rake55

I need some advice here. I’ve owned several Mercedes over the years, mostly AMG’s. Currently I have a 2006 SLK55 and 2005 ML 500. I’m in sales and spend about $115 a week on gas for the ML 500. I’ve never considered a diesel before but am seriously considering an E320 CDI and I'm wondering what fellow Mercedes enthusiasts think about this car? Will I be miserable driving a diesel if I’m used to driving V8’s? I live in the Washington DC area and enjoy the convenience of an all wheel vehicle and am concerned about giving up my M-class for a rear drive vehicle. Is the trade off for better mileage worth giving up the convenience of all wheel drive? Any input would be appreciated.

KosherBenz

I work in bethesda off sangamore rd., lets trade cars for a day. E55=CDI

shoes

AMG is what attracted me to Mercedes in the first place. The idea of driving a conservative looking car with a bomb of an engine, rings my chimes. I have owned 5 E55's, an SL55, a CLK55, a C32 and a CL65.

I also became intrigued by the diesel E CLass. When I was told I could not buy a new one because I was a resident of California, well that just inflamed my desire. I figured out a solution to this problem and bought one two years ago.

I must admit that it was the most satisfying ownership experience of any car in my life. It wasn't trouble free, but the combination of power and economy was intoxicating. Of course it is slower than the E55, but the throttle response is more linear and easier to live with day to day. I found that it took concentration to drive the E55 smoothly, particularly with passengers. The diesel combined with the tried and true 5 speed is simple and direct. The bonus is the 700 mile range on a tank of gas.

I wish diesel hadn't gotten so expensive but I cannot wait for the new bluetec to come out this fall when hopefully it will be available in all 50 states.

FlintCDI

Something else to consider, after the new V6 comes out, they will more than likely be able to produce 4-matic version. I love my CDI, and while I haven't driven the ML500 there is no doubt that I choose the CDI over the ML350. Not just for the power, but also the fit and finish of the German assembled E over the Alabama assembled ML.

silberrosa

The torque is outstanding on the current I6 CDI and will be slightly improved on the new V6 CDI. You buy horsepower but you drive torque. The torque level exceeds that of the 5.0 V8 as well as some of the AMG prodcuts from just a few years ago. Granted, these are not intended to be sports cars like AMG, but they do offer an outstanding compromise between fuel economy and performance. Also, the diesel fuel price is more of a short term issue. I would expect diesel prices to be close to mid-grade gasoline by the summer.

rake55

Thanks for all of the great feedback so far. -Rob

Le Burpor

I've only driven the E320 CDI once and loved it. I could notice the difference in torque compared to my E320. You will definitely feel the difference if you are used to the V8's but I think you will still enjoy it.

jimbo1mcm

Traded an S Class for the CDI and have never regretted it. You might want to get the tried and true in line 6 CDI with no complicated emissions stuff. Good luck.

Germancar1

Why not wait and get a ML320 CDI? That way you'll still have your SUV, but you'll get much better mileage.

M

TPAbnz

I understand that the dealers have ordering info now for the 2007 ML CDI, including option packages, etc., but no price.

cdiken

simple, fewer stops at the pump. Way fewer than an ML. Time you don't have to waist again and again.

I have a CDI and all wheel drive.

(Not a CDI with all wheel drive). When icy/snowy/salty road conditions warrant, I just pull a Bronco or Suburban from my fleet and leave the Benz comfy in the garage.

All wheel drive, in my opinion, is 200 lbs of weight I would use in about 5% of driving situations, yet lug around in 100% of driving situations. More to go wrong, more weight in the front of the car where it is adversary to handling.

glojo

I love the CDI, but if your used to a 55, then clearly there will be a performance difference. The CDI will give you a very relaxing drive, but as a 55 owner that is not why you own one

The noise a 55AMG makes is in itself intoxicating... I love it. You will never replicate that in the CDI.

Petrol in the US is still exceedingly cheap. You might think it is dear and of course all things are relative. Just make sure you want the CDI for the right reasons. I'm sure you can afford the petrol and the hit you will take by selling the AMG and then buying a CDI simply does not make financial sense.

As I say, I am a lover of this fantastic engine, but I also appreciate what an excellent vehicle the E55AMG is.

Good luck with the decision,
John

kort677

My car (e320cdi) fitted with nokian hakka snows handles as well if not better than any 4wd in the snow