ProV1

Hi, guys

Thinking about picking up a used E320 CDI, (i was shocked that the ONLY luxury car sold in the US that gets >25MPG combined is E320 CDI!!!! ) I realize 2005 is the first yr. Are 05s known to have a lot of problems that were resolved in 06-08? is it worth it to spend more $ for a 07 for example. I know 03-04 E-class had a lot of problems that were gradually resolved in 05-07.

Also, never owned a diesel before - what are particular things I need to check out when buying?

Thanks,

SEC1939

My 05 CDI has 61 K no issues to speak of EGR replaced and some SBC brake recall coomon to all E till 2007. The 05 has the good-old I6 Cast iron block alum head a real proven engine platform. I get grand average of 30mph 35-37 mph on hwy. Go for it

lkchris

'05 and '06 are the same car and pretty darn good and reliable.

In '07 they got the V6 motor and the 7sp transmission, so it's a bit of an apples/oranges comparison.

SBC is nothing to worry about as everything's been fixed by now and the warranty is extended to 10 yr (Mercedes punishes Bosch).

As for things to check out--make sure the previous owner hasn't done anything that will void the warranty. Using >B5 biodiesel, for example.

C5DRVR

I have 104,000 miles on my 2005 E320CDI and the only issue
I have had is that I had to replace a EGR valve. This car has been one of the most reliable cars I have ever owned. It makes me wonder where all the bad press for Mercedes came from on reliability. Remember that the 2005 E320 CDI the US received had been out in Europe for a few years before.

Untertürkheim

The 2005 is not the first year for the E320CDI, only the first year it was sold in the US, so no reason to worry it is the first model year,

jimbo1mcm

I have 75,000 on my 05 and my wife has 63,000. The only issues were the EGR valve which is covered by a TB. They install a new one. See the post for the updated part. Also, there is an electrical bushing in the transmission that leaks. Once replaced it is fine. Should also be covered. Go for it. PM me if you need any more info.

harkgar

Can you please post a photo of where the EGR valve is located? What did you mean by TB?

The leakage point is where the transmission electrical sensor goes into the "sealed for life" transmission and cannot be seen until you take all the under belly plastic covers off. It is therefore advisable not to do the MB "suction" oil change because you will miss all oil and fluid leaks.

The car is very reliable. A very good work horse which runs very fast too on the highway.

harkgar

Ken,

I have been told by a guy at Carlssons USA in Florida that there are minor differences in the North American car computers. He claimed that the Carlsson tuning box for a 2005 cannot be used on a 2006.

Polar Bear

I can't think of a reason to avoid a 2005, and can think of many if locate one if you are looking for options. There were some options available in 2005 that was not available any other year (ventilated dynamic seats, REST mode on A/C, etc.)

There appear to be no additional issues with the 2005 from the research that I have performed.

seahonu

Clarification. 2005 CDI was the first year IMPORTED into USA. 2005 CDI was NOT the 1st year produced. E320-CDI started in 2003. So you're benefiting from 2 years prior of fixes when it was release two years earlier in Europe.

BTW, I have 2005 E320-CDI with 40K miles and LOVE it. Low end torque is wonderful.

Polar Bear

Just wondering - what are you paying for Diesel in your area in CA? In NC it is around $3.99/gal.

doxland

As high as $4.39 in Indio California

Polar Bear

Wow. How does that compare to premium unleaded?

About $3.49 here.

lkchris

One thing 2005 has that 2006 doesn't is prewiring for SAT radio.

seahonu

Price of diesel in California, $3.89/gal. Bummer. This sucks that it takes LESS refining for diesel fuel, yet oil companies are charging MORE than premium.

lkchris

Get over that. Not since the advent of ULSD and in any event diesel is in short supply due to refining capacity.

There is no oil company conspiracy.

http://www.eia.doe.gov/bookshelf/brochures/diesel/

Tank7

I have about 63K on my 05' and I love this car.