'06 I6 CDI vs '07 V6 CDI-Which Is Better?
 

I'm considering buying either an '06 E320 CDI or an '07 E320 CDI. The '06 has the inline 6 and the '07 the new Bluetec V-6. I would certainly appreciate any comments regarding the differences in mileage/smoothness/reliability/experiences between these two engines. Also, does the '06 CDI have the 7 speed automatic transmission? I believe the '07 CDI comes with the 7 speed trans. THANKS for all your input!!!

Inline is always better.

X2 - that's what I have always found in diesels in general, but not familular with either of those . . .

The 06 has the 5spd 722.6 trans and SBC brake system. MB has warrantied SBC for 10 yrs from date put in service due to problems. Proven I6 CDI engine and trans.

The 07 should have the 7spd 722.9 trans and SBC was dropped. New V6 engine design; not AdBlue. Many internal components designed to be repalced in pairs. Dot 9 trans had some early issues (04?) but seems reliable now.

I've been looking mainly at 06's myself, although would take an 07 if the right deal came along. No exprience concerning the driving differences.

I've driven both. Both are very smooth, but the V6 is quieter. The I6 has quite a bit of diesel injection rattle at around 1500RPM - it is noisier than the old OM606, for example. The V6 is almost completely silent at all RPM and throttle settings - noone would ever guess it is diesel. Power and fuel economy are about the same.

No idea whether one is more reliable than the other. Haven't seen any discussion here of problems on either. Personally, I'd purchase whichever one I found in my favorite color, or had the lowest mileage, or whatever it is that turns your crank on a used car.

I bet they are both equally durable.....MB does know what they are doing......but I bet the inline engine is easier to work on.

Wasn't the V6 the first model to have the urea injection? Might be something to consider not having to worry about with the "06 and earlier models.

What I've read about the OM642 equipped 2007 E320 CDI is the engine, like many of the new Mercedes gas motors, is they are built in Modular pieces to save on manufacturing cost. If you damage the valve cover, you will need to replace the whole cylinder head because the valve cover is an integral part of the head assembly and have the cam bores machined to them. You damage the valve cover, your going to have to pay for a $4,000-plus head assembly.

The 2006 E320 CDI's OM648 has it's roots with the 603 and 606. My buddy has a 2005 and I like the car a lot. I've driven it a few times. Great power. My only grip is the exterior styling is kind of bland for me.

I wouldn't doubt the durability between the two, but if you were going to keep it for a long term vehicle, I would think you might want to consider the 2006 for the long term maintenance cost that would be more economical. But if it is the Bells and whistles that your after, then that is a different story.

07 def is not AdBlue (urea). I believe 2010 will be the first year in the E Class, but don't quote me. ML's and other models got it earlier. Pretty sure in the E you also will get run flat tires and no spare in 2010.

your thinking of the 07-present E320 BlueTec. The CDI has no urea injection;)

That is incorrect. 07 -09 in the US are positively NOT urea injected in the E Class. Others models yes, E's no.

yeah they are but only the E320 Bluetec!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
"the E320 drops the CDI suffix in favor of Bluetec. Bluetec refers to AdBlue, the nice name Mercedes gives to the urea-based liquid additive that helps the Bluetec diesel achieve ultralow emissions."

I presume this means you will always have to buy run-flat replacement tires, which probably cost an arm and a leg, since you have no spare.

Then again, in ten years or so all tires will be run-flat and we'll laugh at the old farts who still carry a spare.

[QUOTE=TMAllison;2217999]The 06 has the SBC brake system. MB has warrantied SBC for 10 yrs from date put in service due to problems.

The 07 should have the 7spd 722.9 trans and SBC was dropped. QUOTE]

Is it practical to upgrade the 06 SBC brake system to the 07 design? What would be involved?

[QUOTE=Cr from Texas;2218459]Somehow i dont think swapping those trannies would be a straight forward job at all. There is a awful lot of electronics nowadays to these babies.:eek: