E320 CDI advice
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Joined: Dec 2001
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From: Potomac, Md
2006 E320 CDI, 2007 ML 320 CDI, 2008 C63, 2008 G55
E320 CDI advice
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.
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Joined: Feb 2004
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From: Northern California
Mercedes C400, BMW X3
If you like torque, you will like the diesel
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.
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.
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Joined: Jun 2005
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From: Jacksonville,Florida
2005 E230 CDI
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.
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Joined: Dec 2003
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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.
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From: Land down under
BMW E60 M5 - '08
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.
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From: ct
All Diesel Fleet !1983 240d stick,2005 E320 CDI Midnight blue, 2005 E320 CDI, Desert Silver, Kubota
Buy Now!
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.
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Joined: Dec 2005
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From: Dallas TX
2013 650i Coupe, 2010 IS250 AWD, 1999 S500
Originally Posted by 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.
Why not wait and get a ML320 CDI? That way you'll still have your SUV, but you'll get much better mileage.
M
Super Member
Joined: Jun 2004
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From: Tampa, Florida
2017 E300W
Originally Posted by Germancar1
Why not wait and get a ML320 CDI?
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Joined: Sep 2004
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From: Virginia
2005 Carlsson CD32 E320 CDI Inline-6
The diesel convenience....
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.
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.
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From: Torquay, England
E-class E300e Estate, Sprinter (stretched limo)
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
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
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Joined: May 2004
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From: NJ
'05 e320 cdi, '05 lexus rx330
Originally Posted by 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.
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.
