Thinking about a newer CDI vs a gas E class, perhaps the E55?
 

Guys, I need some logical, non-emotional input regarding an upcoming purchase.

I have to get another car (I'm keeping the '98) for daily use. I'm strongly considering the 2006 E320 CDI but for about the same money, I could have a roaring 460+ HP E55. The reason I'm looking at the '06 is because it was the last year of the inline 6's and before the Bluetec.

I really love the diesels but I'm trying to weigh fuel costs with maintenance, potential problems and general costs of ownership. There's also the V6 E350 which is significantly less but the only experience I have with these is that a friend's 2006 model blew the cam angle sensor/actuator and it was like, $4000 to get it fixed. Obviously, no matter what I end up with, I don't want it to become a maintenance nightmare.

I'm sorry this is a collection of random thoughts as I'm just trying to get my head around this whole decision. I wasn't prepared to buy something right now but I fell into the situation.

So, to break it down, the choices are:

2006 E320 CDI
2006+ E55
2006+ E350

My budget is 20-22k. Thanks for the input!

well...

diesel prices are going up. but efficiency of the cdi will NEVER be outdone by the E55...
and I have a feeling that gasoline will match diesel prices at the pump soon.

this is the diesel discussion, so... I'm leaning towards the cdi.

That would be my vote too. The recent spread in gas and diesel prices has already narrowed to their energy differential.

E55 = expen$ive to maintain.....thats an AMG model. A cdi will cost much less in both fuel/maintenance. The diesel was used in the sprinters in similar form and is a proven engine. The V8 is durable but will drink gas and $$.

Basically, for the same money, I can get either a 2006 CDI or a 2007 or 8 E350 gas. I'm trying to compare price operating costs of the gas vs the diesel. Will the CDI ever make up the difference in fuel economy and maintenance between the 2?

On the other hand, on a completely different note, I think to myself: Hey, I can get a really kickass E55 for about the same money. But I'm wondering if the lack of economy and maintenance costs will make this an unreasonable purchase compared to either the E350 or 320 CDI.

CDI hands down.

before you know it you'll be posting on superturbodiesel and getting that oil burner blowin' black and smokin' the rubber just as good as the AMG ever could! :cool:

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.

Remember that those fuel numbers are only based on current prices. It was a pretty big shock the first time it hit $4 /gal... yet it's not so much the next time... get where I'm going with this?

If you ever feel like parting ways, an AMG probably has decent resale value, but the CDI will have even higher of course.

Ultimately, it's a daily, so you have to think about what you really want out of the car. Only you can decide that part.

The I-6 CDI
 

Both of the other selections are MUCH,MUCH more prone to escalating [exponentially] maintenance costs.

I have a friend with the V6 E350. He got a couple engine codes (P0016 and 17 I believe), and turns out to be the balance shaft destroys itself. MB hasn't signed up to it, and are charging $6k or so to fix. Class action suit has been filed (and maybe even settled by now).

I'm partial to the CDI. I get much better than 27mpg. 29-30 mixed, 34-37 straight highway, and that's on creative fuel (homemade BD). I bought mine in 2010 off ebay for $17k with 130k mi. I have 178k now, and maint issues since I bought have been... seized front wheel bearing, in-tank fuel pump, and two glow plugs (much easier to change than the 606 gp's).

I put a Bully Dog chip in mine to get me from 200hp to 235 or so. Love the acceleration.

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.

is there some reason you are skipping the 05? they are lower entry price, is there a reason besides the age?

FL has an 06 for under 23... on ebay

That is the cost of regular gas now. Do the gas cars prefer/require premium? I actually prefer the diesel and it sounds like there are issues with the gas engine's extra complexity.

In this particular case, I need the youngest car for the money. I "have" to spend 20-22k. The goal is to get the best possible car for that amount.

Imagine someone handed you $22k and said "get the best car you can for the money but you have to spend it all and it has to be a late model."

Life's too short. Get a 55.