Hymer BMC i 580 / 680 Models

[Abgs]

I am considering getting another A Class and am looking at the HYMER BMC i 580 / 680 models around a year or two old.

Anyone got one who’d care to comment on it? I know they are a FWD Mercedes base and I have a pretty good knowledge of Mercedes engines and auto boxes.

I’m more interested in thoughts on quality of construction, interior fittings and ride comfort / noise levels.

Thanks in advance …

 

[Land Yachties]

Our BMCI 680 is 2 years old in June, just completed 3 months and over 3000 miles touring Spain and France. Longest driving day was 7 hours with a couple of short breaks. Very enjoyable drive mostly on cruise control.
Enjoyed every minute in the van. No issues, no complaints. The only thing I would do differently is to have a self leveling system fitted. Lots of folk will disagree with me but that's my opinion.
We up plated it to 4.5t which for us was definitely the right decision.
Getting about 27mpg at 100kph.
Very quiet when driving with little road.
noise. Easily able to chat normally even with some tunes on.
It was our first ever van so can't really comment on build quality against other vans but we have no issues and are very happy with the quality. Of course others may disagree but that's our personal opinion. Loads of storage space both inside and within the garage which coming from a sailing background was a must for us.

 

[Abgs]

Our BMCI 680 is 2 years old in June, just completed 3 months and over 3000 miles touring Spain and France. Longest driving day was 7 hours with a couple of short breaks. Very enjoyable drive mostly on cruise control.
Enjoyed every minute in the van. No issues, no complaints. The only thing I would do differently is to have a self leveling system fitted. Lots of folk will disagree with me but that's my opinion.
We up plated it to 4.5t which for us was definitely the right decision.
Getting about 27mpg at 100kph.
Very quiet when driving with little road.
noise. Easily able to chat normally even with some tunes on.
It was our first ever van so can't really comment on build quality against other vans but we have no issues and are very happy with the quality. Of course others may disagree but that's our personal opinion. Loads of storage space both inside and within the garage which coming from a sailing background was a must for us.

Many thanks for your detailed reply, really useful info.

I've looked at a BMCI 580 which is just under 7m and an BMCI 780 which is 7.4m. I had thought that I'd want to keep to a 7m van but the 680 has longer beds, a better bathroom and a far more spacious feel to it than the extra 40 odd cm in length would lead you to believe.

Now just a matter of finding something at a reasonable price......