car and give it a chance before making any decisions whether to change again.

[@furiousdriving]

Its got a week...

[@vidfletch]

Some cars dont suit a manual and it also depends where and how you drive. However, in this case, in that car and doing motorway miles etc, you wont even notice the lack of a manual!

[@CaptainHoratioPugwash]

I was thinking much the same as yourself. An auto in a big estate car for the daily chores is ideal. I didn't think I'd like an auto car until I owned an auto E39 5 Series; turns out plonking it in D and forgetting about it after a long day at work was wonderful and changed driving in traffic from a chore to an opportunity to relax.

[@vidfletch]

@@CaptainHoratioPugwash Exactly. I had a mk7.5 Golf Gti for a week as a courtesy car. It was fantastic but had the stupid flappy paddle DSG box. Didnt suit it at all and who really goes on a track? However, currently looking for VW Passat or Skoda Superb estate which will be having the auto!

[@danielrussell446]

@@vidfletch I had the reverse I love my VAG cars and I wanted a golf 7.5 estate as my sons were growing and as the 8 had come out it was run out models available so all DSG I loved it but my wife did not and she doesn’t like auto at all So compromise was a golf 8 hatchback one of the first made with 6 speed manual!

[@jo05dk]

Sad to see the 204 go. I really like that generation C-class. That said: The new one is by far the better spec for a daily, imho. Don't think i would want to change anything about it, gearbox included. I prefer N/A engines and manual gearboxes for the fun cars, but an autobox and turbo torque is a lovely thing to have in a daily. Congratulations, and best of luck getting to know and hopefully love it.

[@alanbellwood3902]

The satin metal damage is TFR. I Detail loads of mercs it buffs off with a Mini Rotary and autosol or compound.

[@furiousdriving]

thanks, Ill be sure not to use that on the trim, I prefer snow foam unless theres really bad dirt.

[@alanbellwood3902]

@@furiousdriving Yes TFR is deadly stuff and Mercs which tend to.be company vehicles when new or cleaned at carwashes suffer a lot. I correct a lot of that type of damage especially on the black trims which look like they have purple spots. Same method works on Piano Black interior trims with scratches.

[@paulillingworth1242]

This ulez is almost criminal, the awful hopeless mayor London doesn’t care, they just want to price us all off the road, if we all go electric (assuming there’s enough grid capacity to charge up , and lithium) I wonder where they’ll get their cash cow from? It’s a catastrophe this forcing good cars off the road.

[@cold5319]

As someone who suffers from severe asthma the ULEZ is making my life much less stressful

[@matthewking5612]

Come on, the right to breath clean air is surely more important?

[@GentilsGarage]

The ULEZ project was started by our current PM when he was a Mayor. Regardless of the political colour, the motorist is already in for a bumpy ride… and things will only get worse.

[@unbalancedcrank]

Cars don’t belong in cities. It’s a 20th century idea that blighted everything. More advanced countries are moving away from those old ways quickly, the best already have.

[@GoldenCroc]

@@cold5319 Its doubtful it affects you asthma. Especially since there is no fixed value of emissions. If it really does ( I doubt it), you are one of a very unlucky few.

[@luketrend1161]

Dude, if you don’t like that it’s auto (and I think the auto box is silky smooth) you can setup a pure manual mode in the individual drive mode…. Then use the paddles like you’re Lando Norris 😎

[@kelvynmoore4882]

Pragmatically and realistically, no one manufacturer can invest the money, time and resource in producing the 'best in class' across all their offerings. There's only one Mercedes estate that MB will throw all their resources at. It has to be a 'halo' product that MUST be the best in class as it projects the brand. That estate is the E-Class Estate/Combi. I've had 4. Best car in the real world with kids, dogs and towing a small trailer. I'm afraid the C-Class estate is bettered by many rivals. Octavia estate springs to mind.

[@thisiszaphod]

Loving the new wheels - it would not have been my cuppa or on my radar, TBH. Pity the V70 lost out in the head to head - especially after the extended test drive you did on one - you seemed won over. I love my automatic and I love my manuals - I think that is the approach to take.

[@furiousdriving]

It was the V90 I was lucky enough to borrow, I looked at the smaller v60 but they are still over budget so was thinking v70

[@thisiszaphod]

Sorry V90. I realised after I had typed it, on going back to work! Enjoy - I expect she will grow on you. We are both lucky in have fun cars for non-work days.

[@rockatansky1305]

Surely you must have had a decent test run to ascertain the auto over the manual.? Or am I missing something?

[@furiousdriving]

You cant get the options I wanted with manual, Ive driven a C200 but its worse when you know youre stuck with it

[@BlackLines]

Matt the ridiculousness of it is that my Audi A6 3.0 TDI V6 (2009) is not ULEZ compliant despite touching 30mpg around town .... if I were to "upgrade" it to an older S8 with a 5.2 litre V10 with a whopping 14mpg around town ... that is ULEZ compliant, lol. I would love for someone to explain to my how that makes sense - it's a joke.

[@sambarker7930]

It’s a great shame that the older Merc isn’t ULEZ compliant, but seems the new one is a good alternative. AdBlue is just a can of worms though. Constantly goes wrong, and if it does you can only drive for 500 miles before the car refuses to start. Honestly it would put me off of a newer diesel

[@TheMentalblockrock]

They'll only move the goal posts and your car will no longer be ULEZ.

[@paulie-Gualtieri.]

Adblue It's pig pìss isn't it?

[@GoldenCroc]

Is adblue going wrong a mercedes thing? Seems to work well enough on most cars I have driven, some a lot of miles, to say the least.

[@bmwman1981]

When the adblue packs up you can get it mapped out so you remove the issue with adblue

[@brianiswrong]

In 43'000 miles with my adblue Berlingo van,it hasn't given me any issues, I can push a button and it will show 1700 miles befor top up or I can wait and it will warn me on start up that I have 1000, 900,800 miles etc to go. Only thing I find terrible is the funnel the 10litre bottle come with (the 5 litre bottles don't even have one) are the cheapest,leakiest thing .

[@leonardosimm3536]

I used to drive a lot for work; always manuals, and swore I'd never like automatics. Twenty years ago I moved to Canada, the land of huge distances and long straightish, boring roads. I've owned manuals (not always easy to find), tiptronic-style autos and full autos. Maybe it's age, but I've grown out of manuals; on these roads they're unnecessary and wasted. Maybe you too will come to love an auto box? Hope so for your peace of mind...

[@wessmith3161]

An auto on this kind of car just makes so much sense. I prefer manuals myself but only on cars that should be manual. A big Autobahn mile muncher has to be auto.

[@Banglish123]

Ulez gets as close to Kent as Shooters Hill but not in Kent. Yet. My Mk3 2001 mondeo 2.0 petrol which I paid £590 for in summer 2019 is now currently worth over £2k because of ULEZ. Crazy.

[@UnusSedLeo-w5l]

7:15 The Datsun Sunny is the one to have ;-). The Merc ain't bad either, though.

[@timprice5]

I am slightly sad to see the S204 go but the 205 is a lovely car. The auto box adaptations can be reset by a specialist and it will start to adapt to how you drive rather than the previous owner. Its a brilliant box. My dad has a 68 plate E220d AMG Line Premium and its a beautiful car. Good choice!

[@toppledgod]

The best way to adapt to an automatic is to use it as an excuse to stop haring around, Frustration with it will ease when you stop expecting it to do things it's never going to do.

[@Spookieham]

I think an auto for your daily drive especially in traffic is a very good idea. Manual for the weekends and fun time.

[@danielrussell446]

And an old fashioned slush box in the crown vic

[@dorbellbuster2011]

I thought Back in February When My Micras Gearbox Gave up the Ghost, And couldn't sorce another one. I sadly Sold the Micra for Scrap. After Dearly Loving that Little Car and having it For 8 and a Half years. I felt Absolutely Miserable about Matters. However It's Replacement A Lovely Low Mileage Rover 45 Impression S3 from 2003. My 1st drive Home with it, Don't Get me Wrong, I liked the Car and Everything, However I felt a Similar Kind of Way that You had on this Video, If a BMW Slams into the Back of it Big wow I was thinking. It was all because I thought Before I Get too Attached to it and all that Jargon. 4 weeks with the Rover, Inlet Manifold Started to present Problems. Oh the Joy's. Now that's been Sorted. At the Moment. I am Rather Enjoying My Rover 45. It will Never be what the Micra was, However one big thing I never really Picked up on Between the two, That is I feel far Safer In the Rover than I ever Did in the Micra. More so given the sheer Size of Cars today. It's pretty comfortable too I don't seem to Ache As much in the Rover as I did in the Micra. Though Common Micra thing. The Foam in the Seat does Break down and go all weird After a Time. at the Moment I hope to Have this Rover for Some time. Already Been to Birmingham in it and it's CAZ Free. Something the Micra wouldn't of been Strangely. Your Mercedes (New One) Is a Really Nice place to be. However I do agree also about Autos. I just happen to Own an Auto and Everyday? I couldn't do it.

[@ian0401]

Wow Matt for a daily a DSG is a must for me, and adaptive cruise. I do 50k a year and the thought of a manual curls my toes. The downside of a merc is the lack of touchscreen and CarPlay! That’s the worst for me, I wouldn’t even entertain a merc because of it. Just taken a 2017 E220d to the alps and it was outstanding but the nav and UI was truly rubbish.

[@piovo5222]

Dsgs are not worth it in the long run, gotta service every 20-30k compared to 60-80k on torque converters.

[@ian0401]

@@piovo5222 my Vw is every 40- 60k so it’s a once a year deal for me. Not a big problem, just an extra £100 on the service bill from a VAG specialist

[@RobertSmith-di5ll]

I sold my E320 wagon - great car - economical (35) - reliable - only 150000 - 140 mph - under 10 sec to 60 - dumped because of ULEZ

[@mickdebrou4567]

Damned if you do, damned if you don't! You do I think get most of your pleasure of driving from your classics so now you'll appreciate them even more.

[@Kacpa2]

It might be on Mercedes themselves. They pushed towards making manual look like shifter for the poor. Taking away engine options(like s204 had v6 technicly woth a manaul in c280/c300, but it lost it after facelift) Same thing most likely happened with trim levels.

[@furiousdriving]

It is, and other makers, partly to cost save multiple transmission options and also to push the price up

[@solent7430]

I’m at the same point with my W204 Coupe. Nothing wrong with it, reliable, comfortable, economical just as you say. I just can’t find anything to replace it within a decent budget. Luckily I’m never in London and far enough away to not be affected by ULEZ (yet). Madness isn’t it 🤷‍♂️

[@wilmotandrobottom]

Very surprised that it doesn’t have CarPlay, plug in your phone and see what happens, if not it can definitely be added on with a few simple tweaks

[@furiousdriving]

it definitely doesnt, need to sort that

[@roseybut]

The sort of people who buy that sort of car new (I still think of Mercs as an older persons car) with that spec are not going to want to change gear themselves. It is a luxury cruiser, with sporting pretentions, for wafting about in. The Jury is out as to whether it stays or goes. If your really hate Autos as much as you say (I love them) it's got to go??? Hello V70?? On a side note I totally agree with your comments on EV's " if they had twice the range and were half the price" I to would consider one.

[@martind511]

The high rate for car tax is for the first 6 years (as I have learned the hard way). The dvla says you have to pay the additional £355 per year for 5 years (from the second time the vehicle is taxed).

[@ImmediateWalter]

Well, It's a big change so it will take you at least a couple of weeks if not a month at minimum to start to feel "normal". There aren't many "Premium" cars sold as manuals and as you said they are usually very poorly equipped (as the manual is usually paired only to the base engine).

[@jimbofaulty]

look on the bright side, you haven't got a duel mass flywheel to replace at great expense

[@cornishrider]

Very interesting as I have a final edition 2014 S204 250 AMG Premium Plus Auto, recently had a C205 2020 C220d loan car with the 9 speed and found it a dream. Your new car is a fabulous spec, over look the gearbox and treat the car as a work tool 😉

[@liamcinq]

I've got a 204 just now, like you I think it's a great car but just not exciting. I am an auto convert, can't be bothered with Spanish cars anymore (Manuel). Don't be too hasty, the 205 will win you over.

[@carsyoungtimerfreak1149]

I hate the reason you had to sell your old Merc. Then again... wow, you did get yourself a very, very nice replacement, congratulations! It will be just a few short years and we have to go EV for our daily driver. I am seriously looking into this and offloading my hobby cars. I am moving (sort of back) to motorcycles. They are impacted to by the green fascists (and yes, to me that is a correct description if you look at the meaning of the word) a lot less and very good fun. And a lot cheaper on petrol, yet quite expensive on parts (I'm riding Honda's)...

[@newkidd9129]

The tax for >£40k is effectively for the first six years, as the initial Year 0 payment doesn't count, so it's five years from Year 1 to end of Year 6. Sorry. (Don't ask me how I know!)

[@seancooke7332]

Yes it is lovely, very lovely. Your S204 without the Blue Efficiency is, I have heard, very much less complex and pernickity but this is the silly burden shoved on to diesel manufacturers and owners. I am disappointed though because I was hoping to see a 2016 Ford Mondeo Titanium with all the toys so that you could have another stab at the Bangernomics.

[@furiousdriving]

once bitten and all that...but a 2016 Mondeo isn't far off the price of this, and if you're taking a loan for something it might as well be a bit nice!