Thats strange I always felt the B class handled rather well (and thats without invoking the ESP). I understood the A class originally had a problem but thought that was to do with a fairly narrow track but did not realise that it was cured by the addition of ESP how did they retro-fit that on the earlier models ? and surely a manufacturer (like M/B) would not make the same design problem twice. Something does not seem to ring true here.
Well, the Elch test is a hard emergency avoidance maneuver, hardly the type of thing you'll try when having a boot over a twisty bit of road.....
It could be that the B-Class is inherently more stable in a quick avoidance maneuver than the W168 A-Class was, but it is telling that Mercedes-Benz does not put an "ESP Off" switch in either the A or B, as it does in the other series of cars.
The early W168 A-Classes were all recalled and ESP was retrofitted at no charge to the owners. Apparently it was supposed to be an option.....
I was thinking of getting B-ELCH as a license plate, actually I'm sure no-one else in BC has it (or wants it, for that matter).
I remembered that ESP "!" symbol lights up once last winter while driving on a flat icy road. I shifted down to avoid slipping and the wheel over-spin. The ! lights up and then off after 3 seconds.
Thats strange I always felt the B class handled rather well (and thats without invoking the ESP). I understood the A class originally had a problem but thought that was to do with a fairly narrow track but did not realise that it was cured by the addition of ESP how did they retro-fit that on the earlier models ? and surely a manufacturer (like M/B) would not make the same design problem twice. Something does not seem to ring true here.
True, the B-Class was designed to have ESP, where it was omitted on the previous A-Class (W168). But all higher cars will at some point topple over in an emergency manouvre. I remember seeing a Landrover Discovery on topgear that fell on it's side. It's a prime example of Newton's First Law (also known as the Law of Inertia) states that an object at rest tends to stay at rest and that an object in uniform motion tends to stay in uniform motion unless acted upon by a net external force.
Regarding not being able to turn the Esp off I can see several reasons for this mainly being the intended purpose fo the B class. It seems to have been marketed as a sports UTILITY vehicle hence it is unlikely to be used for "track days". Mums using it for the school/shopping run would not want to turn the Esp off (heaven forbid) & probably 99.99% of us are quite happy for it to be on all the time (apart from Misfit with his handbrake turns).
I think MikeT will be pleasantly surprised to find that his B (when he gets it ) will hold the road well and not because its got Esp but because of other good design features. The Esp will back these (and you) up in an emergency.
I feel it's the safest vehicle I have driven and probably the safest in it's class.
How many S 430 drivers (typical age: 73 ) would be disabling ESP? Virtually none, but the switch is there.....same for the Frankfurt taxi drivers with their E 220 CDIs.
I think the B is one of those cars, like the smart, which requires ESP to remain 100% predictable in extreme situations. That's OK by me.
As for handling, the Peugeot 405 I've been driving for the last 14+ years is the best handling FWD sedan ever made, so anything else seems a little less sharp to me. The B's handling/roadholding is good, for a car of its vocation. The 405's was exceptional.
As you have probably read from earlier posts the B class has been built to a budget, they are not going to waste money by putting gadgets & switches in that people are not going to use. There is also no switch for the passenger airbag either (a switch that is fitted to many other vehicles) although I don't intend to go down the pros & cons of that descision.
All I'm saying Mike is don't knock the car till you've really tried it. I've driven probably over 15,000 miles in the B class and I can honestly say that your statement about their inherent instability is rubbish.
The gauntlet is down for others members. Do owners that have actually DRIVEN the B class feel that it is unsafe without EPS which is what MikeT seems to be implying ????
I've driven probably over 15,000 miles in the B class and I can honestly say that your statement about their inherent instability is rubbish.
I don't believe I have actually written that; I did refer to the well-known instability issues of the W168 A-Class, which along with the Peugeot 607 (yes REALLY!) went up on two wheels during the Elch-test.
The point is moot however, as the B Class DOES have ESP and does not have a disabling switch for it, both of which are probably a good idea.
If I hated the car's roadholding, would I have really have ordered one? LOL!
Quote :which along with the Peugeot 607 (yes REALLY!) went up on two wheels during the Elch-test.
Mike did this influence you towards the B class as having had good service from the Peugeots previously I am surprised you didn't go for the Peugeot 807 (if it's available in Canada)
OK you guys! Back Off!!! I'm glad there's a pond between you 2. You know I'm just kidding.
But really, I've driven the B for a while and I do find it great and tight compared to some of my other cars. Naturally, the Audi makes wet roads feel dry. But I really love the way the B feels on the road. I'm sure the ESP can be a life saver when your just at the point of losing it and I have no need to shut it off. Remember that road test in the UK between the 3 cars, the B200 T came across the finish line first and had the least power to the other 2 turbos. That race driver hung it out more than I ever plan to, but it was nice to see it's capabilities. Cheers, Derek
Last edited by Derek Lecours : 10-16-2007 at 03:40 PM.
I'm sure no-one else in BC has it (or wants it, for that matter).
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