Waseem Rahim

Hi Guys

I am need need of advice. I currently own a 2003 BMW e46 330d. It is one awesome machine. It does everything well but my one is not very reliable and is eating into my wallet.

So time to move on and get into a merc. I also have a w203 C200k which i really like but its no match for the 330d, ofcourse they are completely different cars.

What the bmw has spoilt me with is performance with economy. The BMW gives me 700km (435 miles) off a tank with town driving only and enjoying the performance.

How reliable is the merc in general? What are the problems to look out for? I would like c320cdi or C350cdi but I wont rule out the smaller engines.

Please advise

Kindest regards

Waseem

Carsy

Hello Waseem,

I have an Oct.build 2007 220CDI with almost 100,000 km on the clock. It has the 5 speed ATM & the OM646 4 cyl engine. ( 125KW & 400 Nm Torque.)

These components are very well proven in taxis world wide as you know & when serviced correctly with outlast most.

I bought it new & have maintained it myself . It has not been back to the dealer or mechanic since minor niggles during warranty. Just one minor fault, I had to replace the thermostat.

I receive excellent mileage about 5.2l/100 km on a trip & 7 to 8 l/100 km around town.

Unless you plan to pull out stumps in the paddock or tow a load of draught horses you do not need the 6 cylinder. It provides ample power & amazing torque.

The ride & handling are a great balance with the 16" tyres. I use Michelin Primacy.

Good luck with your choice.

Young John.

dieseldoc

Stay away from om642 engine C350/c320 notorious for issues. Lots of leaks. Expensive to fix. Get a 4 cylinder diesel much better reliability.

Adi-Benz

make sure your car doesnt get banned lmao

Waseem Rahim

Thank you for the replies.

Damn I was really wanting the 350cdi. Mostly for the exhaust sound after some mods.

With regards to the leaks and issues, are they usually just seals or internal issues?

On the 330d I knew the automatic gearboxes are issues but i bought it anyway because it was the best one I could find. Afterwards I did a 6 speed manual conversion. Fortunately here in South Africa there is alot of support for BMW but very very little for Mercedes besides the dealers. Alot of the maintenance will be done myself.

What sort of preventative maintenance is required with mercedes diesel?

Carsy

Using the MB recommended lubricants is a huge must, filters also. You have a large range of products from which to chose. Just use the one available in your location.

Changing the engine oil a little more than recommended is clever.

ATM oil & internal filter at 50,000 to 60,000 km. Hopefully your torque convertor will have a drain plug. If not best to do a flush OR change more regularly.

Coolant is said to last 15 years.

Brake fluid flush every 2 years.

I drain the power steering fluid reservoir ( not the whole system) every year to keep the fluid looking clean.

Take a look at the diesel section on this website to see the horror stories on SOME 6 cyl versions.
eg:-
https://mbworld.org/forums/diesel-fo...y-not-buy.html

https://mbworld.org/forums/diesel-fo...seized-16.html

Waseem Rahim

Currently I am using mercedes dealer engine oil in the BMW. Its the right viscosity and a whole lot cheaper compared to anything else on the market her. With the W203 I use only dealer service parts because they are very well priced.

Yeah I am browsing the horror stories. Its such a bummer.

Normally i do a full service every 10k km as opposed to the recommended 15k km.