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Am thinking of buying a B250. Any tips?

9.3K views 14 replies 7 participants last post by  Hey Hoser  
#1 ·
New forum member. As the title suggests we are thinking of getting a used B250 from 2015 onwards in Canada. I really like that the engine output is ~200hp, has 4matic (for our snowy days), and practical storage layout (front folding passenger seat is a great feature). We are a family of three moving from a Mazda6 with 220 hp.

Any tips or maintenance checks I should do before buying a used B250? What are some common problems I should check for and/or budget for?

How has the reliability been for you?

Thanks in advance.
 
#2 ·
I bought a demo 2018 b250 with avant-garde package 4 month ago. I like the small size and the confort of my car with the peppy Turbo engine. For now a dislike the 4 matic, could be my winter tires choice but runflat tires are not easy to find out, I opt for Dunlop sp winter sport 4D runflat with a set of used mags from a b250 2014. The grip in winter is not very good and rear axle not seem to transfer very fast the torque and cause b250 not turning quickly and keep track in a sharp curve. What I missed more from my previous car is remote starter, keyless entry and heated steering wheels, also GPS navigation upgrade are a real joke, no upgrade is available free you have to pay an others 500$ and more for having a sd card for upgrade map. The rear view in winter is horrible, I added mud flap to try to keep the small windows clean but still not able to see anything just after a few minutes of cleaning them, rear wiper and front wipers is not good also for Winter, the metallic plate inside the frame stick freezing rain like magnet. I replace them with better build in UK in one piece without metal. The radio sound is ok, but lack of bass and power a bit. Suspension, direction and brake power are very good, a bit too much sensitive, if you drink hot coffee. So, considering the low price for used b250 this looks like a good deal for an entry Luxury car with a powerful engine, but keep in mind Garage Overcharge for luxury car because you Are paying full inspection each time instead of just maintenance ! Parts price is not expensive also, I found out performance brake pads and rotors on many selling sites for b250 not very expansive at all. I heard some issue with ecu connector on older models, and expensive battery also having a shorter life. That’s all, hope you have a better idea now of what to expect of a B250
 
#3 ·
Are you looking at buying from MB dealer, if yes then should be ok, otherwise arrange for pre-purchase inspection from MB-knowledgeable mechanic you can trust, check trans for any problems or weird noises. Battery for auto stop-start system is in passenger footwell area, will probably need replacement long before main battery.
For tires, I put Nokian Hakkapeliitta snows and Michelin Pilot Super Sports summers on, work well.

good luck, keep us posted how it goes
 
#4 ·
I love my little 2014 B250 black beauty. It does not have 4-matic (because this was offered in 2015+) nor does it have navigation, but that's OK. I appreciate the zippiness of the car and it suits me well for my daily trips to the GO train station here in the GTA.

In the winter, my B250 runs on Bridgestone Blizzak WS-80 205/50R17. They've treated me well and provided a good ride from November to March/April.

In year two, after getting a flat in one of the OEM Pirelli tires, I replaced all four Pirelli run flats with Michelin Premier A/S 225/45R17. Best decision!
 
#5 ·
Thanks everyone for your inputs. I ended up getting a 2016 B250 with the AMG styling package as a CPO from a MB dealer. I absolutely love it. I have it on Toyo Celsius all-weather non-runflats. The car goes like stink, and handles like its on rails. I Love it! I got it for less money than a brand new Corolla. I think this one is a genuine hot hatch. I dont know why more people dont buy it. The seating position is also the same height as these new tiny SUVs.
 
#6 ·
Hello and congratulations on the car. A 2016 should be excellent. Looking at the threads on this forum, there seem to be very few problems with the B250. I find the ride harsh, the noise a bit much and the commuting fuel economy disppointing, but we love the space inside, the seats, and the general the driving feel. Fuel economy on the highway is quite good, actually. Changing out the run-flat tires is a good move. I spent the massive cash on a compact spare, just in case as I have regular Nokkian All Weather tires on ours. Slightly used, they are a very good buy.
 
#7 ·
I have 2014 B250 for past 2 months cannot drive in the rain. After some distance the light and sound show starts from ABS fault, hand braje fault, transmission fault, dash display fault (no blinkers). I can drive in limping mode to to park and after that the car doesnt start, nothing works. After 2-3 days in dry garage or with blower the car drives again with no active codes. I asked MB dealer - minimum 1 day of diagnosing, replace computer (about $5,000 together), no guarantee that problem will be found or fixed.
I asked for acces to wiring diagrams (dash- main cpu - transmission cpu). For copyright ic cannot receive any piece of diagram for my use to take it to less expensive rate garage and without computer change. You can get diagrams on line for other models sold in US. B250 is sold in Canada and diagrams are not available to buy or to copy for personal use, Only authorized dealer.
Will try to trace wiring manually and trade this lemon as soon as i can for something that is driveable in the rain.
Mark
 
#10 ·
The older WIS will have all schematics..but naturally, no B250. Go on line and buy a newer version of WIS..and much will then be available for you...

..........but by "filling in your profile"..properly and hitting Save ..we could guide you better. Tap on the blue below..

Welcome to the forum !
The forum index is organized / grouped according to Mercedes chassis designation, usually one letter followed by 3 digits / numbers, and the section covers all engine / versions the chassis came with.

To find the forum section = chassis for your car, please click FIND YOUR FORUM SECTION

And Complete your Profile by adding the year???? and model????? of your car and your location, so it will show next to every future post under your avatar and/or tapping on your flag.
Members are not likely to search for the one post the model of the car is mentioned.


The forum section archives have a wealth of DIY / technical information.
When researching an issue / posting, you can also Search the forum archives of your chassis section via the 'Search Community' box on top..
 
#13 ·
Not much id clear. First is the position of MB Canada office that they do not allow Canadian owner to have copy of the manual even to buy as i have offered.
Second you can see on EBAY paper copies of manuals for other 2014 models . but not B250. There are some manuals for 2019-2020 B250 but nothing for 2014.
I have sent email to seller in Belgium if I can find the B250 wiring diagrams.
Thanks for the tip