320cdi - PeachParts Mercedes-Benz Forum

mhingram · #1 11-26-2005, 12:17 PM

Just thought I would update the site on the 320 cdi. 21000 miles now. No major issues. Only serviced parts so far has been the turbo bypass under warranty at 4000 miles and the SRS sensor at 10000 miles. Mileage is still excellent I get about 35 mpg driving from colorado springs to denver twice weekly, 2 X 8500 foot pass on the way at average speed of 85. City mileage is only about 24.5 but I live at 6000 feet and have a heavy foot so not to bad. I average about 29.5-30.5 combined mileage. So far so good the electronics have been very solid no problem there except the passenger seat seatbelt sensor is too sensitive and goes of if anything of about 2 pounds or more is in placed in the seat. The aux connector works great with my ipod although would love to get the ipod plug in kit at some point so I can control it through the steering wheel. She is a pleasure to drive in the mountains and the torque is exhilerating for over-taking when going skiing. The stock tires are great in the snow and I have had no problem driving in 3-5 inches of snow and ice up mountain passes with the esp enabled the car is very stable no need for 4 matic at all. I do change the oil and filter every 6500 miles as 13000 miles (factory recomendation) is just to long for me, call me an old timer. So I have to say I am very happy with the car, she was expensive to buy but, has been well worth it. My wife and I fight over who gets it on the weekend as it sure beats the Honda CRV which has become relegated to the child moving and errands vehicle. Mileage wise this car is made for cruising on the open road. We did a 650 mile road trip to steamboat springs and rocky mountain national park this summer and did not fill up the tank until we got home. Hope this is useful.
Martin

bullwinkle · #2 11-26-2005, 12:36 PM

Man, if I could just win the lottery...!

Dana B. · #3 11-26-2005, 01:04 PM

Sweet. Thanks for the update. You've got a mountain killing machine.

barkford · #4 12-15-2005, 10:18 PM

Congrats on the new wheels. I've also just gotten into an 05 CDI. The 211 is definitely a bit more refined than the 210 TD. The engine seems quieter to me and the rush of waiting for the turbo is gone. It's responsive right away. There are still some things I miss about my 210 tho.

Am curious to know if you have the vibrating brake pedal also (from the electronic brake control unit)?

mhingram · #5 12-16-2005, 10:10 AM

Yes this is normal but you should only feel it when you first get into the car and after a hard breaking episode as the system pumps itself up. This is normal and I must admit now I am used to the fly by wire brakes I love them. Just becareful behind you as you will stop bloody quickly; if you slam on the breaks and you will find the poor guy behind you will not be able to do the same. I was on the interstate when it went from 75 to 0 and had to hit the brakes really hard. I ended up 30 yards behind the car in front of me and the guy behind me was in the hard shoulder next to me as he had to get over to avoid hitting my rear. So plan on stopping alot quicker and keep an eye on your rear.

DieselJim · #6 12-16-2005, 10:44 AM

Yeah that is the scary thing about the adaptive brakes and cruise. The new S-Class is a beast. But all these things don't help to much if you cut off someone who doesn't stop near as fast as you do. Maybe I will find one that is lightly to moderately used in a few years I can afford.

With synthetic oil 10K seems good.

DieselAddict · #7 12-16-2005, 01:22 PM

The 320 CDI is an E-class, not S-class. Anyhow, I agree you gotta be very careful about braking too hard unless you want to be rear ended. I haven't driven a CDI, but I'd imagine it's stopping power is comparable to my '02 Z06 that I had. That car had incredible stopping and even more incredible acceleration and handling. But look at me now, I have a different hobby and I drive some of the slowest cars on the planet.

barkford, what do you miss about the W210 that's not in the W211? Just curious.

DieselJim · #8 12-16-2005, 01:40 PM

Duh. I was using the S-Class as an extreme example of mercedes braking assist.

pawoSD · #9 12-16-2005, 02:03 PM

I bet the fanciest braking system ever (probably the one on MB S-classes...) would have done no more than the brakes on my SD last night. I tested the road (it was empty) and I hit the brakes, instantly locked all 4 wheels (rear took a second to slow down the drivetrane and come to a stop...speedo said 0 mph) and slide a good 60-70 feet at about 30mph (in a straight line) losing little to no speed, releasing the brakes, and continuing on no problem....

The roads were like an ice rink. With 0 friction between tire and road, the most supreme of braking systems will do nothing....at that point you need reverse thrusters....or an anchor.

DieselJim · #10 12-16-2005, 02:34 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by pawoSD

I bet the fanciest braking system ever (probably the one on MB S-classes...) would have done no more than the brakes on my SD last night. I tested the road (it was empty) and I hit the brakes, instantly locked all 4 wheels (rear took a second to slow down the drivetrane and come to a stop...speedo said 0 mph) and slide a good 60-70 feet at about 30mph (in a straight line) losing little to no speed, releasing the brakes, and continuing on no problem....

The roads were like an ice rink. With 0 friction between tire and road, the most supreme of braking systems will do nothing....at that point you need reverse thrusters....or an anchor.

You would be surprised. Traction control and anti-locks work great. That is why I drove my pontiac the last two mornings. That and it needs to be driven since it has been neglected. I keep it around as an insurance policy or for when the mercedes may have to go down for a maintenance project that takes a while. First vehicle I drove on a regular basis with anti locks was a 93 caprice wagon. That made all the difference in the world in a surprise black ice scenario. The fact that you said that it continued on when you let off the brakes proves that they work. Keeping the wheels rolling is the key to stopping on a slick surface or any surface actually!

barkford · #11 12-16-2005, 09:34 PM

dieseladdict-
I miss the spaciousness of the w210 and the simple layout. It felt like you could land a plane inside. While the toys on the w211 are ample and cool, the 210 had a simple, easy to use feel for HVAC and audio controls (basically two different controls groups on a very flat center console). The w211 also feels closed in to me (probably safer feeling to some people). There are a few big items that I could get in the trunk of the w210 that due to the shape of the boot door on the w211 - won't fit. (Walker for a handicapped friend). I know these are nitpicky and I definitely don't disrespect the w211, just miss the simple elegant functionality of the w210. Hard to describe. In a balls-to-the-wall red light drag race, there's no doubt in my mind the CDi would toast the w210 TD. That's the fun part.

Hatterasguy · #12 12-16-2005, 10:39 PM

They are nice cars. I look forward to owning one someday or an S320CDI. I have been hearing postive things about the new W221. If they look good in person and continue to earn postive remarks I will probably buy one eventually. Move over W126...

DieselAddict · #13 12-17-2005, 02:03 PM

Barkford, I know what you're saying about the interior of the W211. I've sat in it a couple times and the controls seemed unnecessarily complicated, and the interior did seem a little tighter than that of the W210. I have no doubt a CDI can smoke an OM606 Turbo (let alone a non-turbo like mine), afterall it is faster by about 2 seconds in 0-60. Personally, I like the styling of the W210 better.

Is anyone here a do-it-yourselfer CDI owner and if so how's the servisability?

mhingram · #14 12-18-2005, 06:59 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by DieselAddict

Barkford, I know what you're saying about the interior of the W211. I've sat in it a couple times and the controls seemed unnecessarily complicated, and the interior did seem a little tighter than that of the W210. I have no doubt a CDI can smoke an OM606 Turbo (let alone a non-turbo like mine), afterall it is faster by about 2 seconds in 0-60. Personally, I like the styling of the W210 better.

Is anyone here a do-it-yourselfer CDI owner and if so how's the servisability?

All I have done is the oil change, no big deal except for all the plastic engine clading.
m

braverichard · #15 12-18-2005, 11:04 PM

Good for you Martin.

My aunt initially went out to purchase an S-Class but after she found it a bit too long for her and after she followed my advice she bought an E320 CDI instead. She has been getting much better mpg figures than you though, actually averaging 42 mpg on a long trip once. But her much better mpg is easy to explain: she never exceeds 70 mph on the highway and does not have a lead foot at all. She loves her car A LOT. Currently at 12-13,000 miles, she has had no warranty claims at all.