05-06 cdi vs. 07+ bluetec?
 

may be looking at an hour plus commute for the new job and want a better car. looking at a couple cdi's in the 8-10k range. saw one 07 bluetec in the same range but i recall some discussion as to the 05-06 being considerably more desirable. input would be appreciated!
thank you in advance
g

07 is the V6 configuration. Without the SBC braking system, which is a plus.

It's almost a 'pick-em' type of decision, but I'd still go with the 05/06 with the inline 6.

05/06 are harder to find.

Would you have a preference?


Not familiar with the SBC (unless it means small block Chevy)....edit: did some reading and it seems to be a decent system until it fails

Buy whatever you can find in the best condition. Both are amazing on power and mileage. Completely different animal to drive.

07 - 7 speed, never seems to rev. does not sound like a diesel. Seems like you are driving a V6 gasser. You push the pedal, and are at the desired speed without any memory of how you got there. without the SBC system that many hate.

05/06 more like what you expect for a diesel in a car. Higher revving, 5 speed trans. a bit easier to self maintain. A bit better mileage. Finding options in the 05/06 is a bit scarce, but the basic options are pretty good.

I had the SBC system go out in my 05. the warranties are gone now in most of these.

I haven't talked to anyone that didn't love either one. no adblue to add in a 211, but go for a 212 diesel and you have to add it, and no spare tire.

awesome! another thing that has come up is a nicely maintained 1999 e300d for around 1/2 of what i'd likely have to part with for a newer one......

Just be very careful on a 210. rust in the spring perch area. Assuming its a Pennsylvania car, you may find the same as I found here in Wisconsin. The 211 is better protected from rust. Every model has it's own issues, but rust is hard to fix.

Yes....I had thought it was only on the 96-97 that it was bad but I just got a 99 e320 parts car that has a lot of concealed rust

If you maintain the engine yourself, go with the 05/06 inline 6 CDI. THE V6 configuration is a mess to work on under the hood versus the I6. The 05/06 CDI will be the last MB diesel sedan you'll likely ever need. They're the rich - man's MB diesel sedan that's now very affordable, drives and feels like a million dollars. You won't believe the Upgrade in how it does everything well, versus all previous diesel MBs, and is oh so quiet - regards the engine and cabin.

if one could find a high-mileage (240k) one for under 5 grand would that be wise to pursue? no records, needs intake sensor but runs/drives fine

Mr. Hogweed, personally, I'd be willing and would prefer to spend double that for a low mileage (under 100K miles) example.

On a strict budget? Yeah, I'd go for one as you described if I could Carfax it, and see that it hadn't been clipped/severe past wreck. You're the best judge there, Hogweed.

mr. hogweed is my dad:D

thanks for the quick response.....i am on a budget and have found a couple in 7-10k range w/ 150-210k miles.
this one jumped on the radar today and i am used to high-mileage mercs but don't know much about these..

thx again
gregg


edit: i may wait until i actually start the new job and am there for a few months....i think i'd rather wait for a sub 150k one for 7-8 grand

Hogweed, Jr.
Follow (go read) some of the 05/06 CDI past threads - one guy picked one (05/06 CDI) up for like $6K - $7K, with 75K miles on it. Heck if I know how they do that, but some guys find 'em.

I paid a lot more 3 - years ago for my 06 CDI w/59K miles, needing nothing, but I guess deals are out there for the beachcombers!

I guess the question is do I spend 4500 on a nice 99 E300d that I know a little more about or 4600 on the 06 cdi?

My advice, as one who owns one of each: BUY THE CDI....as long as it's not obscenely high mileage.