MBS430

looking at ML for the next family car and comparing the ML320 CDI vs. ML350

ML320CDI has more MPG, very quiet diesel engine.
Purchase price is relatively just a bit more than ML350. Used resale price on the 320CDI is also higher.

Sounds like the 320CDI is the better option of the two. but I am observing there are more ML350 than ML320cdi.
What am I missing here? please educate.

Thanks much in advance

DUTCH

It's not what you're missing. It's what the average US driver is missing. The ML320CDI is far superior to the ML350. 700+ miles per tank of fuel is only part of it.

NHman

MBS430, I am going through the same thought process. I would like to test drive a ML 320 CDI before making a decision but most (if not all) dealers do not carry one in their inventory. I plan on test driving the ML350 within the next two weeks. However I usually opt for the engine with more power & torque. The ML550 would fit the bill but with an average price of $61k (with the desired options) is a bit higher than I want to spend. This is why the CDI model is attractive to me.



Regards,
NHman

gkk23262

We purchased one last December and have since put about 9,000 miles on it. It has been trouble free and an absolute pleasure to drive. We are averaging between 26 and 29 m.p.h. on the highway, depending on how fast we drive. The power delivery is seamless and comfortable in every driving situation. When we drove from south Louisiana to Buffalo in January, I was amazed at how easily it climbed hills without downshifting. Out dealer didn't have one when we ordered ours, but we were able to test drive one at a dealer about 75 miles away. Until the test drive, my wife was adamantly opposed to a diesel on grounds that it was too noisy, smelly, etc. A short test drive changed her mind, and she now loves it. If you have any doubts, I highly recommend that you find one to test drive before making your decision.

firefighter608

Go with the diesel, you won't be unhappy. Unless you need the extra room

lkchris

320 CDI has basically same torque as the 550.

MBS430

Extra room?
I thought ML350 & ML320cdi have the same cabin space/volume for passenger, don't they?

Fiber

I've driven turbodiesel cars over ten years and like them a lot, especially these new ones from BMW, Audi and MB.
The ML 320 CDI is great, lots of low end torque and plenty of HP on higher rpms also, but even though, with diesel you better stay under 3500 rpm as the torque
starts to get worse and it feels like the car is slowing down and there isn't enough HP to keep the movement in same level. Don't get me wrong, it goes well
but the feeling is something like that due to big punch at low rpm.
If you plan to tow anything then this is your engine.

I would have chosen the CDI but unfortunately wasn't available in California yet.
So, good performance with good MPG, can it get any better

firefighter608

I'm not positive, when I looked at the two diesels on the lot one was definitely longer and I went with the smaller one ML320CDI

DUTCH

They do. I don't know where that "extra room" comment came from!

DUTCH

You had to have been comparing a GL320CDI with the ML320CDI; and the GL definitely has more room.

DUTCH

Actually, when they go BlueTec next year, there will be a small HP and mileage loss.

firefighter608

Thanks for the correction, Dutch
I knew I was in the ballpark but not the right seat

Tejas

Hi,

I just traded in my 06 ml350 for a 08 ml320. Boy there is a big diffrence between the two.

I'm very happy with my upgrade.

Tejas

red00lght

Interesting....I had driven a 350 for a month (a loaner) and I took a new 08 ML diesel for a test drive. Gotta say, I preferred the 350. It was much quieter and the diesel just seemed like it was working harder to get down the road. I know that doesn't make any sense since the diesel is a torque monster, but that was how it felt that day. To be honest, I was sort of let down. In the end, I chose a used gas-guzzling ML500.

Maybe I just test drove a weak one.

In any event, definetly drive one to make sure it is the right vehicle for you.

PDXman

I have an '07 320cdi. I have owned many MB's and BMW's including a '00 ML430. I love thiscar, mileage is incredible, torque is excellent. I drove both and am very happy with my choice. You couldnt get me to choose the 350 if you paid me.

jerseyMLdriver

My lease is up on my GMC and I want a serious upgrade. I am so used to big..wayyyy big suv's but I want something a bit smaller. When I found out that I can go almost 700 miles that was amazing! How is it in the city? I drive to NYC every day and sit in murder of traffic. (64 miles one way 2 hours minimum)

Is anyone out there a former big suv driver? How do you like driving something smaller?

How does it do in the snow? My SUV is awesome in the snow! Does the ML compare to a monster american suv?

blazinginder

I'm seriously considering buying an 08 ML350 Edition 10 as I'm getting a good discount off MSRP

....but before that I was considering the ML320 cdi BUT my main concern was/is 1. that it will be a bit weird having a diesel engine and possible extra noise and 2. the availability of gas stations that have diesel when ever/where ever I go somewhere/place

firefighter608

1)You will never be bothered by the noise---go to a Dealer and listen, drive. MD Diesels are not what you are thinking of---Ford, Dodge or tractor trailer

2) I drive from WV to NYC all the time and have never had a problem, if you are worried gauge your fill ups accordingly.

blazinginder

You make a good point, maybe I'll go check it out and consider

navy_chopper

What is weird about having a Diesel? I have never owned one until now; "weird?" Its not like you are driving a Nissan Pulsar, or Subaru Brat or something.....

firefighter608

"WEIRD" is having to reprogram your mind to not put gasoline in the tank

scottybdiving

It usually happens when you are talking on the cell phone. Not that I would know anything about this. LOL

kimcork

Deisel has not been available as long as the 350. W164 body style started in 2006; diesel option was not available until 2007. I also think that we Americans are less inclined to "think diesel" because they haven't been as available here as they are in other countries.

I ordered my diesel in April--picked it up in July, and totally love it! I chose it largely because I prefered the torque of the diesel over the 350, and considered the better gas mileage to be a nice bonus. My decision looked especially good when diesel was 65 cents cheaper than premium in June.

I couldn't be more pleased with it!! It's a terrific truck!

spdiesel

Go Diesel! We bought ours for R&D purposes, but it by far the most fantastic vehicle we have ever been lucky enough to own.

Diesels are amazing.

83MPH moving average speed Cockeysville,MD to Cumberland,MD j @ 26.5 MPG hand calculated. A gasser would be lucky to get half that at those rates of travel through the mountains of western MD.