Drove E350
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Joined: Dec 2002
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From: North Scottsdale
06 C 350 2014 GLK350
Drove E350
I had a short city drive in an E350 this morning and declare that engine a real winner. When you take off there is instant acceleration, not that delay as on the 320. With even moderate throttle you will tweak the tires. I didn't get to go above 40 mph but it was solid. I can't wait for mine that will be here towards the end of March.
Get one now and you will have a current model for up to 18 months.
Get one now and you will have a current model for up to 18 months.
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Joined: Jul 2003
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From: North Scottsdale, AZ
'71 Pinto
Hey Jim, what equipment does your 350 have, also what color combo? Long shot, but were there, or do you foresee, any incentives being offered? How did you manage with the new sliding center console?
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From: North Scottsdale
06 C 350 2014 GLK350
It's been a year since I had the E500 so it's hard be totally objective but based on the feel of the 350 I wouldn't even consider another V8. I'm sure the 500 torque is stronger but I feel I will never need more power. My 05 E320 CDI felt similar but I didn't like its non-linear acceleration. The short turbo lag followed by a burst of torque didn't appeal to me.
I liked the flush vent in the dash which shouldn't reflect into the windshield as my others did. Also, the tambour door console is probably a more useful design. By removing the cup holders there is lots of room to store things.
My E350 is Brilliant Silver, Charcoal Full Leather, Premium Package, Ventilated Seats and Rear Pass Through. (MSRP $58,690) I don't know if there are any incentives since I traded my 05 CDI.
My boat is due at LA on March 14th. I can hardly wait after this morning's drive.
I liked the flush vent in the dash which shouldn't reflect into the windshield as my others did. Also, the tambour door console is probably a more useful design. By removing the cup holders there is lots of room to store things.
My E350 is Brilliant Silver, Charcoal Full Leather, Premium Package, Ventilated Seats and Rear Pass Through. (MSRP $58,690) I don't know if there are any incentives since I traded my 05 CDI.
My boat is due at LA on March 14th. I can hardly wait after this morning's drive.
Out Of Control!!
Joined: Jul 2003
Posts: 15,901
Likes: 4,630
From: North Scottsdale, AZ
'71 Pinto
Jim, I applaud your selections all! The premium package is a perfect fit for AZ. Personally, my only addition would be a factory installed wood/leather steering wheel. And maybe, possibly consider the electronic trunk closer (?). It looks as though there is about a $1500 MSRP difference between the 350 and 320, no?
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Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 24
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From: Seattle, WA
e500 2004
Haven't drive the 350 but don't dilude yourself vs. 500. Clearly the difference is not so great vs 320 and it may not be worth extra $ but numbers don't lie and 0-60 and torque still meaninful.
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Super Member
Joined: Dec 2004
Posts: 581
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From: SF Bay Area, CA
11 W212 E350 Sport, sold 06 W211 E350
Originally Posted by MB-JIM
It's been a year since I had the E500 so it's hard be totally objective but based on the feel of the 350 I wouldn't even consider another V8. I'm sure the 500 torque is stronger but I feel I will never need more power. My 05 E320 CDI felt similar but I didn't like its non-linear acceleration. The short turbo lag followed by a burst of torque didn't appeal to me.
I liked the flush vent in the dash which shouldn't reflect into the windshield as my others did. Also, the tambour door console is probably a more useful design. By removing the cup holders there is lots of room to store things.
My E350 is Brilliant Silver, Charcoal Full Leather, Premium Package, Ventilated Seats and Rear Pass Through. (MSRP $58,690) I don't know if there are any incentives since I traded my 05 CDI.
My boat is due at LA on March 14th. I can hardly wait after this morning's drive.
I liked the flush vent in the dash which shouldn't reflect into the windshield as my others did. Also, the tambour door console is probably a more useful design. By removing the cup holders there is lots of room to store things.
My E350 is Brilliant Silver, Charcoal Full Leather, Premium Package, Ventilated Seats and Rear Pass Through. (MSRP $58,690) I don't know if there are any incentives since I traded my 05 CDI.
My boat is due at LA on March 14th. I can hardly wait after this morning's drive.
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Joined: Dec 2003
Posts: 1,439
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From: THE NAPA VALLEY, CA
Build date 2-04 E500
Originally Posted by sacguy
I ordered an 05 E500 in mid January and it is supposed to come in in April, so looks like your car will beat mine in to port!
Super Member
Joined: Dec 2004
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From: SF Bay Area, CA
11 W212 E350 Sport, sold 06 W211 E350
Originally Posted by HELL ONA HARLEY
Thought we here at the forum scared you off.... Glad to see your taking delivery.
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From: Torquay, England
E-class E300e Estate, Sprinter (stretched limo)
Originally Posted by MB-JIM
My 05 E320 CDI felt similar but I didn't like its non-linear acceleration. The short turbo lag followed by a burst of torque didn't appeal to me.
Hi Jim,
Nice post but I am baffled by the problem you describe with the 320CDI. There should not be any noticeable turbo lag at all.
These turbo's are the very latest technology and are so good Mercedes-Benz is phasing out the 'Kompressor' range of smaller engines and replacing them with this turbo technology.
Torque with a diesel should be the same (available through the whole rev range) and not like a petrol which is usually higher up the rev-band.
Your post really describes the older type diesel engines and I would not accept a CDI with the symptoms you have experienced.
Regards,
John
A misty morning
Good luck with the new 350,
John
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From: North Scottsdale
06 C 350 2014 GLK350
Your post really describes the older type diesel engines and I would not accept a CDI with the symptoms you have experienced.
My CDI had a very short lag followed by incredible torque. In fact, at times while in traffic, I was concerned that if too close I might rear end the car ahead. My old (6) turbo diesels all had much more lag but didn't have the burst of accelertion.
Actually, I was able to minimize the problem by switching to the winter position that started in second. All I can say is that the 350 feels ideal to me.
My CDI had a very short lag followed by incredible torque. In fact, at times while in traffic, I was concerned that if too close I might rear end the car ahead. My old (6) turbo diesels all had much more lag but didn't have the burst of accelertion.
Actually, I was able to minimize the problem by switching to the winter position that started in second. All I can say is that the 350 feels ideal to me.
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From: Torquay, England
E-class E300e Estate, Sprinter (stretched limo)
Originally Posted by MB-JIM
My old (6) turbo diesels all had much more lag but didn't have the burst of accelertion.
Actually, I was able to minimize the problem by switching to the winter position that started in second. All I can say is that the 350 feels ideal to me.
Actually, I was able to minimize the problem by switching to the winter position that started in second. All I can say is that the 350 feels ideal to me.
The piece I have saved states my point most eloquently. The CDI turbo does not really have any 'lag' as such and requires a very slightly different driving style compared to the older diesels. Gone are the days of the heavy right foot to get the car moving. (you will meet the car in front sooner than desired
).Your choice of going for the new 350 is one that I certainly respect. It is an excellent modern engine and is a fine choice for the E-class.
Good luck with the new car,
John
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Joined: Oct 2004
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From: Hertfordshire, UK
ML 320 CDI
John,
Do you remember the post a while back that explained the 0-60mph times and top speed issues between US and European E320 CDI's. I think the diff and gearing was differentm so maybe that affects the driveability a bit. Shouldn't make too much of a difference though.
Do you remember the post a while back that explained the 0-60mph times and top speed issues between US and European E320 CDI's. I think the diff and gearing was differentm so maybe that affects the driveability a bit. Shouldn't make too much of a difference though.
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From: Torquay, England
E-class E300e Estate, Sprinter (stretched limo)
Originally Posted by marcos
John,
Do you remember the post a while back that explained the 0-60mph times and top speed issues between US and European E320 CDI's. I think the diff and gearing was differentm so maybe that affects the driveability a bit. Shouldn't make too much of a difference though.
Do you remember the post a while back that explained the 0-60mph times and top speed issues between US and European E320 CDI's. I think the diff and gearing was differentm so maybe that affects the driveability a bit. Shouldn't make too much of a difference though.
Excellent point,
If I recall correctly the US versions will have a very slightly quicker response, but we have the higher top speed and better economy
John
