New member that just bought an 06 CDI
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Newbie
Joined: Jan 2009
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2006 320 CDI
New member that just bought an 06 CDI
I was referred to this site by Tdiclub, where I have been a member for 3+ years. Was out looking for a newish 06 Jetta TDI for the wife to replace her 2000 TDI with, and stumbled accross an 06 CDI at a price that sounded too good to be true. The wife and I test drove it, and then test drove the 06 Jetta. It was no contest, the wife practically threatened to divorce me if she did not get the CDI...
For about 4K more than the Jetta, we are getting a great car. Could not believe how quiet it was, and how much performance it had.
Now I'm not up to speed on the CDI like the TDI, and there do not seem to be a lot of posts about them here. Just wondering what can I expect from my new car, horror stories, or what to look out for. The TDI's have their quirks: special oil, Maf's going bad, coolant migration, timing belts breaking, egrs gumming up, fuel filters clogging, glow plug harness throwing codes, etc etc. My two TDI's have been great, but I have never owned a Mercedes before. So please edumicate me on what I just bought.
I remember when I was about 25 - I told somebody I would NEVER own a Mercedes, because I did not like them at all. He told me to wait until I am 50..
For about 4K more than the Jetta, we are getting a great car. Could not believe how quiet it was, and how much performance it had.
Now I'm not up to speed on the CDI like the TDI, and there do not seem to be a lot of posts about them here. Just wondering what can I expect from my new car, horror stories, or what to look out for. The TDI's have their quirks: special oil, Maf's going bad, coolant migration, timing belts breaking, egrs gumming up, fuel filters clogging, glow plug harness throwing codes, etc etc. My two TDI's have been great, but I have never owned a Mercedes before. So please edumicate me on what I just bought.
I remember when I was about 25 - I told somebody I would NEVER own a Mercedes, because I did not like them at all. He told me to wait until I am 50..
Senior Member
Joined: Oct 2008
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From: MA
1987 SDL; 2001 Chevy 2500HD CC, 8.1L, Allison special order; 1970 GTO LS2, 4L60E, under construction
It would help to know which class/model you got. Then you can check out the model specific sections of the fourm. Alot of the diesel guys post problems there.
I had a Volks once. My first car, actually. Boy they make some real shat boxes... Never again.
I had a Volks once. My first car, actually. Boy they make some real shat boxes... Never again.
Member
Joined: Nov 2008
Posts: 212
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From: California / Hawaii
GL350-Bluetec P1
Welcome to the CDI/Bluetec club. They are GREAT cars -- I would always get OEM parts and Mercedes SPEC oil if you are going to DIY on maintenance.
I would take it to the dealer and have them run the VMI, and look at the E class thread ask if any of those campaigns or recalls apply to your vehicle.
In the E class forum Boulder has just done a nice write up on his experiences. I would also grab a KD-Box about 1000 installed. really makes the driving experience more fun. It is from Kleeman -- a performance tuning box -- seems like most of us KD-Box owners are getting 2 MPG improvement and torque and hP improvement as well.
Welcome to the club
I would take it to the dealer and have them run the VMI, and look at the E class thread ask if any of those campaigns or recalls apply to your vehicle.
In the E class forum Boulder has just done a nice write up on his experiences. I would also grab a KD-Box about 1000 installed. really makes the driving experience more fun. It is from Kleeman -- a performance tuning box -- seems like most of us KD-Box owners are getting 2 MPG improvement and torque and hP improvement as well.
Welcome to the club
Super Member
Joined: Jun 2008
Posts: 835
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From: Bay Area, CA
09' E320
05/06 W211's had the SBC braking system. It cycles on and off with the key out so there is risk of the calipers engaging while its being worked on.
IIRC, if you remove the key and leave the front doors closed the system goes to sleep after 20 minutes. Re-openning the door wakes the system. DO confirm the procedure BEFORE attempting to work on SBC brakes yourself.
IIRC, if you remove the key and leave the front doors closed the system goes to sleep after 20 minutes. Re-openning the door wakes the system. DO confirm the procedure BEFORE attempting to work on SBC brakes yourself.
Last edited by TMAllison; Jan 20, 2009 at 01:21 PM.
Member
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From: California / Hawaii
GL350-Bluetec P1
You probably want to get the WIS for that as well. I think the daily fee to get the info you want from MB is pretty cheap, and well worth it if you are going to work on them by yourself. I'd figure out what you think you'll do on your own. Buy the membership, and save as many PDF's as you can or print them out for your reference.
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MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Sep 2005
Posts: 6,189
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From: Albuquerque
'10 CL550, '12 GL550
As for WIS, just know that the Mercedes is perhaps the best-supported vehicle for DIY folks in the USA. Night and day better than VW.
You have free access to the entire USA Mercedes parts system (EPC).
http://epc.startekinfo.com
You have two choices for obtaining service information:
1- Service DVD available for your model from dealer or at 800.for.merc
2. Service information available online for all models--you select yours--via a paid subscription service. The most relevant subscription is one day for $18 and you can download to your heart's content. (Good to have pdf writer software) It's the same information as the DVD but of course is to-the-day current while the DVD info is current as of DVD production.
subscribe at http://www.startekinfo.com
BTW, WIS (workshop information system) is orders of magnitude better than Bentley.
PS: just disconnect the big connector to the SBC pump before doing brake work.
PPS: check out http://www.mbca.org and http://mbca.cartama.net/index.php
PPPS: No timing belts for Mercedes--always chains.
You have free access to the entire USA Mercedes parts system (EPC).
http://epc.startekinfo.com
You have two choices for obtaining service information:
1- Service DVD available for your model from dealer or at 800.for.merc
2. Service information available online for all models--you select yours--via a paid subscription service. The most relevant subscription is one day for $18 and you can download to your heart's content. (Good to have pdf writer software) It's the same information as the DVD but of course is to-the-day current while the DVD info is current as of DVD production.
subscribe at http://www.startekinfo.com
BTW, WIS (workshop information system) is orders of magnitude better than Bentley.
PS: just disconnect the big connector to the SBC pump before doing brake work.
PPS: check out http://www.mbca.org and http://mbca.cartama.net/index.php
PPPS: No timing belts for Mercedes--always chains.
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MBWorld Fanatic!
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From: DFW
2022 E350 Diamond White Metallic, 2016 GLC300 Dakota Brown Metallic
I beg to differ with you. I own both a MB GL320CDI as well VW Jetta TDI. Both have been excellent vehicles. I agree a VW is not a Benz but my Jetta is definitely not a "shat box".
Senior Member
Joined: Oct 2008
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From: MA
1987 SDL; 2001 Chevy 2500HD CC, 8.1L, Allison special order; 1970 GTO LS2, 4L60E, under construction
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Sep 2005
Posts: 6,189
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From: Albuquerque
'10 CL550, '12 GL550
They are rain sensing but you still have to turn the switch to the first stop for that.
Member
Joined: Jul 2007
Posts: 193
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From: Bedford, MA
2013 S350, 2021 GLS450, 2003 SLK32
Originally Posted by hagar
Thanks for all the replies!
I have 2 Jetta TDI's, both bought used, and they have been wonderful cars. Not in the super luxury category like a Mercedes, but great little commuters.
I have 2 Jetta TDI's, both bought used, and they have been wonderful cars. Not in the super luxury category like a Mercedes, but great little commuters.
Hagar, good to see you on here. I will be looking forward to hearing more about your CDI experiences. I keep thinking about getting a CDI, but my '98 E300DT keeps chugging along. I may even bring it to TDIFest this year.
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98 C43
I ordered a 09 Jetta wagon TDI but got tired of waiting and found a nice 06 E320 CDI and I am glad I did. It has many more option, better built (meaning if I were T-boned buy an SUV I could live) and just fun to drive.
I have changed all the fluids and filters myself including brake pads and brake fluid. I had the dealer install Bilstein HD shocks since I do not have suspension tools. Now the ride is much firmer and great. I installed a diesel power module which I can adjust for more power or better mpg or both. And of course get ride of the stock tires. It is now a sweet machine. Jetta is nice but this is tiwce the car
Great choice. Now if I could get this in a 4-matic wagon I would be in heaven or Europe
PS Also check out and search the W211 forum, they also have many E320 CDI folks there.
I have changed all the fluids and filters myself including brake pads and brake fluid. I had the dealer install Bilstein HD shocks since I do not have suspension tools. Now the ride is much firmer and great. I installed a diesel power module which I can adjust for more power or better mpg or both. And of course get ride of the stock tires. It is now a sweet machine. Jetta is nice but this is tiwce the car
Great choice. Now if I could get this in a 4-matic wagon I would be in heaven or Europe
PS Also check out and search the W211 forum, they also have many E320 CDI folks there.
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98 C43
BTW I am using Amsoil 5/40W european blend and only OEM filters not bought from the dealer.
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From: California / Hawaii
GL350-Bluetec P1
Is the AMSoil to mercedes spec? YOu need to be careful about the fluids in the diesel. It is 229.51 and 229.31 spec (per their website). I am not positive, but I think the CDI needs 229.51 spec oil. Just an FYI. Is AMS really better? I see a lot of hype mostly from dealers about it.
Last edited by philfna; Jan 26, 2009 at 08:23 PM. Reason: AMSOIL research
MBWorld Fanatic!
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From: Albuquerque
'10 CL550, '12 GL550
No, the I6 just needs 229.5.
The V6 requires 229.51 because it has diesel particulate filter.
There aren't any Amsoil oils Mercedes approved that I'm aware of.
http://www.whnet.com/4x4/oil.html
Best bet is Mobil 1 0W-40 European Formula.
The V6 requires 229.51 because it has diesel particulate filter.
There aren't any Amsoil oils Mercedes approved that I'm aware of.
http://www.whnet.com/4x4/oil.html
Best bet is Mobil 1 0W-40 European Formula.
MBWorld Fanatic!
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No, the I6 just needs 229.5.
The V6 requires 229.51 because it has diesel particulate filter.
There aren't any Amsoil oils Mercedes approved that I'm aware of.
http://www.whnet.com/4x4/oil.html
Best bet is Mobil 1 0W-40 European Formula.
The V6 requires 229.51 because it has diesel particulate filter.
There aren't any Amsoil oils Mercedes approved that I'm aware of.
http://www.whnet.com/4x4/oil.html
Best bet is Mobil 1 0W-40 European Formula.
I do not believe Mobil 1 is the best, but it is very good. Other options are Valvoline 5w-40 and Lubromoly 5w-40, all 229.5 approved.
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98 C43
MB specs 229.51 oil can be used on 229.5 motors.
As stated in the WWW above.
"Vehicles with the Mercedes Maintenance System starting with MY2005 can use 229.5 or 229.51 oils."
I have the V6 in a Sprinter based RV and the I6 in my CDI both take the same filters and it is nice to buy one brand of oil.
Rotella 5/40, Very good oil and cheep. I use in my old Landcruiser but it does not meet MB specs.
As stated in the WWW above.
"Vehicles with the Mercedes Maintenance System starting with MY2005 can use 229.5 or 229.51 oils."
I have the V6 in a Sprinter based RV and the I6 in my CDI both take the same filters and it is nice to buy one brand of oil.
Rotella 5/40, Very good oil and cheep. I use in my old Landcruiser but it does not meet MB specs.
Last edited by jditom; Jan 27, 2009 at 01:58 PM.
Super Member
Joined: Jun 2008
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From: Bay Area, CA
09' E320
Rotella doesnt even comply for use with my 606.962 let alone the CDI's.
They do sell M1 though; I buy TurboDiesel Truck 5W/40 for mine there. I realize its not on the list but has waht mine needs and not living in Europe and having ALL their options avail makes buying MB oil here a royal pain when Mobil keeps chaning the names and blends.
some of you might find this "fluid" data useful....http://bevo.daimler.com/bevolistenma...1b0bd93b08b2d2
They do sell M1 though; I buy TurboDiesel Truck 5W/40 for mine there. I realize its not on the list but has waht mine needs and not living in Europe and having ALL their options avail makes buying MB oil here a royal pain when Mobil keeps chaning the names and blends.
some of you might find this "fluid" data useful....http://bevo.daimler.com/bevolistenma...1b0bd93b08b2d2
Last edited by TMAllison; Jan 28, 2009 at 01:05 AM.
