Originally Posted by funola

The expensive tools needed ($1k to $2k) to do DIY maintenance

Originally Posted by funola

Never driven a CDI and would love to check one out and see what it's all about. I called the closest one to me in Manchester NH Pre-Owned 2005 MERCEDES-BENZ E-Class E320 CDI for sale but was told it has engine problems, not for sale and going to auction.

The expensive tools needed ($1k to $2k) to do DIY maintenance is kind of a turn off for me though.

Originally Posted by MTUpower

I bought my 05 CDI (145K) late last year; it has the gen I interior. I looked at five IIRC, drove three and bought the one in the best condition for cheaper than the other four. I bought it at a small buy here/pay here lot with cash. He had bought it at the local auction- which is common. Here in south Florida most cars over 6 years old do not stay at the dealer which traded for them- they get sent to the auction and then to a small used car lot or a non luxury dealer. My car has the apparently rare dynamic seats- which is my favorite option - they are simply fantastic. It's a dark metallic green which appears black to most people over a beige leather. Heated seats are awesome and so is the HC sound system. I wish I had the trunk pass thru. Asking prices in South Florida are between $8800-14,000 depending on miles and seller. I found the power levels of the engine vary greatly between examples- some are dreadfully slow in comparison to others and some are in the middle. IDK why- but I'd check for the leaking injectors if I were in the market again.

Originally Posted by funola

The expensive tools needed ($1k to $2k) to do DIY maintenance is kind of a turn off for me though.

Originally Posted by chronometers

X2 on dynamic seats. They only were available in the 2005. Perhaps MB thought they were offering too much luxury/performance in their mid-line vehicle.

Difference in power may be injectors or.....EGR system. Apparently these can be fouled especially when there has been a lot of short distance travel. Can anyone illuminate from first hand experience? Any DIY procdeures for cleaning the EGR valve/system?



Are you referring to the diagnostic computer system? Basic PM seems easy/low cost for things like air, fuel, oil filter/oil changes.

Originally Posted by chronometers

...

Difference in power may be injectors or.....EGR system. Apparently these can be fouled especially when there has been a lot of short distance travel. Can anyone illuminate from first hand experience? Any DIY procdeures for cleaning the EGR valve/system?

...

Originally Posted by chronometers

Difference in power may be injectors or.....EGR system. Apparently these can be fouled especially when there has been a lot of short distance travel. Can anyone illuminate from first hand experience? Any DIY procdeures for cleaning the EGR valve/system?

Originally Posted by DR.DIESEL

Hello,

Those EGR valves have been known to be trouble and were modified.

See the following Dealer technical Bulletin.

DTB Date: January 10, 2006
Order No.: P-B-07.16/55a
Supersedes: P-B-07.16/55 dated October 31, 2005
Group: 07
SUBJECT:
Model 211.026
Engine Performance Complaints / Check Engine Light On with Code 2511 and/or 2355
If you receive customer reports in the above model vehicles of the engine being in limp home mode with the check engine light illuminated with fault code 2511 and/or 2355 stored in the engine control unit (ECU) or
the engine is surging/hesitating/misfiring at part load with no fault codes, perform the below procedure to resolve. These may be caused by the EGR valve temporarily binding and consequently exceeding the setpoint and causing the fault code and limp mode condition; or the software version in the engine ECU (lean condition under certain RPM/load, temperature and fuel quality conditions).

To resolve, install modified EGR valve (see parts information) combined with ECU software update (available as patch 2005-10-13-0474 with DAS update 10/05 and later DAS updates without patch).
Note: It is important that the modified EGR valve is installed together with the modified engine ECU software and vise versa.

Note: After the software flash, perform SCN coding (refer to Star Tekinfo Document S-B-07.61/38g or S-B-07.00/144) and verify injector coding.

Parts Information
Qty. 1 EGR valve A646 140 19 60

I would ask your Dealer about some goodwill reimbursement or checking the Fedral 8/80 emmissions warranty for that model.
If no luck, call the CAC at 1-800-FOR-MERC and start squeaking.
The regional SPOM will be notified of your complaint and should respond.

Good luck.
DR.D

Originally Posted by MTUpower

I bought my 05 CDI (145K) late last year; it has the gen I interior. I looked at five IIRC, drove three and bought the one in the best condition for cheaper than the other four. I bought it at a small buy here/pay here lot with cash. He had bought it at the local auction- which is common. Here in south Florida most cars over 6 years old do not stay at the dealer which traded for them- they get sent to the auction and then to a small used car lot or a non luxury dealer. My car has the apparently rare dynamic seats- which is my favorite option - they are simply fantastic. It's a dark metallic green which appears black to most people over a beige leather. Heated seats are awesome and so is the HC sound system. I wish I had the trunk pass thru. Asking prices in South Florida are between $8800-14,000 depending on miles and seller. I found the power levels of the engine vary greatly between examples- some are dreadfully slow in comparison to others and some are in the middle. IDK why- but I'd check for the leaking injectors if I were in the market again.

Originally Posted by Skid Row Joe

The '05s were customarily more loaded than the '06es. I'm not a bells-n-whistles guy because they're failure-prone in the long run. The heated seats however, were a must have!

My '99 E300 had too many options for my tastes, so I didn't want that again when I was searching for the right E320 CDI.

If anyone can provide pictures of the various stages of the pass-through rear seat back system start-to-open, it would be greatly appreciated. I may have the pass-through seat system on my CDI, but don't realize it.

Originally Posted by MB_FanAddict

Excellent post Tyler!

Stats on mine:

2006 Mercedes-Benz E320 CDI
040 Black with Stone MB-Tex/Leather

Options: 6-Disc CD Changer, Sunroof Package (includes:
Glass Sunroof & Power Rear-window Sunshade),
accessory COMAND Navigation System


I'm just about to hit 120Kmi & no major issues to report since buying it nearly a year ago with 113Kmi. This has been the best Mercedes I've owned so far! 32MPG & V8 torque, I just love it!

Aside from normal maintenance/upkeep, the only repairs that have been necessary so far have been the thermostat, a glow plug & front turn signal bulb! No black death or SBC issues ect.

A simple $40 code reader is really all you need to diagnose issues & there are a lot of helpful DIY articles out there. Sure it can be cheaper to tackle some jobs yourself occasionally, but dealer service prices really aren't that bad compared to independents & you get all the conveniences (new MB loaner/shuttle service/refreshments ect.).

Originally Posted by TylerH860

Depends on your dealer... The one in Wichita charges $170 an hour versus independents available at $80-90.
I have yet to hear of another Mercedes dealer with a higher labor rate.

Originally Posted by Jeremy5848

Any significant differences/preferences between 2005 and 2006 models?

Originally Posted by Skid Row Joe

The center console is totally different. I prefer the '06 because of the usable cup holders. The 05s were customarily loaded-up with more options than the 06es by the dealers.