C250 CDI Engine noise?
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BMW 320d
C250 CDI Engine noise?
Hi all
I currently drive an E46 320d and have the opportunity to buy a 2011 manual C250 CDI which is located 100 miles away.
On paper the car looks brilliant but have heard tales that the engine is unrefined (even for a diesel). I have driven a 320d for the past year and although you can tell you are driving a 4 cylinder, the noise doesn't bother me.
Any anecdotes or experiences with these cars?
I currently drive an E46 320d and have the opportunity to buy a 2011 manual C250 CDI which is located 100 miles away.
On paper the car looks brilliant but have heard tales that the engine is unrefined (even for a diesel). I have driven a 320d for the past year and although you can tell you are driving a 4 cylinder, the noise doesn't bother me.
Any anecdotes or experiences with these cars?
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Mar 2008
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From: 1 hours drive north of Sydney Australia
2007 W204 220CDI Classic Sedan
I drive a 220cdi which is vibration free at all speeds & noise free at freeway speed. There is some diesel clatter at idle & at 'town'speed but it is muted & not in your face. Have not heard that the C250CDI is any different in this respect.
However there is a huge difference in HP & torque !!!
Take it for a run & don't die wondering!! Just make sure that it has been maintained correctly especially the ATM flush at 60,000 km & the correct MB recommended engine lube oil.
However there is a huge difference in HP & torque !!!
Take it for a run & don't die wondering!! Just make sure that it has been maintained correctly especially the ATM flush at 60,000 km & the correct MB recommended engine lube oil.
Last edited by Carsy; Jan 29, 2014 at 02:36 PM.
MBWorld Fanatic!
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C204 C250-CDI
C250-CDI Coupe owner here, basically IMHO after having owned this vehicle for nearly 2 years and thoroughly compared with similar model range diesel BMW's and Audis, the NVH levels on the MB are only a little higher and only at low engine speeds or from standstill, after a little while though you get used to it and it's no bother at all. 
What's interesting though is if you drive an E Class with the same engine you'll notice a big improvement in NVH, so it has a lot to do with how the vehicles have been fitted out with sound insulation etc. obviously for the higher up more expensive models they do a better job of it.
As mentioned above by others the MB makes up for any noise deficiencies with excellent power and loads of torque combined with brilliant efficiency, the E46 320d will feel like a weakling comapared to a 250-CDI
tune the 250-CDI and it's on another level again 
What's interesting though is if you drive an E Class with the same engine you'll notice a big improvement in NVH, so it has a lot to do with how the vehicles have been fitted out with sound insulation etc. obviously for the higher up more expensive models they do a better job of it.
As mentioned above by others the MB makes up for any noise deficiencies with excellent power and loads of torque combined with brilliant efficiency, the E46 320d will feel like a weakling comapared to a 250-CDI
tune the 250-CDI and it's on another level again
