Thinking about a newer CDI vs a gas E class, perhaps the E55? - PeachParts Mercedes-Benz Forum

Graplr · #1 03-12-2012, 11:11 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by KarTek

I guess that's true. Although, I would leave the CDI alone (for real). The '98 is my Guinea Pig. It should deliver near E55 performance when I'm done with it.

Just crunching some numbers between equivalent cars:

2006 E320
KBB $26,500
Fuel cost 3.98
Economy 27 combined
Cost for 1000 miles - $120.00

2006 E350
KBB $21,000
Fuel cost 3.67
Economy 20 combined
Cost for 1000 miles - $146.00

So, for the savings I would have buying the gas car, I would have to drive the CDI around 200,000 miles to make up the difference which I should have no problem doing.

Or, I could get a 2007 E350 with fewer miles for around the same cost as the 2006 CDI.

So, basically, it comes down to actual maintenance costs between the 2 cars and potential failure areas and costs.

Is the $3.67 Premium or Regular gasoline? Around here premium is nearly the same cost of diesel currently. Although gas prices fluctuate daily while diesel stays nearly constant.

However doing calculations based upon a few dollars in fuel savings that will take hundreds of thousands of miles to recoup the costs is irrelevant IMHO. Figure out which car you would prefer to own/drive (for reasons other than a marginal difference in fuel costs) and buy that one.