2008 Mercedes-Benz B180 Reviews

From time to time you may have read my mutterings that fashion takes precedence over function in cars far too often. Which is why I admire the Mercedes-Benz B-Class so much, it's a major case of function pushing fashion aside. It is immensely practical, with a spacious interior (you need a large Mercedes S-Class to get more rear legroom), a tall seating position that provides good visibility, and variable luggage space that can be tailored in many ways.Mercedes-Benz B-Class is smaller on the outside than most compact SUVs so easier and safer to drive, as well as being lighter and therefore more economical and cleaner.Access to the rear seats through wide opening doors is excellent. As befits any mover, the Merc has numerous stowage areas including a handy centre console and sensible door pockets.The B-Class was launched in Australia in May 2005. Some are getting on in years, but with good maintenance and sensible driving should still have plenty of life left in them. As befits such a sensible vehicle it remained on sale for almost seven years, albeit with upgrades and a mild facelift until April 2012 when an all-new model was launched.Petrol, turbo-petrol and turbo-diesel engines are on offer, with the turbo-petrol units providing performance that can almost be called sporting in the latest, 2012, generation.There's a solid, quiet, refined feel in the Benz B-Class that belies it size. It's not quite as quiet and smooth to ride in as the larger Merc sedans, but it comes impressively close.Handling is pretty good for a mid-sized front-wheel-drive car, with decent balance, and minimal understeer at normal speeds. Exceed sensible cornering efforts and it remains controllable, with electronic aids moving in to help when required.These small Benzes aren't cheap in absolute terms, but you do get some excellent engineering and good build quality. Many owners are happy to pay thousands extra so they can be seen sitting behind that famed three-pointed star.Mercedes-Benz is well represented in almost all areas of areas of Australia, even in the far outback as diesel Mercedes cars have been a favourite with Aussie farmers for decades.Many owners get all their work done at Mercedes-Benz dealerships. These cars generally fetch higher prices than ones serviced elsewhere. You may pay more in the first place, but recoup your cash when it comes time to trade-in time.This isn't really the sort of car you should attempt to work on yourself, though a good home handyperson can do some of the routine service work.A correctly driven and maintained Mercedes B-Class should have plenty of life left in it, but it's still best to have one inspected by a Mercedes mechanic.If you find what appears to have been major repairs to the body either pass it up altogether or book it in for an after-crash inspection at a reputable panel repairer.Check the interior, particularly the rear seats and the luggage area for signs of rough and ready use.Before going for your test drive try and arrange for the engine to be completely cold, after an overnight stop is ideal. Make sure the engine starts easily and idles smoothly within a few seconds of kicking over.Check the engine never shows any signs of hesitation to your push on the throttle pedal. Also, that it pulls easily and strongly even on hills and with a load on board.

The Mercedes B-Class is an exceptionally practical vehicle built on a stretched version of the Mercedes A-Class platform. The release of an all-new model in March 2012 has generated added interest to those on the used-car market.A taller than average five-door hatchback, the B-Class has a huge amount of interior space, with almost as much legroom in the rear as in the big S-Class Mercedes. The B-Class’s front seats are large and well shaped and provide good support. There's plenty of space for two big Aussie males in the rear and three children will have stretch out room.The boot is bigger and more useable than that of many much larger cars. Not only is it huge, the luggage area is very versatile, and you can even create an almost van-like interior by removing every seat but the driver’s. The removable seats are an extra-cost option so may not be fitted to the one you’re examining.We wouldn’t go as far as to call the B-Class a ‘sports tourer’, as Mercedes has tagged it at times, but it does have a reasonably sleek style in its class.Petrol, turbo-petrol and turbo-diesel engines are all on offer, with the turbo-petrol units providing performance that can be called sporting without using too much imagination.The manual gearbox comes as a five or six-speed unit, but isn’t particularly common. Mercedes also gives you the choice of a continuously variable transmission that has seven manually-selectable preset ratios for use in specific driving conditions.There's a solid, quiet, refined feel in the new Benz B-Class that belies it size. It’s not quite as quiet and smooth to ride in as the larger Merc sedans, but it comes impressively close.Handling in the B-Class is very good for a mid-sized front-wheel-drive car, with decent balance, and minimal understeer at normal speeds. Backed up by Mercedes' inbuilt electronic stability program, this is one of the safest cars in its class size.These aren't cheap cars in absolute terms, but you do get some excellent engineering and there are a host of luxury and safety features. Of course, you do pay several thousand extra dollars for the privilege of sitting behind that three-pointed star, but many think it’s worth the money.Mercedes-Benz is well represented in almost all areas of areas of Australia, even in the far outback as diesel Mercedes have been a favourite with Aussie farmers for generations.This isn’t really the sort of car you should attempt to work on yourself, though a good home handyperson can do some of the routine service work. It’s common for owners to get all their work done at authorised Mercedes-Benz dealerships and these cars generally fetch higher prices than cars serviced elsewhere. You may pay more in the first place, but recoup your cash when it comes time to trade in your ‘serviced by Mercedes’ car.WHAT TO LOOK FORA correctly driven and maintained Mercedes B-Class is unlikely to have any faults, but it’s still best to have one inspected by a senior engineer at your motoring club.Take a good walk around the car checking for signs of damage to the bumper corners, the wheel rims (the front left is the one that generally suffers at the hands of poor parkers), and the door panels at their widest sections.If you find what appears to have been major repairs to the body either pass it up altogether or book it in for an after-crash inspection at a reputable panel repairer.Check the interior, particularly the rear seats and the boot for evidence of harsh use.Before going for your test drive try and arrange for the engine to be completely cold, after an overnight stop is ideal. Make sure the engine starts easily and idles smoothly within a few seconds of kicking over.Check the engine pulls easily and strongly even on hills and with a load on board. And that it never shows any signs of hesitation.CAR BUYING TIPCars with prestigious badges can be driven just as badly as those from the lowliest on the image stakes. Don’t fall for the fancy badge, have it fully inspected.

If the Mercedes-Benz A-Class suited young singles and couples without kids starting out in life along with older couples at the other end of the journey whose kids had fled the nest, the B-Class was the car for couples in the midst of family life.The B-Class was a logical extension of the A-Class concept, a larger version of the small peoplemover capable of hauling a tribe of kids to school, sports days or wherever they need to go.Outwardly it looked like an A-Class, there was the same upright stance, the same sloping front, and the same sweeping roof, but it was longer. That extra length was used to create a roomy and versatile interior that was perfect for its intended use.At launch there were two models, the B200 and the B200 Turbo, but they were joined a few months later by the B180 diesel. All were five-door, front-wheel drive hatches cum wagons capable of accommodating five adults and packed with features and safety equipment. Mercedes offered a choice of two 2.0-litre petrol engines, one of them turbocharged for extra zip, and a frugal 2.0-litre turbodiesel.All engines could be had with a Continuously Variable Transmission, CVT, which was the auto choice, or that could be with either five or six-speed manuals. The manual 'boxes were generally praised for the their ease of use, but the CVT copped some flak for being sluggish and unresponsive.On the road the B-Class demonstrated good grip and nice chassis balance, but for a more sporty drive there was a sports suspension package available as well. All models were well equipped with all the standard features wanted in a car today, including air, power windows and mirrors, remote central locking, cloth trim, fog lamps, alloy wheels, central locking and CD sound.IN THE SHOPAnyone buying a Mercedes-Benz needs to do so in full knowledge that servicing and parts come at a premium, which makes it important to seek out a specialist who can service your car, and source parts, at a more economical rate. When checking a car prior to purchase test all the gadgets to make sure they work, fixing them later can cost a motza. If you're unsure get a mechanic to help you.Check for a service record, as like all engines, Mercedes-Benz powerplants suffer when forced to run on dirty oil. Also check for panel damage, particularly around the front, which is hard to see and can make it hard to judge when parking. Also check the interior for the damage that can naturally occur when transporting kids.IN A CRASHFive stars from ANCAP say it all. The B-Class is well geared for a   crash with front, side and curtain airbags, plus ABS brakes and ESP stability control.UNDER THE PUMPFor economy the diesel delivers to the tune of 6.2 L/100 km on   average and the pick of the B-Class bunch. The petrol engines deliver 7.2 L/100 km (non-turbo) and 7.9 L/100 km (turbo), and what's more 'Benz says they can handle E10.AT A GLANCEPrice new: $47,400 to $51,400Engines: 2.0-litre 4-cylinder turbodiesel, 80 kW/250 Nm; 2.0-litre 4-cylinder, 100 kW/185 Nm; 2.0-litre turbocharged 4-cylinder, 142 kW/280 NmTransmissions: CVT auto, 6-speed manual, 5-speed manualEconomy: 6.2 L/100 km (B180 CDI), 7.2 L/100 km (B200), 7.9 L/100 km (B200 Turbo)Body: 5-door hatchbackVariants: B180 CDI, B200, B200 TurboSafety: 5-star ANCAP

Upgrades include some exterior visual tweaks to freshen the A-Class and B-Class, revised interiors and the addition of a 2.0-litre turbo-diesel in the A-Class.The A180 CDI costs $39,990 and is available with either a six-speed manual or CVT automatic.For the first time an active parking assist reversing system is also available in the both the A and B Class.The system is $4680 option on the A170 and A 180 CDI as part of a `metro' pack that includes CVT automatic, cruise control and 12-volt socket in the luggage compartment.The system is standard on the A200 three and five-door and turbo.On the B Class the same system costs $4160 on the B180 CDI and B200 as part of the same option pack but comes standard on the B200 turbo.The parking system uses ultrasonic sensors to identify suitable parking spaces and then automatically guides the car into the space.It is similar to that available in some Volkswagen models.Mercedes-Benz Australia spokesman, David McCarthy, expects a strong take up of the new parking system as well as the new turbo-diesel in the A-Class.“We think the A180 CDI will attract more people to the brand,” he says.Both A and B-Class sales have dipped this year by more than 30 per cent in the lead up to arrival of the newer models.Although the C-Class remains the volume Mercedes seller here, McCarthy says he expects both the A and B to lift volumes, particularly with the availability of the turbo-diesel in the A-Class.He believes the A180 CDI will at more than 300 sales to a yearly sales expectation of about 1000 A-Classes.The new 80kW/250Nm 2.0-litre turbo-diesel A-Class is the sixth model in the brand's entry lineup and shares its engine with the B-Class.In the A180 CDi it hits 100km/h in 10.8 seconds and delivers peak power at 4200 revs and peak torque between 1600 and 2600 revs.The frugal diesel has a combined fuel economy figure of 5.2 litres/100km.Like all A-Class models, the A180 CDI boasts a comprehensive safety story with electronic stability control, anti-skid brakes, brake assist, acceleration skid control, eight airbags, and a full-sized spare wheel.Comfort features include climate control air conditioning, multi-function steering wheel and display, AUDIO 20 sound system, Bluetooth connectivity and a split-fold rear seat.Moving up a notch, the B-Class gains minor cosmetic updates like its smaller brother, from the bumpers and headlights to the interior seat trim and upgraded audio systems.The front bumper gets a larger air intake and more aggressive treatment.The visual upgrades also include body coloured exterior mirrors, door hands and lower side skirts on all models.Inside, the B-Class, already well known for its roomy interior gets new materials with brushed aluminium highlights on the dashboard.A reach adjustable steering and hill-start assist also make an appearance.In common with both the A and B are new flashing brake lights that activate if the driver hits the brakes in an emergency when travelling more than 50km/h.In the B-Class the hazard warning lights also come on in emergency braking manoeuvres above 70km/h.Prices for both A and B have risen slightly with the equipment upgrades and fresher looks.The A-Class is up between $500 and $800 depending on the model and the B-Class has risen $400 across the board.The entry 1.7-litre A170 coupe costs $35,500, rising to $49,500 for the top-range A200 turbo.ON THE ROADWe've never been a huge fan of the A-Class and the changes to the latest model have only reinforced this thinking.That said, there are plenty of pluses.It's a great commuter car, nippy around town, frugal and easy to park.However, at higher speeds on the highway the car's short wheelbase and upright stance shows up some shortcomings that are inherent with building a car like the A-Class.The little hatch can be buffeted by cross-winds and road noise intrudes rather too much for a Mercedes, even if it's an entry Merc.The ride is also geared to comfort rather than handling but it must be remembered that this is not a sportscar.Although the driving position is good, with a broad panorama of the road, the electro-mechanical power steering is numb and feels disconnected to the road.However, on the plus side, the A-Class has impeccable safety credentials with a five-star crash rating and impressive arsenal of active and passive safety gear.It is well build and provides a feeling of being carved from stone while the interior ambience is appropriate to the brand.The new 80kW 2.0-litre turbo-diesel works well in the A-Class. It provides plenty of low and mid-range response and a combined fuel figure of 5.2 litres/100km.As peak torque of 250Nm is delivered from 1600 revs the little hatch is reasonably perky off the mark and can keep up with freeway traffic.The CVT auto works well with the diesel too, providing just the right response at any speed.Given the price points of the range the A-Class makes a reasonably alternative.But there are still many other small European hatches that deliver more driver involvement, equally impressive amounts of room and also have that crucial Euro badge to impress the neighbours. 

Safer, better equipped and more fuel-efficient than ever, the two models will appeal to those looking to make the switch to a smaller vehicle, but who are unwilling to sacrifice quality or creature comforts.Leading the charge in the economy stakes is a diesel in the A Class range for the first time, the A180 CDI that uses as little as 5.0 litres of fuel per 100km.The major upgrade sees the debut by Benz of a number of innovative fuel-saving technologies, but the way it pans out it’s more a case of what we miss out on that what we will actually get.The big news is the addition of a Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) powered model in the B Class range that, it is claimed, can slash running costs by 50 per cent.The problem as far as we’re concerned is that the necessary infrastructure for refuelling the vehicle does not currently exist outside of bus depots, so it's not going to be appear on the shopping list any time soon.A fuel-saving “ECO” engine cut-out system has also been introduced as an option in both ranges, that kills the engine when the vehicle comes to a stop, for example at traffic lights – helping to reduce fuel consumption.The system has been shown in tests to cut fuel use by as much as nine per cent, but unfortunately it is available only with manual petrol models at this stage.And, because Benz sells very few manuals here, it too is of little interest at this stage – but this could change soon as the technology is rolled out to include auto and diesel models.We also miss out Benz’s Blue Efficiency package, a new trademark for particularly economical and environmentally compatible cars, featuring lightweight construction, lower air and rolling resistance and more efficient energy management.It is packaged only with the smaller A160 diesel that the company doesn’t offer in Australia.It’s not all doom and gloom, however, because we will be getting the new Active Parking Assist system.Like similar systems offered by other manufacturers, it will virtually reverse park the car for you, checking if a parking space is large enough and guiding the vehicle into the spot after the driver selects reverse gear – without the need for the driver to touch the steering wheel.It will be a boon for those drivers who would rather do a second lap of the block, than tackle the daunting task of reverse parking their car with traffic waiting.The new A and B Class ranges including the new A180 CDI diesel are due to arrive in September, but we were invited to preview the cars this week at the international launch in Berlin.A departure from the rear wheel drive sedans that the company has traditionally produced, the front-wheel drive hatches have proved enormously popular since their introduction – the A Class in 1997, the B eight years later in 2005.Many people including industry insiders dismiss the cars as pretend Benzes, but this view is short-sighted and overlooks their intrinsic practicality.At 4273mm the B Class is 39cm longer and a few millimetres wider than its smaller sibling.Both ranges have been overhauled inside and out, with the obligatory new lights, bumpers and radiator grilles featuring a more prominent three-pointed star.Engines and transmissions remain pretty much the same but have been further refined to produce better fuel economy and less harmful emissions.Combined the A and B Class now make up 18 per cent of Benz sales in Australia and at the moment almost 25 per cent of Benzes sold here are now diesels.The A180 CDI will be available in five-door form only with a six-speed manual standard and uses the same 2.0-litre four cylinder common rail turbo diesel that has powered the B180 for some time.It has been added in response to strong customer demand for an A Class diesel.Personally we have always found the A Class a mite small for our tastes and believe the larger B Class is better suited to our roads and environment.It’s the car that Benz should have built in the first place.Sales speak louder than words and the B Class has quickly outstripped the smaller hatch.The B180 with its 2.0-litre direct injection turbo diesel is an old favourite.With 80kW of power and 250Nm of torque on tap, claimed fuel consumption is 5.2-5.4 litres per 100km, down from 5.8 previously, giving it a range of over 1000km.The car is an ideal size for the city, able to seat four adults in comfort, with plenty of rear legroom and a good sized luggage area.We’d like to see a little more power from the engine and there is in fact a more powerful version available with 103kW and 300Nm.But Benz says the small gain in performance would not justify the extra cost of the car, so we’ll have to be content with the one we’ve got.The lighter A180 with the same engine turns in an even better result at 5.0-5.2 litres/100km, but because of its smaller size is noticeably noisier inside.In the entertainment department, a 40 gig hard disk based navigation and music system is available as an option with both ranges.The navigation system offers a three-dimensional view and the system offers a full range of media inputs including Bluetooth and USB via a variety of connecting cables through a port located in the glovebox.Prices for both ranges are expected to increase slightly, the new A Class more so because it has additional equipment.Prices for A Class currently start at $35,000 and for the B Class at $45,800.