E-Class (W211) 2003-2009

350cdi / 320cdi V6 what's the status

Thread Tools
 
Search this Thread
 
Rate Thread
 
Old Sep 5, 2005 | 07:45 AM
  #1  
latent's Avatar
Thread Starter
Member
 
Joined: Jul 2002
Posts: 119
Likes: 0
From: UK
350cdi / 320cdi V6 what's the status

Sometime ago, I saw press announcements that MB were intending to replace their 320cdi engine with a 350 v6. Now, I am little puzzled. I can't see any reference to an E350cdi on MB sites. However, they have upgraded the 320cdi to V6. Can someone clarify? are they both available. Has the 350cdi been shelved. Is the 320cdi on the way out?
Reply
Old Sep 5, 2005 | 08:09 AM
  #2  
marcos's Avatar
Senior Member
 
Joined: Oct 2004
Posts: 271
Likes: 1
From: Hertfordshire, UK
ML 320 CDI
The 350 is the new V6 petrol engine and the 280 and 320 cdi's are the new diesel engines.
Reply
Old Sep 5, 2005 | 09:48 AM
  #3  
CE750's Avatar
MBWorld Fanatic!
 
Joined: Jun 2005
Posts: 4,968
Likes: 2
From: FL410
'05 E320 CDI, '08 BMW X5 4.8i, '11 Duramax 2500HD
Originally Posted by latent
Sometime ago, I saw press announcements that MB were intending to replace their 320cdi engine with a 350 v6. Now, I am little puzzled. I can't see any reference to an E350cdi on MB sites. However, they have upgraded the 320cdi to V6. Can someone clarify? are they both available. Has the 350cdi been shelved. Is the 320cdi on the way out?
Upgrade isn't necessarily the word I'd use.. but the new engine is a 3.0L vs 3.2L and it's a V6 aluminum block, not I-6 cast iron block (traditionally on a diesel)... it's a bit more HP, same torque (as V6 is always less torque than an I-6 all else being equal) and from what I'm told quieter and more efficient. But will it last like the iron block? Physics says no.
Reply
Old Sep 5, 2005 | 10:29 AM
  #4  
BudC's Avatar
MBWorld Fanatic!
 
Joined: Apr 2004
Posts: 1,794
Likes: 3
From: Valley of the Sun, Arizona
2011 E550, 2013 GLK
The new V6 diesels also have staged turbos which will eliminate the turbo lag on the current CDI's.

As for aluminum blocks, I think they might be more reliable than the combination of cast iron block and aluminum heads that our 1984 190D had. Of course we had no problems with it during the 17 years we drove it and my former neighbor hasn't had any problems during the 5 years he's had it.

Seriously, I wouldn't worry about the new V6 other than the complications that rail injection and tri-turbos might cause. The simplicity of mechanical injection pumps are long gone.
Reply
Old Sep 5, 2005 | 10:40 AM
  #5  
CE750's Avatar
MBWorld Fanatic!
 
Joined: Jun 2005
Posts: 4,968
Likes: 2
From: FL410
'05 E320 CDI, '08 BMW X5 4.8i, '11 Duramax 2500HD
Originally Posted by BudC

As for aluminum blocks, I think they might be more reliable than the combination of cast iron block and aluminum heads that our 1984 190D had.
gotta take you to task here Bud.. (and I never do! )

How can an aluminum block be more reliable than an iron block? The words "physically impossible" come to mind..
Reply
Old Sep 5, 2005 | 11:19 AM
  #6  
BudC's Avatar
MBWorld Fanatic!
 
Joined: Apr 2004
Posts: 1,794
Likes: 3
From: Valley of the Sun, Arizona
2011 E550, 2013 GLK
Originally Posted by CE750
gotta take you to task here Bud.. (and I never do! )

How can an aluminum block be more reliable than an iron block? The words "physically impossible" come to mind..
Actually, what I said was that I thought it would be more reliable than the aluminum/cast iron combination on our 190D. That's because there was a difference in metals. Even so, that old 190D is still running fine after 20 years.

There is nothing wrong with an aluminum block. This one has cast-in grey iron cylinder liners which is what's important. So long as the block provides adequate support for the bottom end, what's to worry about?

I would not buy one for a year or so but then I wouldn't buy any new technology right out of the box (including BMW's new I6).

Why worry? The vast majority of initial buyers will never find out how long the engine will last. There are many advantages to the new engine including smaller size and lighter weight. It has a shorter, stiffer crankshaft. It has tri-turbos. It has a cylinder head of the same material as the block.

I don't like V6's because they have a coarse sound to them when pushed. Otherwise, I can't say that my BMW I6's were any smoother running than my E320.

Technology marches on
Reply
Old Sep 5, 2005 | 11:37 AM
  #7  
CE750's Avatar
MBWorld Fanatic!
 
Joined: Jun 2005
Posts: 4,968
Likes: 2
From: FL410
'05 E320 CDI, '08 BMW X5 4.8i, '11 Duramax 2500HD
Originally Posted by BudC
Actually, what I said was that I thought it would be more reliable than the aluminum/cast iron combination on our 190D. That's because there was a difference in metals. Even so, that old 190D is still running fine after 20 years.

got it! and I do agree about the lasting thing...we'll all trade them in inside of 5 years anyway!
Reply
Old Sep 5, 2005 | 11:57 AM
  #8  
BudC's Avatar
MBWorld Fanatic!
 
Joined: Apr 2004
Posts: 1,794
Likes: 3
From: Valley of the Sun, Arizona
2011 E550, 2013 GLK
Originally Posted by CE750
we'll all trade them in inside of 5 years anyway!
Well not all of us We drove our 190D for 17 years, I'm still driving my 1991 300E after 14 years and I have no intentions of selling the E320 any time soon.
Reply
MB World Stories

The Best of Mercedes & AMG

story-0

6 Mercedes Models That Did NOT Age Well (But Are Somehow Still Cool)

 Verdad Gallardo
story-1

Manual Mercedes? 6 Times Sindelfingen Let Drivers Have All The Fun

 Verdad Gallardo
story-2

Mercedes SLR McLaren 722 S Is Extremely Rare Example Modified by McLaren

 Verdad Gallardo
story-3

8 Classic Boxy Mercedes Designs That Have Aged Like Fine Wine

 Verdad Gallardo
story-4

Flawlessly Restored Mercedes 190E Evo II Heads to Auction

 Verdad Gallardo
story-5

Electric Mercedes C-Class Unveiled: 11 Things You Need to Know

 Verdad Gallardo
story-6

Mercedes EQS Gets A Major Update: Everything You Need to Know

 Verdad Gallardo
story-7

5 Underrated Mercedes-Benz Models That Don't Get the Love They Deserve

 Verdad Gallardo
story-8

Mercedes 300D Has Pushed Well Past 1 Million Miles and It Ain't Stopping

 Verdad Gallardo
story-9

10 Most Reliable Mercedes-Benz Models You Can Buy Used

 Verdad Gallardo
Old Sep 5, 2005 | 12:02 PM
  #9  
latent's Avatar
Thread Starter
Member
 
Joined: Jul 2002
Posts: 119
Likes: 0
From: UK
So, when did the V6 version of the 320cdi go on sale in europe? did the new engine only come in with the new 7G transmissions?
Reply
Old Sep 5, 2005 | 11:32 PM
  #10  
CE750's Avatar
MBWorld Fanatic!
 
Joined: Jun 2005
Posts: 4,968
Likes: 2
From: FL410
'05 E320 CDI, '08 BMW X5 4.8i, '11 Duramax 2500HD
Originally Posted by latent
So, when did the V6 version of the 320cdi go on sale in europe? did the new engine only come in with the new 7G transmissions?
I've been trying to get a good answer for that too.. I think when the NEW DIESEL was available the V6 was made available since it REQUIRES it.

The 7speed cannot mate to the I6 for space reasons.
Reply
Old Sep 6, 2005 | 01:39 AM
  #11  
Spartan's Avatar
Super Member
 
Joined: Aug 2004
Posts: 819
Likes: 0
06 320E CDI, Porsche 911 C2, Pontiac Montana
Originally Posted by BudC
Actually, what I said was that I thought it would be more reliable than the aluminum/cast iron combination on our 190D. That's because there was a difference in metals. Even so, that old 190D is still running fine after 20 years.

There is nothing wrong with an aluminum block. This one has cast-in grey iron cylinder liners which is what's important. So long as the block provides adequate support for the bottom end, what's to worry about?

I would not buy one for a year or so but then I wouldn't buy any new technology right out of the box (including BMW's new I6).

Why worry? The vast majority of initial buyers will never find out how long the engine will last. There are many advantages to the new engine including smaller size and lighter weight. It has a shorter, stiffer crankshaft. It has tri-turbos. It has a cylinder head of the same material as the block.

I don't like V6's because they have a coarse sound to them when pushed. Otherwise, I can't say that my BMW I6's were any smoother running than my E320.

Technology marches on
There is a vast dufference between using cast iron block/aluminum heads and the new technology Mercedes is using on the V-6.

I just hope there are no problems because it could really crush their reputation.
Reply
Old Sep 6, 2005 | 01:48 AM
  #12  
Kanji's Avatar
Member
 
Joined: Aug 2005
Posts: 102
Likes: 0
2001 MB E320
i wonder if MB decided to go aluminum block but using an iron sleave for the cylinders. if that's the case should it compensate for pressure inside the cylinder for better strength and long lasting durability?
Reply
Old Sep 6, 2005 | 07:21 AM
  #13  
marcos's Avatar
Senior Member
 
Joined: Oct 2004
Posts: 271
Likes: 1
From: Hertfordshire, UK
ML 320 CDI
The new E320 CDI comes as standard with the 7-speed box, seems ok too although some people have reported harsh gearchanges I think software upgrades to the box have eliminated the problems.
The one thing I did notice was how sluggish the car was untill it warmed up properly. Apparently this is a feature so the cast iron cylinder liners heat up at the correct temp and not to fast which could cause problems as iron and alluminium expand/contract at different speeds/temperatures.
Reply
Old Sep 6, 2005 | 10:22 AM
  #14  
Spartan's Avatar
Super Member
 
Joined: Aug 2004
Posts: 819
Likes: 0
06 320E CDI, Porsche 911 C2, Pontiac Montana
Originally Posted by marcos

The one thing I did notice was how sluggish the car was untill it warmed up properly. Apparently this is a feature so the cast iron cylinder liners heat up at the correct temp and not to fast which could cause problems as iron and alluminium expand/contract at different speeds/temperatures.
it is interesting that you are saying that the car has sluggish performance at start up. Does the manual make reference as to why the performance is reduced at start up?

Does anyone know if these engines are used in diesel taxis? Mind you, that still is not my worry. After all, you start the taxi once in the morning and it's running all day. It's the start up and cooling down in northern climates that worry me. Up here, you can have -25 C. in the middle of winter and that should just put one hell of a shock into the system. On top of that, the high pressures of the diesel engine. OUCH!

I guess that by the time I am going to buy my next E, these engines will have 8 years under their belt. By that time, it will either be a success or Mercedes will be replacing engines....or cars.
Reply
Old Sep 6, 2005 | 11:06 AM
  #15  
latent's Avatar
Thread Starter
Member
 
Joined: Jul 2002
Posts: 119
Likes: 0
From: UK
On another point. Is it possible to (visually) tell the difference in a E320 fitted with V6 compard to the old engine. i.e. slight external differences or is it all by looking at the engine or VIN number?
Reply
Old Sep 6, 2005 | 11:16 AM
  #16  
BudC's Avatar
MBWorld Fanatic!
 
Joined: Apr 2004
Posts: 1,794
Likes: 3
From: Valley of the Sun, Arizona
2011 E550, 2013 GLK
Originally Posted by latent
On another point. Is it possible to (visually) tell the difference in a E320 fitted with V6 compard to the old engine. i.e. slight external differences or is it all by looking at the engine or VIN number?
Older I6 diesel http://www.germancarfans.com/photos....ercedes/1.html

Newer V6 diesel http://www.germancarfans.com/news.cf...ercedes/1.html
Reply
Old Sep 6, 2005 | 11:18 AM
  #17  
CE750's Avatar
MBWorld Fanatic!
 
Joined: Jun 2005
Posts: 4,968
Likes: 2
From: FL410
'05 E320 CDI, '08 BMW X5 4.8i, '11 Duramax 2500HD
Originally Posted by latent
On another point. Is it possible to (visually) tell the difference in a E320 fitted with V6 compard to the old engine. i.e. slight external differences or is it all by looking at the engine or VIN number?
There are no exterior difference that I know off.. it's all "under the hood"

The iron sleeves inside Aluminum flies the the face of what I learned in material science classes... those metals have different heat properties.

If you look at this picture from the Hydra website, the cylinder walls seem to be missing.. so maybe the steel sleeves fit inside and have no aluminum around them.. which would assist in the expansion. However, the top of the block still is made of aluminum where those sleeves must be inserted.

I don't see why MB sold out to the V6 cost cutters! BMW is now the only company (to their credit) still using the superior design of the I6.
Attached Thumbnails 350cdi  / 320cdi V6 what's the status-v6blocks_mercedes_diesel2_hires.jpg  

Last edited by CE750; Sep 6, 2005 at 11:22 AM.
Reply
Old Sep 6, 2005 | 11:20 AM
  #18  
CE750's Avatar
MBWorld Fanatic!
 
Joined: Jun 2005
Posts: 4,968
Likes: 2
From: FL410
'05 E320 CDI, '08 BMW X5 4.8i, '11 Duramax 2500HD

that picture is actually of the 2.0L I5. I can't find a large pic of the I6 anywhere..
Reply
Old Sep 6, 2005 | 11:30 AM
  #19  
BudC's Avatar
MBWorld Fanatic!
 
Joined: Apr 2004
Posts: 1,794
Likes: 3
From: Valley of the Sun, Arizona
2011 E550, 2013 GLK
Originally Posted by CE750
I don't see what MB sold out to the V6 cost cutters! BMW is now the only company (to their credit) still using the superior design of the I6.
There are some negatives with the I6. BMW are having a problem shoehorning the I6 into their 3-Series. In fact, they can't increase the engine size on the six so they are having to turbo-charge it to get more power.

It's also more difficult to design an I6 to get equal inlet flow vs. the more compact V arrangement. Then there are other V6 advantages in size, weight and stiffness. V6 engines also offer more options in transmissions and drive train choices.

Yes, V6's are probably less expensive to produce but they offer a great many advantages to the consumer.

I'm a long time fan of BMW sixes so it's taken me some time to admit that my predudice was keeping me from seeing the whole picture.
Reply
Old Sep 6, 2005 | 11:37 AM
  #20  
BudC's Avatar
MBWorld Fanatic!
 
Joined: Apr 2004
Posts: 1,794
Likes: 3
From: Valley of the Sun, Arizona
2011 E550, 2013 GLK
Originally Posted by CE750
that picture is actually of the 2.0L I5. I can't find a large pic of the I6 anywhere..
It still looks similar and would be easy to tell apart from the V6.
Reply

Currently Active Users Viewing This Thread: 1 (0 members and 1 guests)
 


You have already rated this thread Rating: Thread Rating: 0 votes,  average.


All times are GMT -4. The time now is 06:07 AM.

story-0
6 Mercedes Models That Did NOT Age Well (But Are Somehow Still Cool)

Slideshow: Not every Mercedes design becomes timeless, some feel stuck in the era they came from.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-05-12 18:09:07


VIEW MORE
story-1
Manual Mercedes? 6 Times Sindelfingen Let Drivers Have All The Fun

Slideshow: Yes, Mercedes built manual cars, and some of them are far more interesting than you'd expect.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-05-02 12:36:58


VIEW MORE
story-2
Mercedes SLR McLaren 722 S Is Extremely Rare Example Modified by McLaren

Slideshow: A one-of-one U.S.-spec Mercedes-Benz SLR McLaren Roadster became even rarer after a factory-backed transformation at McLaren's headquarters.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-04-29 11:19:28


VIEW MORE
story-3
8 Classic Boxy Mercedes Designs That Have Aged Like Fine Wine

Slideshow: Before curves took over, Mercedes mastered the art of the straight line, and some of those shapes still look right today.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-04-25 12:05:49


VIEW MORE
story-4
Flawlessly Restored Mercedes 190E Evo II Heads to Auction

Slideshow: The 190E Evolution II shows how a homologation necessity became a six-figure collector icon.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-04-22 17:53:47


VIEW MORE
story-5
Electric Mercedes C-Class Unveiled: 11 Things You Need to Know

Slideshow: Mercedes is turning one of its core nameplates electric, and the details show just how serious this shift is.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-04-21 13:58:06


VIEW MORE
story-6
Mercedes EQS Gets A Major Update: Everything You Need to Know

Slideshow: Faster charging, longer range, and a controversial steer-by-wire system define the latest evolution of Mercedes-Benz EQS.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-04-15 10:35:34


VIEW MORE
story-7
5 Underrated Mercedes-Benz Models That Don't Get the Love They Deserve

Slideshow: These overlooked Mercedes-Benz models never got the spotlight, but they quietly delivered more than most remember.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-04-13 19:35:45


VIEW MORE
story-8
Mercedes 300D Has Pushed Well Past 1 Million Miles and It Ain't Stopping

Slideshow: A well-used 1991 Mercedes-Benz 300D with more than one million miles is now looking for a new owner, and it still appears ready for more.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-04-10 10:05:15


VIEW MORE
story-9
10 Most Reliable Mercedes-Benz Models You Can Buy Used

Slideshow: From bulletproof sedans to surprisingly tough SUVs, these Mercedes models proved that the three-pointed star can go the distance.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-04-08 09:55:49


VIEW MORE