320 CDI: Has anybody test driven one?
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Lexus IS350
320 CDI: Has anybody test driven one?
I am looking at the ML as a possible replacement for my wife's XC90 V8. The Volvo is a lease vehicle in which the turn-in date is fast approaching. I have some interest in the CDI version and am curious to know if anybody has experience (good or bad) with this model. If so, how does it compare to the 350 and 550 versions? I do not have anything to tow but I like to have good passing power when needed. I believe the CDI version has a similar torque rating to the 550.
Regards,
NHman
Regards,
NHman
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From: Horseheads, NY
2014 ML350 BT, 2016 Jeep Wrangler Rubicon HR, 2012 GMC Sierra Denali HD Duramax
I drove an 08 last week and thought it had plenty of power (not as much as my 4Runner V8, but plenty nonetheless). It was extremely quiet and I almost couldn't tell it was a diesel. I was quite impressed with it.
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From: Vancouver
2008 GL320: 2005 C55 (sold): 2005 ML500 (sold): 2001 ML 430 (sold)
NHman - welcome to the forum. There was a tread started on the GL Forum titled "GL 320CDI Driving Experience", there might also be some opinions for you in that thread regarding the driving experience of the 320 Diesel. Keep in mind the ML is about 500lbs lighter than the GL. Hope this helps
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A160(Sold) C180(Sold), ML320(Dead! Sold) CDi, R300 CDi
I drive it for 14 months, 20000km now. No big problem so far. It is a very quiet engine, a lot better than a old 270cdi.
It has plenty of power, overtake very easy even up the hill.
Full tank can drive 750km.
Kevin
It has plenty of power, overtake very easy even up the hill.
Full tank can drive 750km.
Kevin
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c230 kompresor
Luv my cdi
I have almost 5000km on my 08 ml320 cdi and can definately reccomend it. Fuel economy is great. I got just over 1000 km on a tank on one road trip this summer. Thats almost 26mpg! Turbo lag is my only complaint and it's only really noticeable when you really put your foot into the pedal. I'm now an oil burner convert. Wish I could get this engine in a RAM 1500, like the grand cherokee.
Cheers
Cheers
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Joined: Jul 2007
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From: S. FL & MI
Currently Driving a BMW 325 Sport Wagon
I drove the ML 320 - it was the first "new" cleaner diesel vehicle I have driven and I found it to be fantastic - especially the MPG.
You will notice that some of the posts here are about "lag" I do agree that you need to learn how to apply power on the diesels.
The more I test drive the GL (320CDI) I find that putting your foot down 3/4ths of the way rather than all out flooring it really brings the torque on STRONG! Flooring it does seem to bring on a delay but nothing I was concerned over.
Smooth and very quiet and again the MPG's are awesome!!! Plunty of diesel stations around me (South Florida) I think Diesel is THEE way to go.
PS I am also a former Volvo Driver...
You will notice that some of the posts here are about "lag" I do agree that you need to learn how to apply power on the diesels.
The more I test drive the GL (320CDI) I find that putting your foot down 3/4ths of the way rather than all out flooring it really brings the torque on STRONG! Flooring it does seem to bring on a delay but nothing I was concerned over.
Smooth and very quiet and again the MPG's are awesome!!! Plunty of diesel stations around me (South Florida) I think Diesel is THEE way to go.
PS I am also a former Volvo Driver...
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Dream to drive
I test drove one in July for about an hour. Even without the air suspension it handled well and the acceleration was excellent. I was really ******* the vehicle at the Orlando dealership and I did notice the turbo lag. Supposedly the transmission and engine will "learn" about the driver, so this could have improved with more time? I'm not sure. BTW the brakes were excellent.
Honestly I don't know why I was ******* it....I'll be the kind of guy who tries to average in the high 20's MPG-wise out of the vehicle (like folks say it's capable of), so I won't be caring much if it has turbo lag or not. Once you are at speed it's a non-issue anyway, from 50 to 70 MPH the acceleration is very strong. Who cares if you aren't quicker than the 18 year old next to you at the stoplight? LOL
For those who are really concerned, when it comes down to the it the diesel is only incrementally slower than the gas ML350 - only 0.1 seconds slower 0-60 according to Mercedes. Also the engine is quite chip-able, so if you do crave more power then there are several vendors to choose from to give you an extra 50HP or so.
Honestly I don't know why I was ******* it....I'll be the kind of guy who tries to average in the high 20's MPG-wise out of the vehicle (like folks say it's capable of), so I won't be caring much if it has turbo lag or not. Once you are at speed it's a non-issue anyway, from 50 to 70 MPH the acceleration is very strong. Who cares if you aren't quicker than the 18 year old next to you at the stoplight? LOL
For those who are really concerned, when it comes down to the it the diesel is only incrementally slower than the gas ML350 - only 0.1 seconds slower 0-60 according to Mercedes. Also the engine is quite chip-able, so if you do crave more power then there are several vendors to choose from to give you an extra 50HP or so.
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2005 E500 AMG pkg
I would love this diesel SUV, but have been spoiled by my previous BMW diesel (recently lived in Europe). The BMW diesel is a much more sporty engine, in my opinion, because of less turbo lag. I can't wait to see if the X5 is going to bring their twin turbo 3.0 liter diesel, with one turbo being small to spool up faster. That would be the perfect diesel SUV.
