Good bye Fridge-on-Wheels: The Epic B 220 Breakup!

Alright folks, gather round and let me tell you a tale of a car that became more than just a car. This is the story of my trusty steed, my workhorse, the mighty Mercedes B 220 CDI, 2013 model year. Now, before you scoff at the idea of a B-Class being mighty, hear me out.

Chapter 1: 260,000km of Finnish Fun (and Everywhere Else Fun Too!)

I picked up this B 220 back in 2015, and let me tell you, it was a match made in Teutonic heaven. We conquered the entirety of Finland – from the shimmering lakes of Karelia to the snowy peaks of Lapland, this little Merc handled it all. But Finland wasn’t enough for this adventurous spirit (or me, for that matter). We embarked on epic road trips across Europe, ten glorious countries to be exact. We dodged rogue reindeer in Sweden, navigated the chaotic streets of Warsaw, and even braved the potholes of Poland on some sketchy roads (let’s just say the B-Class suspension earned its keep there).

Chapter 2: A Double Clutch Disaster in Bratislava

All this glorious adventuring wasn’t without its hiccups, mind you. It all came crashing down (literally) in Bratislava, Slovakia. Picture this: cruising down the Danube River, feeling smug about my navigational skills, when suddenly – the dreaded grinding, the shuddering, the complete loss of power. Yep, the double clutch gearbox decided to call it quits. Now, here’s the kicker – replacing this fancy bit of German engineering wasn’t exactly a walk in the park. Apparently, these gearboxes weren’t gathering dust on shelves waiting for a motorist in distress. No, sir, this one had to be manufactured by Mercedes themselves. A whole month I spent back in Finland, pining away for my B-Class, while it enjoyed a fancy, month-long spa treatment at the Bratislava Mercedes dealership.

Chapter 3: The Return of the (Almost) Perfect Ride

Finally, the day arrived – my B-Class was reborn! We cruised back to Finland, me with a newfound appreciation for a well-functioning gearbox. But alas, all good things must come to an end. As much as I loved my B-Class, those Finnish winters were starting to take their toll. The thought of squeezing my back into the B-Class became increasingly nightmarish. Enter the Mercedes GLB – a bigger, more practical beast that promised to handle the Finnish elements and the growing brood with aplomb.

Chapter 4: Saying Goodbye to a Loyal Companion

So, with a heavy heart (and a slightly lighter wallet), I decided to part ways with the B-Class. It wasn’t an easy decision, mind you. We’d been through thick and thin, from the icy wastelands of Finland to the bustling streets of Europe. But as they say, sometimes you gotta trade up for a bigger wagon (especially when said wagon involves an old far that need to get onboard in a decent way).

In Conclusion: The B-Class – A Teutonic Tank (With a Slight Gearbox hiccup)

Overall, the B-Class was a fantastic car. Reliable, fuel-efficient (especially for a Mercedes!), and surprisingly spacious for its size. Sure, the double clutch gearbox debacle in Bratislava wasn’t exactly ideal, but hey, even tanks need repairs sometimes. If you’re looking for a solid, reliable car that can handle the rigours of Finnish winters and European adventures, the B-Class is definitely worth considering. Just maybe pack a spare gearbox for those unexpected Bratislava breakdowns.

About the car:

Mercedes-Benz B220 CDI
Fuel: diesel
Power: 150 HP
Model: 2013