Yes, it does look nice, but even with only 6Kmi it's still way over book value. The time to sell it & get that kind of money has long past unfortunately (due to the age of the car). And then to take pictures of it in a cluttered garage packed with junk & full of dust is something else! :confused:

Engine oil may retain sufficient additives for 2-3+ years when driving only a few hundred miles a year, but you have to wonder about the filter media eventually breaking down & the fuel/braking systems condition due to water absorption & resulting corrosion/contamination, if not changed or appropriately additized for storage.

I sent the seller an email asking for the VIN#, but so far have not heard back.

Same here. Just checked my email and haven't heard back either.

E320 CDI standard features
 

So what are some of the standard features you've discovered or enjoy on your E320 CDI (if you're new to the W211),
that your previous car(s) did not have?

I'll start off with a few!

-Dual zone climate control (w/ electric heater booster)
-One touch turn signals
-Ambient lighting
-Oil level check via MFD

Is the electric heater booster standard? I think i don't have that feature. But the head did seem to get hot fast when it was cold.

Mine is a 2006 with 148,000 miles on it -- navigation, parktronic, rear sunshade, in dash cd changer, heated leather seat inserts on front. It's silver with black mbtex except. I paid $8000 for it in Dallas , TX from a local small car dealer who loves mercedes and got it at auction. It was a trade in at a mercedes dealership. It has a small crack in right top corner of windshield, a scuff on the bumper , and needed a ball joint and central gateway unit, and navigation dvd and 1 glow plug. That brought it up to $9000 not including labor to put in ball joint which i haven't done yet. I greased it with a grease injection needle and it stopped squeaking. But now a few months later its squeaking again. Plus i had to pay 700.00 it taxes. Not a cheap car.

I love the automatic lights and windshield wipers, the rear sunshade is cool. The interior layout, and design is beautiful and really nicely done. The steering wheel controls are awesome. The center armrest cupholders are great . One thing its missing is a telephone connection which stinks because you can't add a blue tooth puck without it.

Also, a very annoying thing is you can't play regular dvds in the nav dvd player. There are options in the computer to allow this and i set them but it still didn't work. I read on benzworld in 2003 model years in us you could play dvds in there. Also europe models you can.

The navigation despite a little old is still worthwhile as it tells you what street you are on and your next turns right in the IC .

The I6 is easy to maintain and the body and suspension is nice solid mercedes stuff. Great cars.

I never noticed the 1 touch turn signals. I'll have to check that out.

#1 option- flip, fold, and removable rear seats

I wish the one touch turn signals would blink for 4-5 blinks instead of 3

Yep. Vw has had this since standard since 1992 at least, my first diesel Jetta. It's always pissed me off mb couldn't do this.

details on my new (to me) 2005 CDI
 

I've been searching on the MB used car site for the past couple of months. I'd not had any luck finding what I wanted locally and, living in NH, I was hoping to get a southern car that hadn't already been through 10 New England winters anyway.

I found the car at the MB dealer in Asheville, NC. The salesman I worked with was very accommodating with service records, extra photos, and questions. Flew down last Friday evening; test-drove, inspected, and purchased the car Saturday morning. Drove it home by Sunday afternoon. The trip was great -- the car is fast, quiet, and smooth.

Some details:
130K miles
White with beige leather
Heated seats
Rear sunshade
In-dash CD changer
New tires
New MB battery
Religious, documented dealer servicing, including transmission fluid change at ~100K miles, regular brake flushes
Incredibly clean for 10 years old -- only one minor paint blemish and the headlight lenses badly need polishing

Asking price was $14,900. I paid $12K.

Now, sadly, I must part with the 82 300D...

Congrats. Welcome to Realisticlally priced 211 cdi club. You'll get over your loss pretty quick I suspect. Why do you have to part with it? A back up car is handy. It will pay for itself in the long run. You could get antique tags for your 82 and insurance for your 82 300d

I'd love to keep the 300D, but I already have a backup vehicle (old pickup truck) and unfortunately I don't have the garage/driveway space for the truck, my wife's car, and two MBs...

:thumbsup: You don't have to hold the key in the start position either! :cool:

Yes, it is! It would take forever to get heat otherwise. This past winter my CDI often required up to 10 minutes of highway
driving to warm up (thermostat is recent & functioning), but was producing heat within only 1-2 minutes! :)

BTW, if your temp gauge never reaches 85-90C, replace the thermostat.

The vehicle itself regardless of options is really great....well designed and MB build quality.

My favorite options or convenience features (that I have) are:

Sun roof (this was not standard), Dynamic seats, bi-Xenon head lights, Nappa leather, fold down rear seats, residual heat, heated seats, HK stereo (has surround sound logic built in), Parktronic and electric truck closer.

The TPM (Tire Pressure Monitor) and oil level monitor (TPM was optional....later mandated by feds?) is a nice feature.

Options not experienced firsthand would include seat ventilation and panoramic roof. I am not sure how much I would use ventilation. Pano sounds really nice but I have read about problems with them and they are potentially VERY expensive to repair.

Trunk is huge and my wife can fit a Cello in hard case in back without seats being folded. Lots of power....very comfortable on long road trips.

Vehicle seems to be well designed for routine maintenance.

Cool. Its about time they got smart about making heat early. Its not like its a hard thing to engineer.

I'm learning to use the one touch on the start on the 210 and 211. I kind of like it. I noticed in the winter it does take a while to warm up but it does hit 85 or 90C perfect. And heat seems to be made earlier. However, I was looking at getting a new heater control valve as I was getting only cold air sometimes and that is a common problem and they sell two versions on pelicanparts . One says: "Not for cars with auxillary heater - Code 208" and one is for cars with auxillary heater . I sent them my vin to check the epc and they said I didn't have code 208.

So what auxillary heater are they talking about? Could that be the "REST" function? I don't have that. That would make sense as that would effect the monovalve. I thought the rest feature on the 210 was really cool and couldn't believe they took it away on this new one. Although honestly i didn't use it much.

So you have a REST button like the 210s have? Where is it? That is cool. Wish i had that. The surround sound is nice. But mine and my sisters both have the center speaker kind of blown. Anyone else have that problem? Any recommendations for a new center speaker?

I am not familiar with the W210 but assume from comments made by others it is the same function.....keeps heat circulating for up to 30 minutes once engine shut off. It was discontinued early during the 2005 model year production....perhaps at same time they went to center console with roll top.

The complete history of your car is priceless when buying it.

There is a commonality that is unavoidably mounting here. The used CDIs bought from Mercedes-Benz dealers are over-the-top better values from the standpoint of transparency, care and maintenance histories.

When Tyler cited his new-to-him CDI's history, I was blown away that an MB dealer would sell a CDI with those miles on it - until I read the care the car received over those one-owner years of ownership. Miles alone do not hurt these cars. The previous neglect and shoddy care of them does hurt them.

The Freeh Cousins, Tim and Jim are also recent recipients of outstanding used CDIs from MB dealers, bought through Tyler. Their testimonials are elsewhere in Diesel Discussion.

I'm very glad I bought mine from an MB dealer that originally sold it new, would accept my offer under book values, and had over-the-top records, care and transparency included in the sale. In almost (2) years of ownership, my CDI has required only one servicing for a single glow plug. The rest of the service work done since buying it, has either been totally routine maintenance, or pre-emptive care spending. Mine has proven to be a cream puff.

As far as I'm concerned, Tyler gets the Gold Star for value on this thread with his particular outstanding CDI.

Definitely is an example that high mileage examples are good buys as well.

Wouldn't hesitate to buy a 400k example as long as all maintenance had been done and it was well cared for.

Absolutely.

The LINKED-TO 400K+ mile '05 E320 CDI w/records and a 100% clean Carfax in terrific condition which sold in the $4Ks, set the benchmark Nationally for me.

Do you have pics? Sounds nice and good price. Seems like MB dealers are definitely willing to negotiate on these. I really think in some areas of the country, diesels really have a limited market. ;)

Here's a shot from when I first got it home.

Might be a silly question. , but how are these to live with in CA and it's smog requirements?

I know these were not sold new here but think smog and registration note won't be an issue assuming the car is in order. Am i right?

I feel like someone that just bought a used 123 when they were 8-9 years old.

These cars are awesome. I love the options mine has, even if it didn't have them it would be awesome. Coming from daily driving a '78 240D to an E320 CDI is crazy. Forget the working cruise control, cold AC, folding rear seats, fancy headlights, uber comfortable seats, the nifty rear sunshade.....

I HAVE SEMI USEFUL CUP HOLDERS!!!

Aren't diesel vehicles exempt from smog?

Kaleefornia requires smog checks on 1998 and up diesels. It is not an exhaust emissions / particulate emissions check, it is a visual check - ridiculous as that is, and totally contrary to what you'd expect here.

The CDI's weren't originally sold (new) in all the states that mimic California's smog standards. However, it was possible to register them in California as long as they had more than 7,500 miles on the clock... so it would be construed as a "used" car instead of new. That's how a lot of people got around that little problem. IIRC there was some sort of additional tax levy for a non-California smog equipped car.

That's why they aren't very common here, but I do see one from time to time.

How does it compare to the Mini;)?

Good to know.

YouTube Mercedes E320 cdi commercial (streetracer...) :cool:

Cheesy, bogus commercial. What does the CDI driver switching the C|S switch at speed supposed to do?! :confused: Hellllo!

That was my thought exactly.
The ricer turns up the NOX and the old man switches his transmission to start from a stop in 1st gear instead of 2nd (or vise versa).

Right, well.....it's a commercial, not a technical training video. ;) I'm guessing MBUSA had it produced for the press introduction in '04?

As far as I've seen, the greatest commercial on YouTube ever made on the 05 E320 CDI promotion was the May 2005 promo endurance clip from Laredo, Texas. The trouble with that one is that the MB CDIs had V6 configured power plants in them. I was like, WTH!?

The Laredo, Texas mpg of 40, @ 140 mph is rather impressive though.

World 100,000 mile record: 140 mph for 30 days averaging 40 mpg


Yes, it was! As well as the later cross-continent rally which also featured over 30 V6 diesel E-Class cars.

The Mercedes E-Class Experience: Yet Another Overview Of Mercedes' Epic Journey

Besides not getting a response from this guy in Atlanta, GA., something's not right about this. First of all he says he bought it new, so he's the original owner. Check. But here's where the story goes off-the-rails: He says that there's over a year and about 44,000 miles of full factory warranty left on the car, to 50,000 miles. Makes no sense in any understanding I have of the MB Factory Warranties available. None at all. This car is 10-years old. That means that it didn't get bought, or put into service until 2009 - to make the MB Factory Warranty the extended one the 7-years or 100,000 miles. But not even that makes sense, because that extended warranty was good for 100,000 miles / 7-years. So, the car just sat for almost 5-years then? Still doesn't add-up.

More comfortable, more room, and, better build quality. But I do miss the whine from the supercharger

Listen for the air-release hiss and whirr from your CDI's turbocharger charging system at low-speeds when you let up off the foot feed. You've got to have one of your front windows cracked to hear it. That's as exciting as it gets.

I'm waiting for one of you youngsters to start the heavy-modding of the CDI. Anyone up for a Carlsson Exhaust System? Slamming, anyone? :D

Here's a common issue with the w211- the c pillar is too far forward and when the driver or front passenger gets in and out they rub the cloth fabric and it wears out. Nearly every single w211 I've seen has this. I put a very thin right angled plastic under the rubber on the doorframe. I hope to stop the wear.

You mean the B-Pillar.

Mine too has the same issue.

$6500 CDI
 

Phoenix, AZ. This car is advertised on my dealer wholesale site for $6500. Has some minor damage to the trunk as you can see. Worth checking out for the low price.

2005 Mercedes Benz E320 CDI One Owner Turbo Diesel Make OFFER | eBay

2005 Mercedes Benz E320 CDI
Arizona Car
Diesel Engine/ Auto Transmission
189K miles
Looks, Runs and Drives great
Clean Arizona title
All reasonable offers will be entertained
Will have it posted locally, so do not miss the chance on it.
Buyer responsible for paying their local taxes and states fees.
Buyer responsible for picking up or transportation.
Have any question? please email us directly at autonas1@gmail.com
Thank you

:cool:

No wear there on mine, but mine has a groove in the door panel where you would rest your elbow.

I think both of the Freeh brothers cars had the same wear on the B-pillar.

Unscathed lower frontal B-Pillar fabric here - both driver's and passenger's.

Mine has wear on driver's side. I think if previous owner uses the automated seat positioner when the engine shuts off, the movement and final position of the seat, puts the driver in such a position that they rub on the b-pillar getting out.

I'm small in frame and never have found the need to have my seat and steering wheel move to let me out of the car. In addition to causing wear on the c-pillar, you also put more cycles on the seat/steering wheel motors by using this feature.

Fabric is kinda thin and fragile on the b-pillar in my opinion.

The first thing I did after I bought mine was to enable the easy entry/exit feature, passenger mirror reverse tilt down feature & DRL's.

I've since disabled the easy entry/exit feature though, as I found it wasn't really any benefit for my seating position.
IIRC at some point during the production run (MY06?), it was changed & only the steering wheel moves.

No wear on my B-pillars, but I do like the idea of the clear plastic guards.

BTW, another cool feature of the W211 is that after rolling down the windows & opening the sunroof from outside with the remote to vent the car
on a hot day, you can then close them once inside by holding down the climate controls recirculation button after starting the car!

I was out and about town in my beautiful CDI today, and I entered and exited it several times as I normally do. I paid attention to my comings and goings from the car after reading this Monday night...... I can't figure out how and why somebody would drag body parts against the C-Pillar at all, unless they have the seat waaay back and drug out the side using the door frame for support. My legs are 36" inseam, and I don't nearly use the seat rolled waaay back. I'm also not small @ 6' & 200lbs., so I dunno what's going on with that area on other cars.:confused:

If you use the easy entry/exit setting on the early production of CDIs in the US, it puts the seat way back to allow easy exit.

Correct.

I had my upholstery shop replace the material on my driver's side.

Jim

Common problem?...Can anyone illuminate from first hand experience EGR clogging?
 

Trying to be proactive in maintenance.....have had several episodes in last few months of "engine...hesitating at part load with no fault codes." Car would not downshift and turbo seemed inoperative. All restored to normal after car shut off and restarted. Dealer said to wait till it starts to throw codes (if ever).

Any first hand experience on EGR clogging? The first 2005 CDIs had a different EGR valve that was replaced by MB along with software upgrade. I wonder how many of the first type of EGR valves caused/will cause problems? Wonder how many of the new EGR valves will cause problems?

How many of the 2005s had work done by MB (please check your VMIs and report back)?

Here is excerpt from DR. Diesel in 2006:

Any shared experiences would be helpful to me and future members :)

In the Cars for Sale section, someone is selling a 2006 CDI with a blown turbo after 157K miles. It is not clear from the ad why the turbo malfunctioned after so few miles.

http://www.peachparts.com/shopforum/mercedes-cars-sale/370773-fs-2006-mercedes-e320-cdi-bad-turbo-cincinnati.html

My neighbour has a 2005 E320 CDI with 114k. All records since new. He has since bought a new GLK diesel and wants to thin his herd. I bought my 87 300td from him last year :). He either wants me to buy it or help him sell it. What's the market for these cars?

I drove it the other night and wow this car is a beast. It makes my 87 300td feel like it's dragging an anchor. It's pretty wicked, with tons of torque. Gorgeous silver exterior and beautiful interior. I am going to drive it for a few days and see how I like it as a daily driver.

In general, the market for those cars only seem to have appeal to a specific audience or pool of buyers. It all depends on what the final price to buy it is, from that particular demographic. The lower the price, the larger the pool becomes.