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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, $4000 to get it fixed. Obviously, no matter what I end up with, I don't want it to become a maintenance nightmare. I'm sorry this is a collection of random thoughts as I'm just trying to get my head around this whole decision. I wasn't prepared to buy something right now but I fell into the situation. So, to break it down, the choices are: 2006 E320 CDI 2006+ E55 2006+ E350 My budget is 20-22k. Thanks for the input!
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-Evan Benz Fleet: 1968 UNIMOG 404.114 1998 E300 2008 E63 Non-Benz Fleet: 1992 Aerostar 1993 MR2 2000 F250 Last edited by KarTek; 03-11-2012 at 11:17 AM. |
#2
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well...
diesel prices are going up. but efficiency of the cdi will NEVER be outdone by the E55... and I have a feeling that gasoline will match diesel prices at the pump soon. this is the diesel discussion, so... I'm leaning towards the cdi.
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John HAUL AWAY, OR CRUSHED CARS!!! HELP ME keep the cars out of the crusher! A/C Thread "as I ride with my a/c on... I have fond memories of sweaty oily saturdays and spewing R12 into the air. THANKS for all you do! My drivers: 1987 190D 2.5Turbo 1987 190D 2.5Turbo 1987 190D 2.5-5SPEED!!! 1987 300TD 1987 300TD 1994GMC 2500 6.5Turbo truck... I had to put the ladder somewhere! |
#3
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That would be my vote too. The recent spread in gas and diesel prices has already narrowed to their energy differential.
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#4
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E55 = expen$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 $$.
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-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) |
#5
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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.
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-Evan Benz Fleet: 1968 UNIMOG 404.114 1998 E300 2008 E63 Non-Benz Fleet: 1992 Aerostar 1993 MR2 2000 F250 |
#6
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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!
__________________
1981 300SD - 283,000 KM's at purchase, 360k+ now. Engine replaced at 311k. 16" CLK wheels, w126 gen II cosmetic upgrades, late w126 leather interior. RIP. Parted and gone due to fire 1987 300SDL - 243K miles and counting. In winter hibernation! 2001 Ford F250 Super Duty "Platinum Edition" Lariat 4x4 7.3L turbo diesel, 295k+ miles, various mods for reliability and performance. |
#7
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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.
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-Evan Benz Fleet: 1968 UNIMOG 404.114 1998 E300 2008 E63 Non-Benz Fleet: 1992 Aerostar 1993 MR2 2000 F250 Last edited by KarTek; 03-11-2012 at 11:07 PM. |
#8
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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.
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1981 300SD - 283,000 KM's at purchase, 360k+ now. Engine replaced at 311k. 16" CLK wheels, w126 gen II cosmetic upgrades, late w126 leather interior. RIP. Parted and gone due to fire 1987 300SDL - 243K miles and counting. In winter hibernation! 2001 Ford F250 Super Duty "Platinum Edition" Lariat 4x4 7.3L turbo diesel, 295k+ miles, various mods for reliability and performance. |
#9
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The I-6 CDI
Both of the other selections are MUCH,MUCH more prone to escalating [exponentially] maintenance costs.
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'84 300SD sold 124.128 |
#10
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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.
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Mark in MA 05 MB E320CDI 402k Granite Grey Metallic 05 MB E320CDI 267k Black 05 MB E320CDI 232k White 05 MB E320CDI 209k Tectite Grey 99 Dodge 2500 Cummins 5sp 148k 62 Jeep CJ-6 120k |
#11
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Quote:
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.
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2009 ML320 Bluetec 1985 300CD 1981 300TD Past Mercedes 1979 300TD 1982 300TD 2000 E320 4Matic Wagon 1998 E430 1984 300SD 1980 300SD |
#12
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is there some reason you are skipping the 05? they are lower entry price, is there a reason besides the age?
__________________
John HAUL AWAY, OR CRUSHED CARS!!! HELP ME keep the cars out of the crusher! A/C Thread "as I ride with my a/c on... I have fond memories of sweaty oily saturdays and spewing R12 into the air. THANKS for all you do! My drivers: 1987 190D 2.5Turbo 1987 190D 2.5Turbo 1987 190D 2.5-5SPEED!!! 1987 300TD 1987 300TD 1994GMC 2500 6.5Turbo truck... I had to put the ladder somewhere! |
#13
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FL has an 06 for under 23... on ebay
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John HAUL AWAY, OR CRUSHED CARS!!! HELP ME keep the cars out of the crusher! A/C Thread "as I ride with my a/c on... I have fond memories of sweaty oily saturdays and spewing R12 into the air. THANKS for all you do! My drivers: 1987 190D 2.5Turbo 1987 190D 2.5Turbo 1987 190D 2.5-5SPEED!!! 1987 300TD 1987 300TD 1994GMC 2500 6.5Turbo truck... I had to put the ladder somewhere! |
#14
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Quote:
Quote:
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."
__________________
-Evan Benz Fleet: 1968 UNIMOG 404.114 1998 E300 2008 E63 Non-Benz Fleet: 1992 Aerostar 1993 MR2 2000 F250 |
#15
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Life's too short. Get a 55.
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1987 300SDL (324000) 1986 Porsche 951 (944 Turbo) (166000) 1978 Porsche 924 (99000) 1996 Nissan Pathfinder R50 (201000) |
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