Any views on Mercedes Benz base vehicles

[NewToMH]

We are thinking of trading in our current Hymer. We have only had Fiat based motorhomes and I was wondering how the Mercedes Benz base compare as we want an automatic and, from reading this forum, I am wary of the Fiat comfortmatic gearbox (my old VW had an automatic gearbox that just worked for decades). I was motivated to ask as I just spotted a 2020 Hymer BMC-T 580 that is of interest.

 

[gus-lopez]

The Fiats now are a true auto not a robotic manual

 

[Detnor]

I have a 2017 Hymer on a mercedes 2.2l automatic. Been more than happy with it from new. Just check that the vehicle has had the transmission oil changed, it used to be done at the first service. A bit of a drawn out process but seems essential.

 

[Derbyshire wanderer]

We have a 2.2 rear drive auto bought for the simple reason that I can’t manage the Fiat handbrake following an accident.
Four years in and still totally happy with the way it drives. Plenty of power, great gearbox and a softer ride than the previous Fiat ones. Only failure has been a wheel speed sensor.
Have a test drive if you can, you won’t be disappointed.

 

[CaptainPaul]

I have the latest 2025 Mercedes Sprinter base vehicle in AWD and its crap, the Hymer side of things is superb but between the horrible automatic gearbox and the underpowered engine i can honestly say its woeful
Just back from a 23,000km round trip down to West Africa and back with it, and definitely not a fan of them

 

[Hettie's Crew]

Having just changed to a Mercedes 9G based motorhome from our Fiat manual based I wouldn’t hesitate.
The ride is much better and the 9G is effortless.

 

[Eric.maggy.]

I have a 2017 Hymer on a mercedes 2.2l automatic. Been more than happy with it from new. Just check that the vehicle has had the transmission oil changed, it used to be done at the first service. A bit of a drawn out process but seems essential.

9096999

 

[Broadway]

This is my second van on a Mercedes. Both have been excellent, plenty of power, smooth and comfortable.

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[Knausers]

Having previously owned four Peugeot and Fiat based motorhomes,I would have no hesitation in recommending a Mercedes based one.

In my opinion the front wheel drive automatic Mercedes based Weinsberg we now own is the best drive yet.

It is now 2 years old and the one and only service that was necessary was cheaper than the Peugeot/Fiat ones, and that was at a Mercedes main commercial dealer.

 

[Jonno1103]

Not for me, the new 170 engine isn't powerful enough for anything over 3500kg... weak torque of only around 380Nm even on the auto box. You'll get that on an 8 speed auto Fiat 140 or even more (385Nm) on a 6 speed 130 Ford.

Many Neismann owners looking to replace their existing A class tags have decided to shop elsewhere since Hymer switched them to the Merc'. They want the Fiat back with it's 450Nm of pull on their 180 auto. They've also realised that the Merc' rims they now sit on don't have the weight bearing of either the Fiat or optional Goldschmitts.

Save your money and not be swayed by the badge.

 

[CaptainPaul]

Not for me, the new 170 engine isn't powerful enough for anything over 3500kg... weak torque of only around 380Nm even on the auto box. You'll get that on an 8 speed auto Fiat 140 or even more (385Nm) on a 6 speed 130 Ford.

Many Neismann owners looking to replace their existing A class tags have decided to shop elsewhere since Hymer switched them to the Merc'. They want the Fiat back with it's 450Nm of pull on their 180 auto. They've also realised that the Merc' rims they now sit on don't have the weight bearing of either the Fiat or optional Goldschmitts.

Save your money and not be swayed by the badge.

Totally agree with all your sentiments here
mine is the 190 engine AWD with the 9g tronic box and wouldn't pull the skin off a rice pudding, horrible to drive but the Hymer bit is superb
The Fiat are a much better van

 

[NewToMH]

Thank you all. Seems an even split. If the rush of blood does not abate I think a test drive would make our minds up.

 

[CazPaul]

Totally agree with all your sentiments here
mine is the 190 engine AWD with the 9g tronic box and wouldn't pull the skin off a rice pudding, horrible to drive but the Hymer bit is superb
The Fiat are a much better van

But your Merc has got a timing chain not a bit of rubber Paul that needs changing every 5 years at not far off a grand.

 

[CaptainPaul]

But your Merc has got a timing chain not a bit of rubber Paul that needs changing every 5 years at not far off a grand.

I know that Paul but I just think the new Mercs are much too overrated, in a 3.5 ton van they are maybe OK but mine is 4.4 ton and all wheel drive and the 2.0l engine and the 9g tronic gearbox is just too weak for it,
There's a funster on here i cant remember his name but he has a fleet of them and said the same about the new ones, I wish it was good mate but even today earlier on its dropping down and revving like a mad thing going up a small incline that you wouldn't even think about dropping down in a manual, if we meet up sometime I'll give you a spin in it and i bet you'll be shocked, they're brutal lol
Ive been watching out for something older so we'll see how it goes

 

[Wh05apk]

Can't agree with the Merc being underpowered we have a 4.5t hymer on a 2.0ltr base, plenty of power, softer ride (it does roll a bit) done 18,000 miles on 2 years, averaging 28.4 mpg, overall, on a steady cruise in calm conditions 30+ easily possible, did reading to Colchester this week around M25 south due to accident northbound keeping up with traffic and got 36.2mpg!
Servicing seems cheaper than fiat, then gives you an extra 2 years warranty, had an engine light flash up last week and they came out within an hour and reset (low voltage due to dealer working on it!)

Overall very happy, it is a delight to drive.

 

[Loopyxlou]

This vid from a German dealer is quite informative.

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[CaptainPaul]

Can't agree with the Merc being underpowered we have a 4.5t hymer on a 2.0ltr base, plenty of power, softer ride (it does roll a bit) done 18,000 miles on 2 years, averaging 28.4 mpg, overall, on a steady cruise in calm conditions 30+ easily possible, did reading to Colchester this week around M25 south due to accident northbound keeping up with traffic and got 36.2mpg!
Servicing seems cheaper than fiat, then gives you an extra 2 years warranty, had an engine light flash up last week and they came out within an hour and reset (low voltage due to dealer working on it!)

Overall very happy, it is a delight to drive.

Glad to hear you are happy with yours
Ive just done 23,000 plus kms in the last 3 months (almost 15,000 miles) and I think it's a dose lol, hence im just having a wee nosey about to see if anything catches my eye but it'll have to be manual im definitely finished with automatics after this one

 

[CaptainPaul]

This vid from a German dealer is quite informative.

Can't understand a word of it lol

 

[Loopyxlou]

Can't understand a word of it lol

Watch it with subtitles in English (or Irish)

 

[CaptainPaul]

Watch it with subtitles in English (or Irish)

Thank you

 

[herald_400rl]

We've had 4 mercs, one a van (not motorhome), and I wouldn't have another. Not especially well built and cost a mint when they go wrong.

 

[Wh05apk]

Glad to hear you are happy with yours
Ive just done 23,000 plus kms in the last 3 months (almost 15,000 miles) and I think it's a dose lol, hence im just having a wee nosey about to see if anything catches my eye but it'll have to be manual im definitely finished with automatics after this one

Isn't yours a different engine /gearbox /transmission?

Mine is the 2.0lt 170hp fwd? Isn't yours the 2.2lt 190hp AWD?

 

[Antl]

I have had MHs and PVCs on Fiat, MAN and Mercedes. Each brand is different and drives differently. You need to try one and see what you think. What ever brand/model you look at there will always be detractors.

What I can say is that the two MAN TGE vans I had were exactly the same spec on paper, but drove very differently. I had to check under the bonnet on the 2nd one to check it had twin turbos as it didn’t feel as nimbler as the first one.

I have two Mercedes Sprinters, both AWD and both 190bhp. They drive very different to the MAN vans (both were 180bhp). The Mercedes seems to rely on more revs and hangs on to gears longer, but I would not describe them as lacking power.

The only answer is to go and try one.

 

[matbic]

Very happy with my AWD 2024 and its 190hp engine. Long journeys are a pleasure. For a heavy van it’s great on rough/snowy stuff. I have no regrets choosing it.

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[Just us on Tour]

Not for me, the new 170 engine isn't powerful enough for anything over 3500kg... weak torque of only around 380Nm even on the auto box. You'll get that on an 8 speed auto Fiat 140 or even more (385Nm) on a 6 speed 130 Ford.

Many Neismann owners looking to replace their existing A class tags have decided to shop elsewhere since Hymer switched them to the Merc'. They want the Fiat back with it's 450Nm of pull on their 180 auto. They've also realised that the Merc' rims they now sit on don't have the weight bearing of either the Fiat or optional Goldschmitts.

Save your money and not be swayed by the badge.

I have never driven the Merc , however on paper the engine is not as powerful or has as much torque as the fiat . I currently have the latest 180bhp fiat 8 speed auto . I do have air suspension and to be honest I have no complaints with the fiat whatsoever.

 

[Neilh]

We’ve got the merc 2.0L170hp 9 speed on a 7m 4.5t Carthago and can’t fault the drive train, it pulls up hills, no problem, I don’t find it hangs on to the revs too long.
Our last van was a 2017 Fiat 177hp comfomatic 4.25t and it didn’t seem to have anywhere near the power, it bogged down in hill climbs.
So far we’ve only done 9k so can’t comment on serviceability etc.

 

[martin west dorset]

Glad to hear you are happy with yours
Ive just done 23,000 plus kms in the last 3 months (almost 15,000 miles) and I think it's a dose lol, hence im just having a wee nosey about to see if anything catches my eye but it'll have to be manual im definitely finished with automatics after this one

Can I ask which engine you have is it the 2ltr or the 2.2?

 

[CaptainPaul]

Can I ask which engine you have is it the 2ltr or the 2.2?

Its the 2.0l engine (1950cc)

 

[Just us on Tour]

We’ve got the merc 2.0L170hp 9 speed on a 7m 4.5t Carthago and can’t fault the drive train, it pulls up hills, no problem, I don’t find it hangs on to the revs too long.
Our last van was a 2017 Fiat 177hp comfomatic 4.25t and it didn’t seem to have anywhere near the power, it bogged down in hill climbs.
So far we’ve only done 9k so can’t comment on serviceability etc.

I have driven the fiat comfortmatic . I have to be honest the comfortmatic and the 8 or 9 speed autos really are chalk and cheese . That said if I had a comfortmatic , I wouldn’t no any different. lol

 

[Neilh]

I have driven the fiat comfortmatic . I have to be honest the comfortmatic and the 8 or 9 speed autos really are chalk and cheese . That said if I had a comfortmatic , I wouldn’t no any different. lol

Also it was the older 2.3 Fist engine which was a bit gruff.