2005 Mercedes E320 CDI - Opinions Please
 

Did my search but did not find much. What do you diesel folks think of this model, particularly reliability and maintenance.
Trying to help out a friend , but my knowledge goes to about 1985 when it comes to the MB diesels
:D
Thanks in advance

Proven engine design; SBC brakes are a weak point in 05-06. W211 chasis is light years from an 85

The torque of that engine is like having Niagara falls under your foot.

ours (2005) just rolled 61k, and seems to be getting better MPG now, than at 40k

its a beast of a car (I've gotten 3 speeding tickets in it) there are a few at Mercedes Benz of Cinci that we've looked at (as an addition) right now and the prices seem to be coming WAYYYY down for a 50k mile car

only problems we've had,
~leaky injectors around 15k miles
~bad xenon headlamp starter
~power trunk closer was slamming shut
~some distortion in the Harmon Kardon speakers (amp was going out)

all of the above were covered

SBC brakes, take ages to shut down = increased labor costs

we had to do front pads, and an oil change and it came to like $600 :eek:


aside from that, the only quality problem i've noticed is the W211 wheels...

seem to be poorly painted, and chip/flake/pit and tend to look like $h!t
and I actually take care of ours! :o

Forum member 3PointStar has one, which has said that it is very pleasant. Count yourself lucky you've found an 05 CDI, this model doesn't use SCR (selective catalytic reduction which uses liquid urea) which is an excess cost. So far as I have heard, these have been fairly reliable and virtually problem free. Of course, most cars I've been in contact with have less than 150,000 miles so time will tell...

No W211 (CDI or Bluetec) in the USA was produced with urea injection. The W212 will be the first E-Class that will; maybe.

Bluetec R's and GL's did/do have it.

You really need to do your own brakes on this car. It's a cinch - as easy as any car I've ever worked on.

All you have to remember is to NOT OPEN THE DOORS while your fingers are in the caliper! Forget what they say about having SDS disable the brakes.

IIRC you also need to wait 20 minutes after having inserted the key in the ign or opening a door for the SBC system to "go to sleep". At that point, its a typical brake job.

Not sure if there was a change in 2006. But we have a 2006 CDI and it has been absolutly fantastic. The MPG's are great and the power is amazing. Diesel has really come a long way.

Please explain the SBC system.

CDI Experience
 

Hi while I have a 2006 E320 CDI for all practical purposes they are the same car and engine.

All I can say is WOW!! I purchased new in July 2006 and it has been in the shop for the display screen coating flaking off and the windshield wipers skipping. Other than that it has been put fuel in it, change the oil/filters and drive it.

I purchased the car from Fort Wayne, IN Mercedes – sales person was Tom Diehl. He and his organization were extremely professional and made the buying experience very good. When the car has needed routine service, it was completed on-time and exactly what was quoted – the prices have been ok – I always want something less expensive. Besides doing good work, the car has always been hand shampooed, and detailed upon pick-up. Can’t ask for anything more.

I have had previous diesels that you had to time 0-60mph with a calendar. However, this one will smoke the tires if you shut off the traction control- The performance of the engine on the road is phenomenal – I have cruised for hours without incident. Fuel economy is wonderful (except for the marginal increase in diesel fuel costs). Quiet, smooth etc. typical for Mercedes. I have approximately 80K miles and it has not used a drop of oil, leaked or anything that I can think of that is bad. I’ve replaced the front breaks once and tires twice (around 39K)-

An issue that has occurred – not related to the car – has been the quality of diesel fuel. I used high Cetane when available, but after a few tanks I get a slight nailing sound. I switch to a lower grade for a couple tanks and all is well. Just purchase fuel from someone that has high turn over and you will be fine.

During the winter – and it has been in below 0 temps a number of times - I have never experienced ANY difficulty starting, warming up, or going. I am very conservative when I start out in colder weather – no hard accelerations until everything is warmed up and at operating temperature.

If I had to do it all over again, the ONLY change would be that I would get the satellite radio.

Good luck with the purchase and many happy and safe miles to you!

3pointstar

I just did a trip from Dayton, to Albany NY between wed/thurs & back again...

38.4mpg

and the most comfortable ride i've ever been in.


+1 on sat. radio...


the pano roof would also be nice...

My brother has an '06 CDI that he purchased new. He hasn't put a ton of miles on it, but it has not required any repairs in three years. He really likes the car; it has the typical Mercedes qualities - high quality materials and built like a vault. I think he's said it does 37MPG on road trips. Darn impressive. I wouldn't hesitate to buy one.

Your dealer can still retrofit this for you.

Warranty on SBC brakes was extended to 10 years.

The problems were mostly niggling things, leaks, etc., and most should have been fixed by now. Once fixed, they don't reoccur, so SBC brakes is basically a nonissue, except of course for their influence on DIY brake jobs. Having SBC brakes means you have a safer car.

Here's the description: http://www.mercedestechstore.com/pdfs/W211_advisor/219%20HO%20SBC%20(WJB)%209-30-02.pdf

These cars have the coolest mounting system for front brake pads, as they are essentially mounted on springs. Means no need for antisqueal paste.

An important consideration is that this engine has an aluminum cylinder head, so things like changing injectors or glowplugs could get a little interesting.

IMHO during the time it was sold in the USA this was the most technically sophisticated engine ever put in a "normal" passenger car for sale in the USA. That title is now assumed by the V6 diesel, which is an order of magnitude jump in sophistication.

I'd advise budgeting for dealer service. Or by an independent that for sure has had Mercedes factory training recent enough to cover this engine.

thanks gang, helps alot