Upgraded to 06 CDI
 

Hey folks,
Well today I sold my 99 E300 off and frankly a tear was shed for the old girl. She served me well for both personal and work use. A recent compressor failure and the progressive rust issues made the decision to search for and find an 06 CDI.

So yes, I am now to happy owner of a 127K CDI, black on black, which I've wanted for some time now. I have hopes this new to me Mercedes will serve me just as well if not much better going forward. I have to say so far Im pretty damned impressed with my new to me 16 yr old hoopdee...:D Now if diesel come's down from the stratosphere that'd be icing on the cake.

I've not owned an OM606 to compare against but I think you'll be happy with the OM648.

Remove black plastic cover on top of engine over head and throw it away. Everytime you open hood inspect for black "tar" looking stuff around injectors. Have it resolved as soon as you see it. It can lead to "black death" if let go too long.

Also the SBS braking system has like long time warranty. If you ever get red brake warning take it to dealer for resolution under warranty.

I recently owned Both -99 e300td (low mileage/no rust) and 05 e320cdi.
I "Flipped a coin- made decision to downsize (4 cars to 3) and sold the 99 Versus the CDI-- Feeling that the e300td would be cheaper to run... but also knowing that CDI-- has incredible torque/comfort/ no rust issues-in snow.

I LOST-- shortly after selling the 300td-- My CDI Had major electrical issues for 2nd time in 1 year... No crank/no start-- replaced SAM/ Rebuilt ECU/ had some wires reworked... Indy wired in a special relay to get car to start... 5 days later back to NO CRANK- NO START-- Bouncing tach when NO CRANK.

I guess I am the ONLY guy here to be LESS thrilled about that 05 CDI

I will say AWESOME drive- BUT electrical issue for me. I guess mines a "Unicorn"

Anyways- debating on getting an e300td OR a e250Bluetec now... CDI left me w a bad taste.

Its for sale if any SMART DIY/Electrical guru wants to "FIX it"
158,000 miles--

Good luck

I would NOT GET an E300 if you live in Chicago....the rust will devour it. E250 Bluetec would be ideal...but it will cost you. Still over $20,000 AFAIK.

Both of my CDIs have been near perfect so far....you could save up a lot of electrical system repair money by keeping the CDI and not buying an E250.

x1000% on the black death. Engine cover is in the trunk. I spoke with the PO a good bit about BD and the SBC among other things. He was quite aware of BD as well and replaced the injector seals/seats, but definitely something I'm keeping an eye on. The SBC extended warranty is also another reason I opted to buy as that coverage is key IMO.

It has been trouble free so far (knocks wood). The only issue I see right now is apparently glow plugs are very hard to come by. Theres a thread on that on BW.

In retrospect I would have kept the 99 E300, blown compressor aside, but I lost the rust battle. No regrets now tho. ;)

Oh man... a black/black CDI is a dream car of mine. May purchase one next year, if I can find a nice one. Enjoy it!

No where to go but up.....
 

Hate to be a kill joy, but I wouldn't hold my breath waiting for that to happen.

https://www.zerohedge.com/energy/era-cheap-oil-has-come-end

I see you're from "The Birthplace of America". I live on the western side of the "Great Keystone State". As you're probably aware, approximately $1.00 of the price of EVERY GALLON of gas/diesel sold in this state goes straight to taxes, yes? Unfortunately, that will NEVER change and can only increase.

We have always had some of the most expensive fuel prices in the country (because of taxes). I believe we're second only to CA and am I ever glad I don't hafta pay THOSE prices! This upward trend will be the same in every state of the union.

Despite this, I'm gonna keep driving my diesels. Thirty plus MPG isn't too bad IMO. Hard to find a good used car that'll deliver that kind of mileage and not break the bank (unless you wanna drive a sub-compact...no thanks). Not to mention the comfort, reliability......and "cool factor" :cool:

This is a very temporary issue. For the time being, there's a Meyle plug that is available....but Berus should be back eventually.

Welcome to the crew! I’ve been enjoying my cdi for just about two years now. I do still enjoy driving both of its predecessors but the cdi is definitely superior in all ways. Outside of routine maintenance I’ve only had to do one mechanical repair. A $350 power steering hose.

X2 the above!

Yes, I forgot to welcome you to the CDI Club treetops, WELCOME! Between my brother's family and I, we own six 211's- 3-CDI's, an '07 Bluetec, and two E320 (gas) wagons. I guess you could say we really like the 211 platform!