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OPERATOR EXPERIENCE
Page 162
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MERCEDES-BENZ 3071) HIGH ROOF VAN.
ORIGINALLY TESTED: 1/6/85.
ENGINE: MB 0M616LG 71hp.
GEARBOX: MB G1/18-S16 5-speed.
BACK AXLE RATIO: 4.4:1.
TESTED GVW: 3.50 TONNES.
OVERALL RESULTS: 19.7mpg/41.6mph. ORIGINAL TEST REPORT PLUS POINTS: Diesel version most popular/1.7 tonne payload/ 9.6 m3 load space/high average mph/pulls well in second gear/easy access/good cab stowage/ride and handling 'above average/good body cube/ good braking/flexible engine.
ORIGINAL TEST REPORT MINUS POINTS: High kerbweight/very noisy (89dBA)/ gear change from first to second is 'awkward'/ gearbox notchy/heavy steering.
Operator 1 has a large fleet of MB's on parcel express delivery nationwide.
Operator 2 has 5 on own account nationwide distribution.
Operator 3 is a general haulage transport operator with a six vehicle fleet of 17 and 7.5 tonne trucks and two MB 307Ds. The common reason for specifying this particular vehicle was the generous load space and good payload capability. Of the plus points, these were thought to be the most relevant. The other points commented upon were the good torque, easy access and good braking.
All three operators agreed that the interior noise levels were high. The other common complaint was the heavy steering.
However, all the operators commented most favourably on the very high level of reliability. Operators 1 and 2 both felt that this was the reason they re-ordered the vehicle every time. Operator 3 has an all-Mercedes fleet. lie,felt that 'the level of build quality is so high that nothing else can come near it'. He did, however, need a gearbox replaced under warranty on one 307D after three months.
Operators 1 and 2 also had a gearbox replacement on some of their vehicles. Both also felt that an awkward and notchy gearchange was partly responsible for this, and was also partly driver caused. Operator I also had clutch problems on earlier vehicles that seemed to have been overcome on his later vans.
All three had specified the diesel-engined model and felt this to be an economical and durable engine. Drivers liked the flexibility and good torque and the general high levels of trim and comfort in the cab. All three operators reported an average fuel consumption of between 20-21mpg. Operators 1 and 2 felt that this was good for their multi-drop, varied-driver vehicles. Operator 3, while hoping for more, fell it was offset by the van's performance.
All three rated their dealer service as good. The high cost of spares and service items was, they felt, in line with the purchase price and overall quality. Operators 1 and 2 maintained their own vehicles once out of warranty, whilst Operator 3 had all his vehicles serviced by his local dealer.
The two larger operators had already experienced good resale prices and both felt that this evened out the initial higher purchase price. Operator 3 also expected a good resale figure. Rust was reported as a minor problem on the older vehicles around the door and wheel arches.