AS Mercedes

Although I am on my second Ford I really like the AS Mecedes models. Can anybody tell me why there are lots of automatic models with very low milage for sale second hand. It seems to be a ratio of about 4 to 1 autos v manual.

Chris

I think you'll find that with Merc cars it is even a higher ratio. Auto Mercs seem to be the wanted version, don't know it that applies to motorhomes.

Compared the Merc in the Broadway el duo with Peugeot..Merc was secondhand @ 64k..Peugeot 54k new with plus pack and extras...same body/interior..and maintainance cheaper

Autosleeper started using the Mercedes chassis (this time round) for the Marquis 'County' range of models. They were offered as a premium model with air-con, alloys, cruise control and auto box. That philosophy continued throughout the life of that range of models.

When they started to offer Autosleeper models on the Merc chassis they still ordered the same spec chassis but included the options above as part of a premium pack at a premium price. If you wanted to omit those extras and pay less you had to make a special order. Very few vans have been ordered with a manual box.

I had a 2008 Ford Wilton and didn't think that chassis could be bettered, in fact I had a down on Mercedes having driven Sprinter vans and minibuses. But the supply of Ford chassis was unreliable (I have personal experience of that) and to get the layout we wanted at the time with rear wheel drive it had to be Mercedes.

I am now a convert. For example, where a trim clip would be plastic on Peugeot of Ford, it is stainless steel on the Merc. There was nothing wrong with the Ford but for me the Mercedes is better. Peugeot.......

Peter

I was uncertain in my own mind of these Merc Automatics but talking to people who have them there seems little to fear.
There is one guy Peter and I know who was in the motor industry who has had his 7 speed auto for around 2 years now and still loves it and I have to admit is a nice ride ( almost as good a my Mk7 Tranny !!! )

This is the first Mercedes auto I have owned (actually the first Mercedes as well ha ha) and absolutely love it. So much so I would like to change my 20 year old Landrover to auto Lol.

We have only had our automatic Merc Auto Sleeper for a month or so - it's great to drive and now would not even consider a manual.

I'm on my second Mercedes car with a very similar engine and gearbox and love them. I would certainly strongly consider the Merc chassis next time around

Jaytee wrote:This is the first Mercedes auto I have owned (actually the first Mercedes as well ha ha) and absolutely love it. So much so I would like to change my 20 year old Landrover to auto Lol.

HI Jaytee.
Read your post with interest. I am thinking of changing my Nuevo for a Merc. Burford Duo.  Little concerned about the size but like the conversion.   How are you getting on with yours for general touring etc ?

Hi Chris
If you have a look on the Caravan clubs classified site under, motorhomes for sale and select, Autosleeper, you will find a Surrey auto, I'm going to have a look a Surrey manual on Sunday and part exchange the Nuevo.
Boaby

Hi Jht; well, up to about 1700 miles now and it just seems to get better and better. The box is so smooth that with a little but of throttle feathering you barely feel it change gear. Loads of power, it's the first time I have managed an overtake in ages (my other vehicle is a 20 year old Landrover Defender) and it just purrs along on the motorway. Keeping at a fairly steady 62 actual (66 indicated) I am getting an average 26 mpg which I think will improve when fully run in. It will breeze past 70 far too easily so just cannot fault it.
The rear wheel drive is a bonus and it has a form of traction control that stops the spinning wheel spinning (uses the ABS I think) and getting in and off my muddy driveway has been attained so far albeit I always keep the Landrover at the front in case I need a tow.
Quality of build is really good as Peter said. I bought some front mud flaps which were a full kit for about £40, they fitted perfectly with all the hardware and instructions. And yes stainless steel fittings.
What more can I say  
Totally chuffed  

Our Worcester is two years old now and the Mercedes chassis is just faultless, it is the euro V 165bhp with the auto box. Gear changes are almost undetectable and the performance is more than enough even though we weigh 3880kgs. Driving round the Alps the van would easily leave some cars behind. We have a steep and long drive with a lot of trees, the previous Fiat and Peugeot vans would slip and slither in the wet but the Merc with the traction control just goes straight up. Get one you will never regret it!

Jht, just read your post again re general touring: not sure if you were referring to size but @7.2 meters it really is not a problem. Been down the smallest of lanes and into tight car parks, doesn't seem to cause an issue with locals either. Barriers across many coastal car parks are annoying but that is mentioned in another thread.
As Groundhog says you won't regret it  

As Jaytee says the length is not a problem at all, it is not even noticable as far as general driving around is concerned and as for parking you need then try to find two spaces one behind the other! The Mercedes mirrors are a little wider than the equivalent Fiat/Peugeot but not enough to worry about.

Getting on and off things like the shuttle is a breeze and it  is quite surprising how many times we have been parked on aires and thought our van actually looked small!

Only down side is be prepared for the admiring stares," I want one" conversations and people that just  want to 'have a look'!!

I have had 2 of the Merc based models the first one was a Surrey with a manual box and a Suffolk with the auto, I much preferred the auto it is so easy and less tiring than the manual, I am p/x the Suffolk for one of the new Kingham panel van conversions as on both the coachbuilt models I had lots of bodywork problems and was told "they are all like that by the dealer" they ranged from many, many star cracks in the grp to warped side panels that stopped the habitation door closing properly, so although I would have preferred the merc over the Peugeot I am hoping that as Autosleepers have not built the body it should be ok as I have lost faith in the build quality of the Autosleepers built bodies, but the Mercedes part is faultless with excellent service from the Mercedes dealers

Thanks for all your comments, went to have another look at the Burford and ordered one subject to it fitting in our drive.  It will be tight, but where there's a will etc.   Roll on Spring. 

Fantastic, you will love it  

jht sheffield wrote:Thanks for all your comments, went to have another look at the Burford and ordered one subject to it fitting in our drive.  It will be tight, but where there's a will etc.   Roll on Spring. 

Absolutely fantastic, am soooo jealous, cant make up my mind either the Stanton or the longer Winchcombe, but i know you will love it, well done.

After all the positive comments, I reckon you have talked  Auto sleeper into putting the prices up on the Mercedes , which cost enough now ,bearing in mind it's a pickup chassis with a body on it !!  , Mind you having been self- employed working on al makes I think the Merc. has the edge ,we had a couple of Rapido "A" classes on Mercs. fully Automatic not sprintshift and they were a dream to drive not having a smaller engine Merc. Motorhome it has been interested to read all your comments , just can't make up my mind on the Auto sleeper bit.

Tony A.

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