As I'm getting rather board of my C180, I'm thinking of looking at the following;

"1995 Mercedes E220 Coupe. Metallic Black, Parchment leather, wood. Sportline suspension, private plate, FSH, Very low miles. 1 lady owner. full MOT. Like new"

I was wondering if theres any thing to look out for on these.
Was the 220 a good engine?
What exactly was the 'sportline' option, I beleave it wasn't just suspension? How can you tell if it is a 'sportline', or whether someone just put lowered springs on!

Thanks in advance,
Jason.

 

First I would suggest get a 300E (inline 6). The 220E (2200cc) was the follower of the 230E (2300cc), very good and reliable cars, but the 220E was in the market only for some years and with the W210 they had the engine volume back to 2300cc. For my taste this engine is too small for that size car. My opinion is a MB shall at least have 6 cylinders for a smooth ride.
May this is the reason you get bored with your C180.
Sportline was basically a lowered base and a harder suspension. It had the checkered seat covers and checkered door linings, and an emblem "Sportline" on each front fender (or shall I rather say wing). Part of the W124 coupes came with a 3000cc 24 valve engine (great performance). If one of those details are missing it's obviously a back yard garage conversion only. But I dont think the older lady you want this baby to buy from had the know how to convert a regular to sportline :-))

 

Sadly the car wasn't upto much, it looked fine but the engine had a leak and sounded worn, and the doors and seats didn't lock.

I am thinking at looking at these;

1994 M Reg Mercedes-benz E-Class 2.2cc E220 Coupe,
Petrol, Automatic, white, 2 Doors. ABS, Adjustable Seat Height, Air Bags, Alarm/Imobiliser, Central Door Locking, Electric Mirror, Electric Slide/Tilt Sunroof, Electric Windows, Power-Assisted Steering, Velour Upholstery, Warranty, Wood Trim. excellent condition F.M.S.H viewing highly recommended average miles £5,750.

K Reg 92 Mercedes-benz 220 2.2 CE 16v
Blue, Coupe, 34,000 miles , 2 Doors. ABS, Adjustable Seat Lumbar Support, Adjustable Steering Column, Air Bag, Air-Conditioning, Alarm, Automatic Transmission, Central Door Locking, Electric Sunroof, Electric Windows, In Car Entertainment, Leather Trim, One Owner, Power-Assisted Steering, Wood Trim. full service history £7.995.

Is it worth paying almost an extra £2,500 for low miles, leather and air-con on a car two years older?
Neither are sportline editions.

I did look at a nice E320 Coupe.
But in most books I've got the 6 cylinders show to only return around 20 urban. Considering I can spend £40 per week on fuel in my C180 (30mpg), the extra fuel costs and higher insurance admittedly put me off.
I'm not too concerned about the re-sale value as I tend to keep my cars for several years and in 6 or 7 years I know I'll get back more than I would if I bought say a Mondeo or Vectra!
I'm happy enough with the performance and smoothness of my C180, but I just don't have any enthusiasm for it like I had with my old W123 coupe or any of my previous Mercs. It just doesn't seem to have any character!