Parts Catalog Accessories Catalog How To Articles Tech Forums
Call Pelican Parts at 888-280-7799
Shopping Cart Cart | Project List | Order Status | Help



Go Back   PeachParts Mercedes-Benz Forum > Mercedes-Benz Tech Information and Support > Diesel Discussion

Reply
 
LinkBack Thread Tools Display Modes
  #1  
Old 04-10-2005, 08:10 PM
lietuviai's Avatar
Registered User
 
Join Date: Mar 2003
Location: SW WA
Posts: 5,744
Drove a new E320 CDI today.

I arranged to test drive a E320 CDI today and it seemed to be a nice car. It didn't need to be warmed up before starting. When it started, it started very easily and idled very smoothly. It was really quiet for a diesel, I could barely tell it was a diesel by the way it ran. It was very responsive upon acceleration. The salesman even said to floor it on one occasion and it lit up the tires. Its got lots of torque! The car handled very nicely on curves and road imperfections and potholes are not jarring to the cabin. The seats on the otherhand are a bit hard for my liking even though they are fully adjustable and supportive. I also heard quite a bit of road noise which I thought was a bit unacceptable for such an expensive car. I didn't like the CD/audio controls with the TV like screen either. If its anyway related to the electronics of our W123/126 cars I don't think it'll hold up in the long run just like the climate and cruise controls of our older cars.
The last thing I didn't like either was the "smart" key. It's not a regular key like we're used to. It's some electronic gadget that works like a key. Again I'm not a fan of modern electronics, especially not in MB cars, and this thing worries the heck out of me. I'd rather have an old fashioned key that if it breaks, I can get a new one made for a $1 or whatever they cost these days at your local locksmith. I could only imagine what one of those "smart" keys costs to replace.

__________________
DJ


84 300D Turbodiesel 190K with 4 speed manual sold in 03/2012
Reply With Quote
  #2  
Old 04-10-2005, 08:21 PM
Registered User
 
Join Date: May 2003
Posts: 2,220
Quote:
Originally Posted by lietuviai
I arranged to test drive a E320 CDI today and it seemed to be a nice car. It didn't need to be warmed up before starting. When it started, it started very easily and idled very smoothly. It was really quiet for a diesel, I could barely tell it was a diesel by the way it ran. It was very responsive upon acceleration. The salesman even said to floor it on one occasion and it lit up the tires. Its got lots of torque! The car handled very nicely on curves and road imperfections and potholes are not jarring to the cabin. The seats on the otherhand are a bit hard for my liking even though they are fully adjustable and supportive. I also heard quite a bit of road noise which I thought was a bit unacceptable for such an expensive car. I didn't like the CD/audio controls with the TV like screen either. If its anyway related to the electronics of our W123/126 cars I don't think it'll hold up in the long run just like the climate and cruise controls of our older cars.
The last thing I didn't like either was the "smart" key. It's not a regular key like we're used to. It's some electronic gadget that works like a key. Again I'm not a fan of modern electronics, especially not in MB cars, and this thing worries the heck out of me. I'd rather have an old fashioned key that if it breaks, I can get a new one made for a $1 or whatever they cost these days at your local locksmith. I could only imagine what one of those "smart" keys costs to replace.
I can't remember what rumor I heard, but I think you can only use the Smart key few thousands of times before having to replace it. The key projects a unique code to the ignition everytime you put it into the ignition.

Don't like the Smart Key? Try I-Drive in the BMW 745i! I couldn't even figure out how to start the d*** thing!
__________________
1987 300SDL (324000)

1986 Porsche 951 (944 Turbo) (166000)

1978 Porsche 924 (99000)

1996 Nissan Pathfinder R50 (201000)
Reply With Quote
  #3  
Old 04-10-2005, 09:51 PM
Johnhef's Avatar
Senior Member
 
Join Date: Feb 2005
Location: Frederick, Md
Posts: 4,540
Quote:
Originally Posted by lietuviai
I could only imagine what one of those "smart" keys costs to replace.
$150


Quote:
Originally Posted by DslBnz
I can't remember what rumor I heard, but I think you can only use the Smart key few thousands of times before having to replace it. The key projects a unique code to the ignition everytime you put it into the ignition.
200,000 times per key. 8 keys are alloted per vehicle's EIS. Each key has 2 replacement keys available = 24 keys total for every car.
__________________


1980 500SE/AMG Euro
1981 500SEL Euro
1982 380SEL
1983 300TD
1983 500SEC/AMG Euro
1984 500SEC
1984 300TD Euro
1986 190E 2.3-16
1986 190E 2.3
1987 300D
1997 C36 AMG
2003 C320T 4matic

past: 1969 280SE 4.5 | 1978 240D | 1978 300D | 1981 300SD | 1981 300SD | 1982 300CD | 1983 300CD | 1983 300SD | 1983 380SEC | 1984 300D | 1984 300D | 1984 300TD | 1984 500SEL | 1984 300SD | 1985 300D | 1986 300E | 1986 560SEL | 1986 560SEL/Carat | 1987 560SEC | 1991 300D 2.5 | 2006 R350
Reply With Quote
  #4  
Old 04-10-2005, 09:57 PM
Registered User
 
Join Date: May 2003
Posts: 2,220
Quote:
Originally Posted by Johnhef
$150




200,000 times per key. 8 keys are alloted per vehicle's EIS. Each key has 2 replacement keys available = 24 keys total for every car.
Thanks.
__________________
1987 300SDL (324000)

1986 Porsche 951 (944 Turbo) (166000)

1978 Porsche 924 (99000)

1996 Nissan Pathfinder R50 (201000)
Reply With Quote
  #5  
Old 04-11-2005, 07:07 PM
PatrickW's Avatar
123.123 616.912
 
Join Date: Jul 2004
Location: Minnesota
Posts: 349
One thing that bothered me when driving the new CDI was that extra "stalk" on the left of the steering wheel column. I kept hitting it accidently each time I would signal a turn. It just got annoying.

They wanted $56k for the one I drove.

That's an awful lot of money for something that the average person probably couldn't tell from a Kia Amanti, if not for the hood ornament.

- Patrick
__________________
1982 240D. 198k, Marine Blue/Blue, 4 Speed, Crank Windows, No Sunroof, No Rust, No Oil Leaks
2001 TDI. 197k, Lagoon Blue/Black, 5 speed, Chip, G60/VR6
Reply With Quote
  #6  
Old 04-11-2005, 11:13 PM
Registered User
 
Join Date: Sep 2004
Posts: 100
It's actually easy to tell the difference. The Kia has a better warranty. As it drives by, you'll notice it's not on the back of a wrecker being driven to the dealer for yet another repair. If you pay extra close attention, you'll notice the Kia has a transmission that works, a/c that cools, windows that go down (not on their own accord) and then back up again and the sunroof actually works. You're also unlikely to find rust on the Kia.

One additional HUGE difference is the driver. If he found these problems on his car, no one would be able to convince him it was because it was a finely tuned superior machine and he was somehow responsible for the problem because of his lack of maintenance.
Reply With Quote
  #7  
Old 04-11-2005, 11:17 PM
WANT '71 280SEL's Avatar
I'll Go Upside Your Head!
 
Join Date: Jan 2003
Location: Dallas, TX
Posts: 3,378
Patrick, the stalk you speak of, is it the cruise control stalk like are on our older cars or are there 3 over there! My mom hits my cruise stalk everytime she wants to use the blinker, it's funny actually.

Thanks
David
__________________
_____________________________________________

2000 Honda Accord V6 137k miles

1972 300SEL 4.5 98k miles

_____________________________________________
Reply With Quote
  #8  
Old 04-12-2005, 08:40 PM
lietuviai's Avatar
Registered User
 
Join Date: Mar 2003
Location: SW WA
Posts: 5,744
Quote:
Originally Posted by PatrickW
That's an awful lot of money for something that the average person probably couldn't tell from a Kia Amanti, if not for the hood ornament.
- Patrick
Come on! You'd have to be blind in one eye and couldn't see out the other to not tell the difference between the two cars, plus the KIA is down right FUGLY.
__________________
DJ


84 300D Turbodiesel 190K with 4 speed manual sold in 03/2012
Reply With Quote
  #9  
Old 04-12-2005, 08:49 PM
boneheaddoctor's Avatar
Senior Benz fanatic
 
Join Date: May 2004
Location: Hells half acre (Great Falls, Virginia)
Posts: 16,007
Quote:
Originally Posted by lietuviai
Come on! You'd have to be blind in one eye and couldn't see out the other to not tell the difference between the two cars, plus the KIA is down right FUGLY.
It may be but it is far cheaper, far more reliable....and has a far better warranty.
__________________
Proud owner of ....
1971 280SE W108
1979 300SD W116
1983 300D W123
1975 Ironhead Sportster chopper
1987 GMC 3/4 ton 4X4 Diesel
1989 Honda Civic (Heavily modified)
---------------------
Section 609 MVAC Certified
---------------------
"He who fights with monsters might take care lest he thereby become a monster. And if you gaze for long into an abyss, the abyss gazes also into you." - Friedrich Nietzsche
Reply With Quote
  #10  
Old 04-12-2005, 09:03 PM
lietuviai's Avatar
Registered User
 
Join Date: Mar 2003
Location: SW WA
Posts: 5,744
If I was going to buy a car just for the warranty, I'd buy a Mitsubishi, same 10yr/100K warranty.
OTH, if I was going to buy a new car irregardless of anything (mileage, warranty, quality,etc), the Chrysler 300C with a hemi would be my 1st choice.
__________________
DJ


84 300D Turbodiesel 190K with 4 speed manual sold in 03/2012
Reply With Quote
  #11  
Old 04-12-2005, 09:26 PM
Registered User
 
Join Date: May 2003
Posts: 2,220
Buying new is wasteful, foolish, and financially irresponsible. Whatever your age, IMHO. You can invest that money to make a profit. Why not do so in a practical application?

I wouldn't give a dime for any of the new cars sold today. And about the 300C. While it does look pretty impressive(for a Chrysler) from the outside, the inside has windows only 8 inches high, or so, and the dash board seems to extend from the base of the windshield to your knee caps, about 8 feet.

I LOATHE vehicles with gargantuan dashboards! So d*** impractical and tasteless!
__________________
1987 300SDL (324000)

1986 Porsche 951 (944 Turbo) (166000)

1978 Porsche 924 (99000)

1996 Nissan Pathfinder R50 (201000)
Reply With Quote
  #12  
Old 04-12-2005, 09:31 PM
boneheaddoctor's Avatar
Senior Benz fanatic
 
Join Date: May 2004
Location: Hells half acre (Great Falls, Virginia)
Posts: 16,007
Quote:
Originally Posted by lietuviai
If I was going to buy a car just for the warranty, I'd buy a Mitsubishi, same 10yr/100K warranty.
OTH, if I was going to buy a new car irregardless of anything (mileage, warranty, quality,etc), the Chrysler 300C with a hemi would be my 1st choice.
Oh the Dodge Magnum Hemi in dark grey with tinted windows gives me a stiffy............
__________________
Proud owner of ....
1971 280SE W108
1979 300SD W116
1983 300D W123
1975 Ironhead Sportster chopper
1987 GMC 3/4 ton 4X4 Diesel
1989 Honda Civic (Heavily modified)
---------------------
Section 609 MVAC Certified
---------------------
"He who fights with monsters might take care lest he thereby become a monster. And if you gaze for long into an abyss, the abyss gazes also into you." - Friedrich Nietzsche
Reply With Quote
  #13  
Old 04-12-2005, 09:50 PM
pawoSD's Avatar
Dieselsüchtiger
 
Join Date: Oct 2004
Location: Grand Rapids, MI
Posts: 15,438
A dodge magnum or 300c with the cummins engine in it I'd buy one so fast. (that is, if I had money)
__________________
-diesel is not just a fuel, its a way of life-
'15 GLK250 Bluetec 118k - mine - (OC-123,800)
'17 Metris(VITO!) - 37k - wifes (OC-41k)
'09 Sprinter 3500 Winnebago View - 62k (OC - 67k)
'13 ML350 Bluetec - 95k - dad's (OC-98k)
'01 SL500 - 103k(km) - dad's (OC-110,000km)
'16 E400 4matic Sedan - 148k - Brothers (OC-155k)
Reply With Quote
  #14  
Old 04-12-2005, 10:39 PM
Registered User
 
Join Date: Apr 2003
Location: Phoenix Arizona. Ex Durban R.S.A.
Posts: 6,104
Kia's

If a Mercedes is truly as bad as a Kia, reliability wise, then the end of the world must be nigh...

I drive an 02 Kia Rio, not an Armanti to be sure, but still a Kia, and the biggest piece of **** on the roads.

The worst part of it is the 437 bucks per month I have to wast for the dubious privilege of driving the horrible thing.

- Peter.
__________________
2021 Chevrolet Spark
Formerly...
2000 GMC Sonoma
1981 240D 4spd stick. 347000 miles. Deceased Feb 14 2021
2002 Kia Rio. Worst crap on four wheels
1981 240D 4spd stick. 389000 miles.
1984 123 200
1979 116 280S
1972 Cadillac Sedan DeVille
1971 108 280S
Reply With Quote
  #15  
Old 04-12-2005, 11:50 PM
Registered User
 
Join Date: Jun 2004
Location: West of Ft. Worth. TX
Posts: 4,186
You will need every bit of that warranty for a KIA. A friend of mine has one and she is getting rid of it as soon as the warranty ends. Defines "throw away" car.

__________________
Sam

84 300SD 350K+ miles ( Blue Belle )
Reply With Quote
Reply

Bookmarks

Thread Tools
Display Modes

Posting Rules
You may not post new threads
You may not post replies
You may not post attachments
You may not edit your posts

BB code is On
Smilies are On
[IMG] code is On
HTML code is On
Trackbacks are On
Pingbacks are On
Refbacks are On


Similar Threads
Thread Thread Starter Forum Replies Last Post
Drove first 500SL today pentoman Mercedes-Benz SL Discussion Forum 11 01-13-2005 05:26 AM
E320 cdi transmision apinti Diesel Discussion 2 09-07-2004 07:18 PM
Drove 2003 E500 on Test Track Today 95E320cab Tech Help 3 09-25-2002 07:24 PM
E320 CDi - Oil changes seanjmcgrath Tech Help 0 04-16-2000 07:07 PM



All times are GMT -4. The time now is 09:18 AM.


Powered by vBulletin® Version 3.8.7
Copyright ©2000 - 2024, vBulletin Solutions, Inc.
Search Engine Optimization by vBSEO 3.6.0
Copyright 2024 Pelican Parts, LLC - Posts may be archived for display on the Peach Parts or Pelican Parts Website -    DMCA Registered Agent Contact Page