Peugeot/Fiat v Mercedes?
+8
Dave Gee
Skizzydo
grumps81
Caraman
lucasg
Chris M
Tinwheeler
AngleseyJJ
12 posters
The Auto-Sleeper Motorhome Owners Forum (ASOF) :: Auto-Sleeper Motorhome Forums :: Auto-Sleeper "Coachbuilt Motorhomes" Forum
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Peugeot/Fiat v Mercedes?
Hi All, any advice/ experience on whether or not paying more for the Mercedes chassis is worth the premium?
AngleseyJJ- Member
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Posts : 11
Joined : 2017-01-29
Member Age : 71
Location : Anglesey
Auto-Sleeper Model : Bourton
Vehicle Year : 2018
Re: Peugeot/Fiat v Mercedes?
It's worth every single penny in my opinion. You need to try both to appreciate the difference but I find the driving position, vehicle ride, cab space, smoothness of performance, noise level all better in the Merc.
Repair costs for Peugeot/Fiat tend to be dearer than Merc in my experience.
I have had a 2007 Ducato, 2011 Sprinter, 2017 Boxer, 2020 & 2021 Ducatos and now a Merc Vito.
Repair costs for Peugeot/Fiat tend to be dearer than Merc in my experience.
I have had a 2007 Ducato, 2011 Sprinter, 2017 Boxer, 2020 & 2021 Ducatos and now a Merc Vito.
Tinwheeler- Donator
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Posts : 3915
Joined : 2018-09-20
Location : Kernow
Auto-Sleeper Model : None
Vehicle Year : None
Re: Peugeot/Fiat v Mercedes?
Thank you for that, Tinwheeler. We have followed your reassuring advice!
Jeremy
Jeremy
AngleseyJJ- Member
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Posts : 11
Joined : 2017-01-29
Member Age : 71
Location : Anglesey
Auto-Sleeper Model : Bourton
Vehicle Year : 2018
Re: Peugeot/Fiat v Mercedes?
Good choice! I'm sure you'll be happy with it
Tinwheeler- Donator
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Posts : 3915
Joined : 2018-09-20
Location : Kernow
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AngleseyJJ likes this post
Re: Peugeot/Fiat v Mercedes?
Being 6’2 the Seville vans with an extra 40 mm on the seat height and the top of the windscreen blind track I found I was having to lower my head when driving where as the sprinter is top edge is far above my line of sight.
Chris M- Member
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Posts : 10
Joined : 2018-06-26
Location : Lincolnshire
Auto-Sleeper Model : Northants
Vehicle Year : 2012
lucasg and AngleseyJJ like this post
Re: Peugeot/Fiat v Mercedes?
I bought the Merc Bourton because the view from the driving seat was superior to the Peugeot. In the Peugeot model my eyeline included part of the roof space .. the seat is not adjustable.
lucasg- Member
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Posts : 80
Joined : 2014-10-26
Member Age : 70
Location : N W England
Auto-Sleeper Model : Bourton
Vehicle Year : 2015
AngleseyJJ likes this post
Re: Peugeot/Fiat v Mercedes?
The unladen axle masses of the 3500 kg Broadway EK TB LP and Bourton are similar but the Bourton's rear axle MTPLM of 2250 kg is better than the Broadway's 2000 kg which should help with loading. Both coachbuilts when fully loaded will be rear heavy and front light, which favours the Bourton because it is RWD and therefore should provide better traction than the Broadway's FWD. I am sure the Bourton will have 16 inch wheels rather than the Broadway's 15 inch wheels which should further help with traction. IMO these issues are at least as important as the cab comfort benefits of the M-B.
Caraman- Member
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Posts : 3689
Joined : 2019-04-19
Location : SALISBURY
Auto-Sleeper Model : Nuevo
Vehicle Year : 2019
AngleseyJJ likes this post
Re: Peugeot/Fiat v Mercedes?
1 have been driving now for over 70 years and my current motorhome is a Mercedes Automatic Malvern and its an absolute dream to drive. Assuming I live long enough and I want to change my motorhome[highly unlikely]my next van would be a Merc
grumps81- Member
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Posts : 14
Joined : 2016-03-25
Member Age : 93
Location : norfolk
Auto-Sleeper Model : Malvern
Vehicle Year : Mercedes
AngleseyJJ likes this post
Re: Peugeot/Fiat v Mercedes?
I have a 2019 Mercedes Bourton. Drives nice, rolls like a pig if not a load on, it needs some firming up on the suspension , mega problems with the electronics between the habitation and the vehicle units , even Mercedes and A. S. Eventually owned up to those problems.
I was advised to isolate the Habitation door electrics so no central locking, manual key only.
It has a some quirks about the central cab doors unlocking, you have to open one of the doors or else it self locks after 30/ 40 seconds.
One serious point is the fitment of a bike rack on the rear , if used it covers the lights and number plate ergo, light board and extra number board are required plus the wiring up to the vehicle system That nearly caused us to refuse the vehicle on delivery until it was eventually sorted.
Otherwise we eventually ( 3 years) got use to its behaviour. It’s named the Haunted Snail for that reason. Even the dealership knows it’s name.
The keyless areas I don’t like, but that’s a personal opinion.
There are number singular bad/ poor designs included which we have eventually overcome.
Spending £70 k plus (2019 price) AS could do better in those areas.
Would we change it ? No, not really as we like it’s layout and it suits our trip style.
The Harmony control system for heating and reading the various systems could be more user friendly and more reliable.
I was advised to isolate the Habitation door electrics so no central locking, manual key only.
It has a some quirks about the central cab doors unlocking, you have to open one of the doors or else it self locks after 30/ 40 seconds.
One serious point is the fitment of a bike rack on the rear , if used it covers the lights and number plate ergo, light board and extra number board are required plus the wiring up to the vehicle system That nearly caused us to refuse the vehicle on delivery until it was eventually sorted.
Otherwise we eventually ( 3 years) got use to its behaviour. It’s named the Haunted Snail for that reason. Even the dealership knows it’s name.
The keyless areas I don’t like, but that’s a personal opinion.
There are number singular bad/ poor designs included which we have eventually overcome.
Spending £70 k plus (2019 price) AS could do better in those areas.
Would we change it ? No, not really as we like it’s layout and it suits our trip style.
The Harmony control system for heating and reading the various systems could be more user friendly and more reliable.
Skizzydo- Member
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Posts : 55
Joined : 2016-03-27
Member Age : 77
Location : Hants
Auto-Sleeper Model : Bourton
Vehicle Year : 2019
AngleseyJJ likes this post
Re: Peugeot/Fiat v Mercedes?
Thank you to everyone who has contributed their thoughts - and, despite having searched for previous threads, it's only with the suggested similar threads that I discovered "Re: Difference between Mercedes and Peugeot from 2021".
We are turning in our 3850kg 2016 Broadway FB for a 2018 Bourton in the next month, mainly because of age and medical conditions making a 3500kg vehicle legally necessary. I'm a little apprehensive about giving up the fixed bed, but people tell me Duvalay sleeping bags/ mattress toppers make made-up beds more comfortable. May I ask if anybody has any words of wisdom on that score?
Skizzydo, you refer to poor design features which you have overcome ... may I ask what you've done and why? Imitation is the sincerest form of flattery!
Thank you all again,
Jeremy
We are turning in our 3850kg 2016 Broadway FB for a 2018 Bourton in the next month, mainly because of age and medical conditions making a 3500kg vehicle legally necessary. I'm a little apprehensive about giving up the fixed bed, but people tell me Duvalay sleeping bags/ mattress toppers make made-up beds more comfortable. May I ask if anybody has any words of wisdom on that score?
Skizzydo, you refer to poor design features which you have overcome ... may I ask what you've done and why? Imitation is the sincerest form of flattery!
Thank you all again,
Jeremy
AngleseyJJ- Member
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Posts : 11
Joined : 2017-01-29
Member Age : 71
Location : Anglesey
Auto-Sleeper Model : Bourton
Vehicle Year : 2018
Re: Peugeot/Fiat v Mercedes?
Jeremy,
There are a couple of threads on the forum about toppers, think this is the most recent.
https://www.autosleeper-ownersforum.com/t40709-bed-topper
There are a couple of threads on the forum about toppers, think this is the most recent.
https://www.autosleeper-ownersforum.com/t40709-bed-topper
Dave Gee- Member
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Posts : 1806
Joined : 2022-10-26
Location : North Lanarkshire
Auto-Sleeper Model : Warwick XL
Vehicle Year : 2018
AngleseyJJ likes this post
Re: Peugeot/Fiat v Mercedes?
Having had "several" fiat based moho's and to be fair not one EVER gave any trouble - but i love my Merc Winchcombe build quality and attention to detail is leagues ahead, lovely motors.
road warrior- Member
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Posts : 57
Joined : 2022-07-11
Location : BURTON ON TRENT
Auto-Sleeper Model : WINCHCOMBE
Vehicle Year : 2016
AngleseyJJ likes this post
Re: Peugeot/Fiat v Mercedes?
We have a bourton. We use duvalay, they are great. Another plus with merc. If registered and serviced at merc commercial garage. 30 years breakdown service free. Puncture down in dorset, pressed over cab button, 40 minutes later van arrived , changed tyre carried out diagnostic chech all good ,away in hour.
Mollytardis- Member
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Posts : 53
Joined : 2021-08-09
Location : Seaford, East Sussex
Auto-Sleeper Model : Bourton
Vehicle Year : 2021
AngleseyJJ likes this post
Re: Peugeot/Fiat v Mercedes?
Anglesey 33,
It appears my earlier reply got lost or disappeared down the clump .
Some minor mods done are , bearing in mind mine is a 2019, and update of some systems by MB.
1) I put the tv mount behind the pax seat bulkhead , this allows us to view the tv whilst feet up on the seats. This way we have back supports.
2) the wife made some bead cushions for back or foot support and used as and where required.
3) on the near side there is a fold down flap for extra shelf for food prep etc. I fitted a spacer block under the fold away shelf, otherwise the springs creak and groan if leaning against them especially if you have the pillows against the shelf at night. We sleep separate fore aft as we find that more beneficial.
4) I replaced the hinge with stay open soft close door hinges and the on the door cupboard above the driver / pax seat. When we ordered the Bourton we deleted the over cab window and had a cupboard fitted across the van for extra storage
5) the habitation internal door handle fouls the top right hand drawer , so only way to use the drawer was to open the habitation door each time. I believe they have got rid of that drawer and just left an area for storage with a closure door - not the brightest of ideas that !
6) eventually after 3 years we were provided with the internal screens for the cab, after being promised them we would have them within a year of purchasing the Motorhome.
7) the over the locker strip lights are different colours white, and various warm whites
I am still thinking of putting the extra steps by the main cab doors, and stiffening the rear suspension and which is the best method to use.
Otherwise we like it, and had some great trips in the HS.
I spent many years covering the internals on pax aircraft including many private jets ( 1-11, 727,737 ) so I am quite acquainted with slipshod work on internal finishing which I have had to fix either by the Reps or my requirements. The internals I would give 6/10 on our vehicle and the quality control was abysmal which the dealer had to correct, badly fitted drawers and runners and latches that needed adjustment.
It appears my earlier reply got lost or disappeared down the clump .
Some minor mods done are , bearing in mind mine is a 2019, and update of some systems by MB.
1) I put the tv mount behind the pax seat bulkhead , this allows us to view the tv whilst feet up on the seats. This way we have back supports.
2) the wife made some bead cushions for back or foot support and used as and where required.
3) on the near side there is a fold down flap for extra shelf for food prep etc. I fitted a spacer block under the fold away shelf, otherwise the springs creak and groan if leaning against them especially if you have the pillows against the shelf at night. We sleep separate fore aft as we find that more beneficial.
4) I replaced the hinge with stay open soft close door hinges and the on the door cupboard above the driver / pax seat. When we ordered the Bourton we deleted the over cab window and had a cupboard fitted across the van for extra storage
5) the habitation internal door handle fouls the top right hand drawer , so only way to use the drawer was to open the habitation door each time. I believe they have got rid of that drawer and just left an area for storage with a closure door - not the brightest of ideas that !
6) eventually after 3 years we were provided with the internal screens for the cab, after being promised them we would have them within a year of purchasing the Motorhome.
7) the over the locker strip lights are different colours white, and various warm whites
I am still thinking of putting the extra steps by the main cab doors, and stiffening the rear suspension and which is the best method to use.
Otherwise we like it, and had some great trips in the HS.
I spent many years covering the internals on pax aircraft including many private jets ( 1-11, 727,737 ) so I am quite acquainted with slipshod work on internal finishing which I have had to fix either by the Reps or my requirements. The internals I would give 6/10 on our vehicle and the quality control was abysmal which the dealer had to correct, badly fitted drawers and runners and latches that needed adjustment.
Skizzydo- Member
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Posts : 55
Joined : 2016-03-27
Member Age : 77
Location : Hants
Auto-Sleeper Model : Bourton
Vehicle Year : 2019
AngleseyJJ likes this post
Re: Peugeot/Fiat v Mercedes?
Thank you all again for the very helpful advice - much appreciated!
AngleseyJJ- Member
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Posts : 11
Joined : 2017-01-29
Member Age : 71
Location : Anglesey
Auto-Sleeper Model : Bourton
Vehicle Year : 2018
Mollytardis likes this post
Re: Peugeot/Fiat v Mercedes?
When we bought our Malvern in 2011 it was the only FB option. We had it till November last year and loved it with a superb ride in standard form, only parting with it as we had to downsize to 3500. Would I pay £20k extra now to have Mercedes over Peugeot - certainly not. I had far more trouble with the Mercedes chassis (particularly brakes) that I had with Fords and Peugeot over the years, to early to comment on Fiat yet.
Peter Brown- Donator
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Posts : 10516
Joined : 2012-11-10
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Location : Staffs
Auto-Sleeper Model : Broadway EB
Vehicle Year : 2016
AngleseyJJ likes this post
Re: Peugeot/Fiat v Mercedes?
Peter,
I’m on no. 3 recall
Rear Brake callipers replacement, Seat cabling re route, airbag checks
I’m on no. 3 recall
Rear Brake callipers replacement, Seat cabling re route, airbag checks
Skizzydo- Member
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Posts : 55
Joined : 2016-03-27
Member Age : 77
Location : Hants
Auto-Sleeper Model : Bourton
Vehicle Year : 2019
Re: Peugeot/Fiat v Mercedes?
Hi Everyone
Regarding the recalls,has anyone had the engine management ones done,I am waiting untill mine goes in for a service (august2023) and is Mercedes Me still working for you as mine packed up say my phone was no longer compatible
Regarding the recalls,has anyone had the engine management ones done,I am waiting untill mine goes in for a service (august2023) and is Mercedes Me still working for you as mine packed up say my phone was no longer compatible
gemdeco- Member
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Posts : 804
Joined : 2014-07-15
Member Age : 73
Location : Little Bookham Surrey
Vehicle Year : 2020
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