Used buyer's guide: Mercedes E-Class Coupe

What to look for

• Factory-fitted diamond-cut alloys can suffer from corrosion underneath the lacquer.• Only cars equipped with the COMAND multimedia system feature the useful rear parking camera.• The boot is cavernous, but it’s let down by a high lip, which can make loading heavy items a little bit awkward.

A diesel engine and automatic gearbox is the best combination for an E-Class, and that’s what most models have. The four-cylinder engines offer acceptable pace, but they can sound (rather than feel) coarse when revved; the six-cylinders sound smoother.

A seven-speed auto is standard on the E250 CGI, E350 CGI and E350 CDI, but optional on all other models. The SE’s chassis is set up for comfort, with softer suspension and 17-inch wheels, while Sport models have firmer settings and 18-inch alloys.

Recalls

Impressively, the E-Class Coupe has been recalled only once so far, at the start of this year. The issue affected models produced between April and May 2012, on which there was a risk that the window airbag may not deploy properly in the event of an accident. Dealers simply replaced the airbag as a precautionary measure.

Check out the Vehicle and Operator Services Agency (VOSA) website for up-to-date recall information.

Driver Power

Our view:The Coupe hasn’t featured in our Driver Power satisfaction surveys, but the regular E-Class has – and it finished a superb seventh on its debut in 2011 and then rose up to third last year. Owners tell us they love the ride, brakes, reliability, build quality and comfort, but not the steep running costs.

Your view:The car in our pictures belongs to photographer John Colley, from Derby. “My E350 CDI is in Sport trim, and comes well equipped,” he says. “It’s sporty yet comfortable. The engine and gearbox are excellent; there’s superb performance with 45mpg potential. The only issue has been minor corrosion of the alloy wheels.”

Contacts

Official: www.mercedes-benz.co.uk  Forums: www.mercedesforum.com | www.benzworld.org | www.mercedesparts.co.uk | www.mercedesclub.org.uk | www.mercedes-benz-club.co.uk