Thinking of getting a 05 E320 CDI, help
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Member
Joined: Oct 2004
Posts: 188
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From: Denver Metro
2017 GLC 300 Coupe'
Thinking of getting a 05 E320 CDI, help
Looking at an 05 E320 CDI
Anything to watch out for? Will I experience a ton of maintenance issues? Do you love yours?
TIA
Past cars include '00 MB C230K and currently a BMW 325 Ci / Dinan3
Anything to watch out for? Will I experience a ton of maintenance issues? Do you love yours?
TIA
Past cars include '00 MB C230K and currently a BMW 325 Ci / Dinan3
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Joined: Sep 2005
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From: Albuquerque
'10 CL550, '12 GL550
Our '06 has been completely trouble-free for 18K miles so far.
'05 had some brake system recalls, but they should be completed.
If you get dealer maintenance, you'll have no problems.
If you DIY and get it wrong, it could be VERY expensive because these are VERY sophisticated cars. You just don't get rocketship performance combined with 37mpg from a stone simple vehicle. DO NOT consider biodiesel, for one. OTOH, 5-cylinder and 4-cylinder versions of this same engine serve nicely in the industrial world in Sprinter vans and various taxicabs.
'05 had some brake system recalls, but they should be completed.
If you get dealer maintenance, you'll have no problems.
If you DIY and get it wrong, it could be VERY expensive because these are VERY sophisticated cars. You just don't get rocketship performance combined with 37mpg from a stone simple vehicle. DO NOT consider biodiesel, for one. OTOH, 5-cylinder and 4-cylinder versions of this same engine serve nicely in the industrial world in Sprinter vans and various taxicabs.
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Joined: Jan 2007
Posts: 74
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From: Houston, Texas
2022 SL63, 2008 CL63
[QUOTE=jmel777;2192252]Looking at an 05 E320 CDI
Anything to watch out for? Will I experience a ton of maintenance issues? Do you love yours?
I have 83,000 miles on my 05 with no major issues. Normal maintence has been done on schedule. I love the car, the mpg, luxury ect. We have every option. It is especially great driver for highway trips.
Anything to watch out for? Will I experience a ton of maintenance issues? Do you love yours?
I have 83,000 miles on my 05 with no major issues. Normal maintence has been done on schedule. I love the car, the mpg, luxury ect. We have every option. It is especially great driver for highway trips.
Member
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From: Lake Goodwin, WA
2005 E320 CDI, 1999 ML430
Senior Member
Joined: Apr 2006
Posts: 456
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From: Ocala, FL
'08 CL63
I've only had one issue with my '05. Freak problem? I don't know.
Somewhere during (return portion?) of a 1600 mile trip, a fuel line cracked or developed a leak. It was pretty obvious when I got home as there was a decent size (1 foot) puddle of diesel under the car. When I started it I also got an alternator problem as the fuel was leaking onto the alternator & killed it.
Dealer towed it from my house, fixed in 2 days, warranty issue, no charge.
No issues since then, I'm pretty sure it was just a freak accident. Regardless, the dealer handled it very well & it was a minor inconvenience to me.
Somewhere during (return portion?) of a 1600 mile trip, a fuel line cracked or developed a leak. It was pretty obvious when I got home as there was a decent size (1 foot) puddle of diesel under the car. When I started it I also got an alternator problem as the fuel was leaking onto the alternator & killed it.
Dealer towed it from my house, fixed in 2 days, warranty issue, no charge.
No issues since then, I'm pretty sure it was just a freak accident. Regardless, the dealer handled it very well & it was a minor inconvenience to me.
Super Member
Joined: Dec 2003
Posts: 522
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From: ct
All Diesel Fleet !1983 240d stick,2005 E320 CDI Midnight blue, 2005 E320 CDI, Desert Silver, Kubota
Very Good Cars
Both my 05 CDI's have around 50,000. Just minor maintenance and not very often. Great cars.
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Apr 2006
Posts: 1,332
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From: Toronto
2006 E320 CDi, 2008 3/4 Ton Suburban, 2007 "rice rickshaw" Accord 5 speed
Buy the car
The straight 6 CDi engines are the last of the great diesels. Power. Economy. Relative ease of maintenance. They are not made anymore so buy a good one for keeps.
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Joined: May 2004
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From: Lone Star State.
W211 2005 CDI, X166 2013 350 BT, 997.1 2008 C4S
I find that every W211 CDI owners are very happy with their decision. I have had some issues with the EGR, diesel line leaks and some minor warranty issues. All fixed under warranty with a smile. Buy it, you will understand why the CDI is such an amazing piece of technology.
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Jay
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Jay
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MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Mar 2007
Posts: 1,146
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From: Vancouver, BC
2015 E250 BT 4M
Bluetec Reliability
You would call the Bluetec's 15,000 km service interval "maintenance intensive" ????
Before you throw more rocks at the Bluetec V6, may I suggest that you go to www.hydro.com (the engine block manufacturer) and read the facts on the V6 diesel.
I would also remind you of the recent endurance trials for this engine that were carried out by Mercedes-Benz.
First, the record setting 100,000 km endurance tests completed at an average speed of 220 km/h.
Second, the recent Paris - Beijing Tour that involved a total of 45 V6 diesels (including 3 Bluetecs) travelling a combined total of 640,000 kilometres. Not one engine problem encountered.
Before you throw more rocks at the Bluetec V6, may I suggest that you go to www.hydro.com (the engine block manufacturer) and read the facts on the V6 diesel.
I would also remind you of the recent endurance trials for this engine that were carried out by Mercedes-Benz.
First, the record setting 100,000 km endurance tests completed at an average speed of 220 km/h.
Second, the recent Paris - Beijing Tour that involved a total of 45 V6 diesels (including 3 Bluetecs) travelling a combined total of 640,000 kilometres. Not one engine problem encountered.
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Joined: Jul 2004
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This isn't the place for a Bluetec vs CDI debate. The original poster is clearly not in the market for a new Bluetec if he/she is considering a used CDI.
I have about 12k miles on my 2006 CDI, and it has been fantastic. The computer shows an overall average of 28.5 MPG with mixed driving...from the worst LA traffic to long freeway cruises to winding it to redline with the foot to the floor in the canyons. Still looks and feels brand new, and has only had one minor problem...a bad connector caused a transmission fluid leak, which I'm told is common for the 5-speed auto transmission across the MB model range.
I have about 12k miles on my 2006 CDI, and it has been fantastic. The computer shows an overall average of 28.5 MPG with mixed driving...from the worst LA traffic to long freeway cruises to winding it to redline with the foot to the floor in the canyons. Still looks and feels brand new, and has only had one minor problem...a bad connector caused a transmission fluid leak, which I'm told is common for the 5-speed auto transmission across the MB model range.
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From: Vancouver, BC
2015 E250 BT 4M
Yes, I entirely agree with you, but I didn't raise this issue. It's great to read that so many CDI owners are so satisfied with their cars. However, it becomes a bit tiresome to see so many of these same owners make condescending remarks about the Bluetec V6 based on personal opinions, not facts.
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Joined: Oct 2005
Posts: 1,105
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From: Westminster, MD / Wash. DC
Its big and Grey!
Yes, I entirely agree with you, but I didn't raise this issue. It's great to read that so many CDI owners are so satisfied with their cars. However, it becomes a bit tiresome to see so many of these same owners make condescending remarks about the Bluetec V6 based on personal opinions, not facts.
Thread Starter
Member
Joined: Oct 2004
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From: Denver Metro
2017 GLC 300 Coupe'
Yes, I entirely agree with you, but I didn't raise this issue. It's great to read that so many CDI owners are so satisfied with their cars. However, it becomes a bit tiresome to see so many of these same owners make condescending remarks about the Bluetec V6 based on personal opinions, not facts.
BTW I am sure that the V6 is great, but unless someone is out there giving them away I will stay with a pre owned E320.
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Joined: Mar 2007
Posts: 1,146
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From: Vancouver, BC
2015 E250 BT 4M
Thanks to everyone for their feedback. I am currently only looking at a pre owned CDI with around 37K miles on it. Sounds like a smart choice based upon your input. Now to sell the BMW.
BTW I am sure that the V6 is great, but unless someone is out there giving them away I will stay with a pre owned E320.
BTW I am sure that the V6 is great, but unless someone is out there giving them away I will stay with a pre owned E320.
Junior Member
Joined: May 2007
Posts: 53
Likes: 0
2012 w212
Just bought a pre-owned 05 CDI
hi...just bought an 05 pre-owned w211 CDI with 64,000 miles. The car drives as if I picked it up off the new car lot yesterday. No problems whatsoever -- the car is a amazing. I'm getting about 34 mpg on mostly highway driving with an average cruising speed of 70 mph...
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Our '06 has been completely trouble-free for 18K miles so far.
'05 had some brake system recalls, but they should be completed.
If you get dealer maintenance, you'll have no problems.
If you DIY and get it wrong, it could be VERY expensive because these are VERY sophisticated cars. You just don't get rocketship performance combined with 37mpg from a stone simple vehicle. DO NOT consider biodiesel, for one. OTOH, 5-cylinder and 4-cylinder versions of this same engine serve nicely in the industrial world in Sprinter vans and various taxicabs.
'05 had some brake system recalls, but they should be completed.
If you get dealer maintenance, you'll have no problems.
If you DIY and get it wrong, it could be VERY expensive because these are VERY sophisticated cars. You just don't get rocketship performance combined with 37mpg from a stone simple vehicle. DO NOT consider biodiesel, for one. OTOH, 5-cylinder and 4-cylinder versions of this same engine serve nicely in the industrial world in Sprinter vans and various taxicabs.
I don't understand why you guys are always saying you can't break the speed limit without getting nailed, and own 350's, 500's...
I own a 150 hp 220cdi and it's considered a very nice car. Above average.
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Joined: Mar 2004
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From: Ft. Lauderdale Area, USA
2015 ML 350
" I don't understand why you guys are always saying you can't break the speed limit without getting nailed, and own 350's, 500's... "
Having owned an E 500, and Now an E 550, I can tell you it is sort of a waste of money, since the speed limits are either low, the road conditions are crappy, or the area you live in is a radar trap money making machine for the Town.
Its nice to get the chance to mash down occaisionally & feel yourself pressed into the seat back. Its also nice to know you have all that power under your foot... sort of like being the toughest guy on the block, but all dressed up in a suit, lookin' respectable. Nothing idles or leaps to life like a well designed V8, either.
Because the amount of time we can actually unleash power is limited, I would never buy an E 63/55, since I'd never get to use the power often enough to justify the cost.
When the cost of gas goes up high enough, first the resale value of the used 550's/500's will tank, and then people will stop ordering the 550s. They'll go away by themselves following the law of supply & demand.
This is a very big country compared to Europe & other parts of the world, & we cover many miles in our daily lives, not to mention our vacations. We're big, tall & fat & need bigger powerfull cars to haul our Families and our crap. Costs might alter that in the future, but that will be a last resort, here.
Really, the only reason bigger engined cars are not prevalent in other countries is because the masses don't want them enough to pay for them in high enough numbers for the dealers to sell them. Initial costs and the long run costs figure into the equation, too.
Are any of these "Good Reasons"? No, but its all I can come up with.
Having owned an E 500, and Now an E 550, I can tell you it is sort of a waste of money, since the speed limits are either low, the road conditions are crappy, or the area you live in is a radar trap money making machine for the Town.
Its nice to get the chance to mash down occaisionally & feel yourself pressed into the seat back. Its also nice to know you have all that power under your foot... sort of like being the toughest guy on the block, but all dressed up in a suit, lookin' respectable. Nothing idles or leaps to life like a well designed V8, either.
Because the amount of time we can actually unleash power is limited, I would never buy an E 63/55, since I'd never get to use the power often enough to justify the cost.
When the cost of gas goes up high enough, first the resale value of the used 550's/500's will tank, and then people will stop ordering the 550s. They'll go away by themselves following the law of supply & demand.
This is a very big country compared to Europe & other parts of the world, & we cover many miles in our daily lives, not to mention our vacations. We're big, tall & fat & need bigger powerfull cars to haul our Families and our crap. Costs might alter that in the future, but that will be a last resort, here.
Really, the only reason bigger engined cars are not prevalent in other countries is because the masses don't want them enough to pay for them in high enough numbers for the dealers to sell them. Initial costs and the long run costs figure into the equation, too.
Are any of these "Good Reasons"? No, but its all I can come up with.
Last edited by Barry45RPM; May 13, 2007 at 03:04 PM.
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Joined: Apr 2006
Posts: 1,332
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From: Toronto
2006 E320 CDi, 2008 3/4 Ton Suburban, 2007 "rice rickshaw" Accord 5 speed
God bless America
" I don't understand why you guys are always saying you can't break the speed limit without getting nailed, and own 350's, 500's... "
Having owned an E 500, and Now an E 550, I can tell you it is sort of a waste of money, since the speed limits are either low, the road conditions are crappy, or the area you live in is a radar trap money making machine for the Town.
Its nice to get the chance to mash down occaisionally & feel yourself pressed into the seat back. Its also nice to know you have all that power under your foot... sort of like being the toughest guy on the block, but all dressed up in a suit, lookin' respectable. Nothing idles or leaps to life like a well designed V8, either.
Because the amount of time we can actually unleash power is limited, I would never buy an E 63/55, since I'd never get to use the power often enough to justify the cost.
When the cost of gas goes up high enough, first the resale value of the used 550's/500's will tank, and then people will stop ordering the 550s. They'll go away by themselves following the law of supply & demand.
This is a very big country compared to Europe & other parts of the world, & we cover many miles in our daily lives, not to mention our vacations. We're big, tall & fat & need bigger powerfull cars to haul our Families and our crap. Costs might alter that in the future, but that will be a last resort, here.
Really, the only reason bigger engined cars are not prevalent in other countries is because the masses don't want them enough to pay for them in high enough numbers for the dealers to sell them. Initial costs and the long run costs figure into the equation, too.
Are any of these "Good Reasons"? No, but its all I can come up with.
Having owned an E 500, and Now an E 550, I can tell you it is sort of a waste of money, since the speed limits are either low, the road conditions are crappy, or the area you live in is a radar trap money making machine for the Town.
Its nice to get the chance to mash down occaisionally & feel yourself pressed into the seat back. Its also nice to know you have all that power under your foot... sort of like being the toughest guy on the block, but all dressed up in a suit, lookin' respectable. Nothing idles or leaps to life like a well designed V8, either.
Because the amount of time we can actually unleash power is limited, I would never buy an E 63/55, since I'd never get to use the power often enough to justify the cost.
When the cost of gas goes up high enough, first the resale value of the used 550's/500's will tank, and then people will stop ordering the 550s. They'll go away by themselves following the law of supply & demand.
This is a very big country compared to Europe & other parts of the world, & we cover many miles in our daily lives, not to mention our vacations. We're big, tall & fat & need bigger powerfull cars to haul our Families and our crap. Costs might alter that in the future, but that will be a last resort, here.
Really, the only reason bigger engined cars are not prevalent in other countries is because the masses don't want them enough to pay for them in high enough numbers for the dealers to sell them. Initial costs and the long run costs figure into the equation, too.
Are any of these "Good Reasons"? No, but its all I can come up with.
I had a modified 1985 Mustang GT manual transmission. While it had rear drums the engine sings even when ticking over, thump, thump, thump like a motor boat. With a single downdraught carburettor it needed little attention. With under a thousand dollars modification it produced about 250 horses and was a great daily driver. The car was bought new for CD$16,000.00 inclusive of all taxes. Where else in the world can you get so much for so little?
Apart from gas, brakes and oil changes (and a new SVO speedo) I spent no money on the car for 4 years.
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Apr 2006
Posts: 1,332
Likes: 4
From: Toronto
2006 E320 CDi, 2008 3/4 Ton Suburban, 2007 "rice rickshaw" Accord 5 speed
Greedy lefty European governments
With few exceptions they are Socio-Communistic in their policies. France is the pits and bottom of the ladder.
The motor car is viewed as a golden goose. They fleece motorists to the limits of their tolerance in gas prices, number plate stickers and the infamous Value Added Tax (VAT).
Americans have to stand on guard for their values. Do not let these evil ideas take root in the Land of the Free.
The motor car is viewed as a golden goose. They fleece motorists to the limits of their tolerance in gas prices, number plate stickers and the infamous Value Added Tax (VAT).
Americans have to stand on guard for their values. Do not let these evil ideas take root in the Land of the Free.
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Apr 2006
Posts: 1,332
Likes: 4
From: Toronto
2006 E320 CDi, 2008 3/4 Ton Suburban, 2007 "rice rickshaw" Accord 5 speed
No offence but I do not agree with you
You would call the Bluetec's 15,000 km service interval "maintenance intensive" ????
Before you throw more rocks at the Bluetec V6, may I suggest that you go to www.hydro.com (the engine block manufacturer) and read the facts on the V6 diesel.
I would also remind you of the recent endurance trials for this engine that were carried out by Mercedes-Benz.
First, the record setting 100,000 km endurance tests completed at an average speed of 220 km/h.
Second, the recent Paris - Beijing Tour that involved a total of 45 V6 diesels (including 3 Bluetecs) travelling a combined total of 640,000 kilometres. Not one engine problem encountered.
Before you throw more rocks at the Bluetec V6, may I suggest that you go to www.hydro.com (the engine block manufacturer) and read the facts on the V6 diesel.
I would also remind you of the recent endurance trials for this engine that were carried out by Mercedes-Benz.
First, the record setting 100,000 km endurance tests completed at an average speed of 220 km/h.
Second, the recent Paris - Beijing Tour that involved a total of 45 V6 diesels (including 3 Bluetecs) travelling a combined total of 640,000 kilometres. Not one engine problem encountered.
The Bluetec is a good car. I test drove one and bought a CDi instead at about the same price. If I have a choice of an earlier engine I probably would have bought that too. The pre-emission diesel engines are supposed to last forever because they did not have all the Alda, cats and other things the post 2006 diesel cars have.
The less complicated the engine the more reliable it is. The Bluetec car has 4 expensive filters. Every now and then extra bursts of diesel fuel is injected into the exhaust system to burn off the soot accumulated in the particulate filter. The AdBlue system adds on another bottle of urea to inject into the exhaust system. I think most people can agree that chance of something going wrong with all this new technology is many times higher than a CDi with only one single catalytic converter.
Unless you like hugging trees and bothering whales more than driving.
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Joined: Apr 2006
Posts: 1,332
Likes: 4
From: Toronto
2006 E320 CDi, 2008 3/4 Ton Suburban, 2007 "rice rickshaw" Accord 5 speed
what a vast country
" I don't understand why you guys are always saying you can't break the speed limit without getting nailed, and own 350's, 500's... "
Having owned an E 500, and Now an E 550, I can tell you it is sort of a waste of money, since the speed limits are either low, the road conditions are crappy, or the area you live in is a radar trap money making machine for the Town.
Its nice to get the chance to mash down occaisionally & feel yourself pressed into the seat back. Its also nice to know you have all that power under your foot... sort of like being the toughest guy on the block, but all dressed up in a suit, lookin' respectable. Nothing idles or leaps to life like a well designed V8, either.
Because the amount of time we can actually unleash power is limited, I would never buy an E 63/55, since I'd never get to use the power often enough to justify the cost.
When the cost of gas goes up high enough, first the resale value of the used 550's/500's will tank, and then people will stop ordering the 550s. They'll go away by themselves following the law of supply & demand.
This is a very big country compared to Europe & other parts of the world, & we cover many miles in our daily lives, not to mention our vacations. We're big, tall & fat & need bigger powerfull cars to haul our Families and our crap. Costs might alter that in the future, but that will be a last resort, here.
Really, the only reason bigger engined cars are not prevalent in other countries is because the masses don't want them enough to pay for them in high enough numbers for the dealers to sell them. Initial costs and the long run costs figure into the equation, too.
Are any of these "Good Reasons"? No, but its all I can come up with.
Having owned an E 500, and Now an E 550, I can tell you it is sort of a waste of money, since the speed limits are either low, the road conditions are crappy, or the area you live in is a radar trap money making machine for the Town.
Its nice to get the chance to mash down occaisionally & feel yourself pressed into the seat back. Its also nice to know you have all that power under your foot... sort of like being the toughest guy on the block, but all dressed up in a suit, lookin' respectable. Nothing idles or leaps to life like a well designed V8, either.
Because the amount of time we can actually unleash power is limited, I would never buy an E 63/55, since I'd never get to use the power often enough to justify the cost.
When the cost of gas goes up high enough, first the resale value of the used 550's/500's will tank, and then people will stop ordering the 550s. They'll go away by themselves following the law of supply & demand.
This is a very big country compared to Europe & other parts of the world, & we cover many miles in our daily lives, not to mention our vacations. We're big, tall & fat & need bigger powerfull cars to haul our Families and our crap. Costs might alter that in the future, but that will be a last resort, here.
Really, the only reason bigger engined cars are not prevalent in other countries is because the masses don't want them enough to pay for them in high enough numbers for the dealers to sell them. Initial costs and the long run costs figure into the equation, too.
Are any of these "Good Reasons"? No, but its all I can come up with.
California is the tail that wags the dog. Due to its unique ability to dictate to the European car makers the local politicians are overiding the Federal air quality rules that are more reasonable than the draconion, largely left wing and environmental fundamentalist driven laws there. The MB Bluetec program is the result of Californian zealot politicians like Henry Waxwoman.
They would require American warplanes and airlines flying over LA to be equipped with catalytic converters if they can find a way to collect the fines!
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Posts: 1,299
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Have you been to any one of the major US cities recently? Traffic is awful, air quailty poor, and housing prices ridiculous (not to mention lack of jobs, health care, government resources, etc.). And you think we can "easily" triple the present population? That's hilarious.
