Bigugly22

So I have been reading through mbworld and Benz world as much as possible. My wife and I are looking into buying a 05-06 cdi this summer. I have been looking around at different purchasing options and see this as my choices. Is it worth it purchasing the low mileage? I have seen on average 45k-65k miles for about $24k-$27k. Or do I go with a vehicle with about 100k miles for only $14k-$17k? Cpo or non? If I am saving approximately $10k in purchase is it worth it? Granted before purchasing I would be taking it to a mechanic and having it checked out and running the maintenance records.

Is this vehicle going to last me another 100k-200k miles without costing the equivalent of the purchase price? What kind of high mileage cars out there? I am pretty meticulous when it comes to vehicle maintenance and usually prefer to do most of it myself but know when to take it in to someone more qualified. What do you guys think? If you have owned yours since the begining or just purchased yours I would love to hear as many opinions as possible and learn as muc as I need to. I have several months to think this through and do the research, so any recommended reading?

Thank you,

Dan

stickygreen

Had ours since 7500 mi (legally necessary to register in CA at the time). Now have 150k Things we have had to replace, other than wear items:

steering wheel airbag sensor at around 50k (warranty)
fuel line at 75k (warranty)
glow plug at 85k (warranty)
EGR at 98k (warranty)
shifter assembly at 130k
injector and more fuel lines at 148k
now needs a glow plug at 150k

Other than that just fluids, filters, brakes, tires, and wiper blades. It's actually been a VERY reliable car...absolutely zero trouble from the SBC

Benz11

Bigugly22, I have the exact same decision to make on my end. My wife is currently driving a gas guzzling Armada to work and we are filling that beast up too frequently IMO. When I started doing research on getting her another vehicle I was sold on a C230 kompressor due to it's high gas mileage. Then my research lead me to the E320 CDI; it's bigger and gets great fuel milage. I've read that the E320 CDI's start breaking in around 70k (if memory serves me right). I'm leaning towards buying a well maintained CDI from a private seller. Have fun with your search!

lkchris

By 200k it will have.

Dan Wang

Dan, I purchased used 06 CDI with 74k miles on it and the maintenance on it has been ok so far. The price range you choose will also depend on the amount of options it has also. For example, be prepared to pay more for options like keyless go, pano roof, distronic, etc.

The only issues so far is to replace the sunroof motor and keyless go door handle.

2slowcdi

The cost of the 05 & 06 CDI cost of repair will be less than the 07's and up.
Maintenance will not be cheap just make sure if you can that is has had the service that was needed done and up to date.
The 05 & 06 are .3 sec slower than the V6's to 60 mph ,and faster to 100 mph than the V6's and get a little better mileage.
They have a tried 5 speed auto transmission.
I have had to have a transmission leak fixed and one glow plug replaced and now have 83 k miles.
If you look at CR they show less reliability on the seven speed tranny in the first few years.
The I6 has had power added to it up to 600 hp with a stock bottom end.

When I went to buy I looked at the V6's and they are nice but have a hard time with a aluminum block with a 16.5 to one compression where the 05 & 06's have 18 to 1 due to a stronger block.

sebtdi

Hi

I just bought a used 2005 CDI wuith 160K on it - all maintenance done properly, zero issues other than regular maintenance and wear items

So far I really like it!

lkchris

And with that flawed logic (also techically incorrect) you were able to purchase a cheaper car. Amazing how that works.

2slowcdi

So you say, and you offer nothing but to discount what I have said.
Never seen a V6 with 600 hp and bet I never will.

The Finns have had CDI I6's with 600 hp with stock block and bottom end.

If someone could buy a CDI for as little as $10K they would still not have $10k in repairs at 200k miles.

Why would the V6 have a Lower Compression than the I6 if its not the block, its not for the NOX as the new emissions deals with that better than the I6 motor.

I have not seen anything to change my mind.

I do not dislike the V6 diesel its the only one North America has in the Benz's I just hope it was made to last and not built to a price point.

isstay

Get a CPO if you can. It is worth the extra money. This is all done on my car under CPO Warranty:
6 Glow plugs - per MB they are replaced as set
2 Front struts and strut mounts
2 Upper control arms
2 Torsion control arms
2 Lower balljoint
1 Passenger side lower control arm w/mount
1 power stearing rack w/4 wheel alignment after instal
1 power stearing pump
1 termostat
1 ashtray door
A/C valves replaced, system fill up
A/C evaporator core temperature sensor replaced to fix system freezing
hose between the engine and heater core due to hole in it.

plus you getting a car with new filters, tires and brakes.
now i am on mine own, but i hope to drive at least couple of years before first problem arise.