I am contemplating between E320 and E300TD. How do these compare. I am planning to lease and eventually buy the car. This is my first Mercedes. I have heard a lot of good things about Diesel. But, How do they compare with E320. I live in NY and would like to keep the car for few years. What are pros and cons of diesel E300TD versus gas E320.

The single best determining factor will be the test drive. Go to a dealership and ask to test drive both models back to back. That alone will tell YOU more about what suits you best than anything else. You may be able to get the dealership to deal a bit more on the diesel, but don't count on it. The new V6 is an excellent performer and returns amazing fuel mileage given its performance. The V6 will be faster 0-60. Mercedes rates the diesel at 8.5 secs 0-60 and 27mpg/36mpg (city/highway) The E320 gas is rated at 7.1 secs 0-60 and 21mpg/30mpg (city/highway). The base price is a couple thousand less on the diesel but you get stuff (like leather seats) standard with the E320. The actual option prices/financing/etc is something between your specific dealer and yourself. The E320, in any of its evolutionary variations, has been a staple of the MB lineup since its inception. Then again, diesel lovers are among the most devoted known to mankind. Test drive both, spend as much time in each as you can. Do which feels best to you, there really isn't a bad choice among them.

Enjoy...Lee

You'd better act fast if you want a diesel. I ordered mine a month ago and, at that time, '99 diesel production was almost sold out. I shopped dealers all over Florida and they all told me that the diesel will NOT be offered in the U.S. after '99. Only one of the dealers had a diesel in stock and the rest were selling out the ones they didn't have yet. Remember to factor in the difference in fuel cost if that means something to you - the E320 requires premium gas. Good luck.


------------------
Rick Miley
Tampa, FL
86 190E
87 300E

Not to dispute the virtue of increased fuel mileage in diesels, but in the Atlanta area premium fuel and diesel fuel are approx the same cost. It may be different where you live, but it is something to price out.

As far as diesels not being offered in the US...I hear the W220 will have the new tech diesel in the 2001 model year or late in the 2000 model year. It should be an improvement over even the latest diesel engine. I don't know when or if it will be put in the E-class though.

Either way, hope this help...Lee

[This message has been edited by Lee Scheeler (edited 06-03-99).]

I just came back from being in Germany and doing about 2900 km on the Autobahn. FUN!!!! Highly recommend it.

In regards to diesels, for anyone who does not know, Mercedes has come out with a new family of diesel engines and they are amazing!
In the next 2 - 3 months, a european buyer would be able to order an E class with the following engines:

4 cyl. 2.2 liter 143hp, 232torgue ft/lbs
5 cyl. 2.7 liter 170 hp, 295torgue
6 cyl. 3.2 liter 197 hp, 345torgue
8 cyl 4.0 liter 238 hp, 410torgue

Each is turbocharged and the V8 is twin turbo. The V8 will be only in the S class at first. The torgue figures are between 1800 and 2200 rpms, depending on the model. The 4 and 5 cyl. engines are available with 6 spd manual transmissions ( In addition, all other gasoline engines 2.8 liters or smaller will have 6 spd boxes.)

The amazing thing about these engines is the gas mileage. The 4 cyl. can get as high as 45 miles/gallon.

I hope we will have chance to drive some of these cars in US someday.

alex

First things first......

You will not notice that the diesel is actually a diesel, if you have driven them before. The power is awesome.

2nd, how did you find one?

3rd. As my friend in Tampa has said, and others commented on, the price is a big factor when you look at the long haul. Here in Ontario, Canada, there can be a difference between 50-80 cents per gallon between fuels. Factor in 500,000 miles, this could pay for your kids education

The choice is yours as always, but if you get the diesel, let me know, I will add you to my list.

Chris Ecklund
98300DT