Mercedes-Benz C180 Problems

The X3 would be fine but you should also - perhaps surprisingly - consider a Volvo XC60 which I rate as slightly better than the BMW as a secondhand choice.

Buying a smaller, new car would give you the certainty of a long warranty and the benefit of capped price servicing. You could consider a Kia Rio, for instance, which would have a 7-year, unlimited kilometre warranty.

If you're retiring and you have the cash, you should reward yourself. I would recommend the excellent Mercedes-Benz C-Class, but not a diesel unless you do more than 30,000km a year.

We’ve asked Mercedes-Benz for help with your problem, but in the meantime you could take the car to a Mercedes-Benz specialist mechanic and have then show you, or do it for you.

Fitting run-flats is a commercial decision by the company, no doubt it saves money. Not having a spare is not a massive issue for most Australians who rarely stray too far from civilization, but obviously can be for someone who does venture into remote parts. Those people would probably be wise to carry a spare.