2006 W211 CDI vs. 2007 W211 Bluetech & facelift

[ksing44]

I am looking for a new car. I have been driving a 1995 E320 for 13-years, but I think it is time to move on. I was considering getting away from Mercedes with a new car and trying a 2010 Golf TDI. I really want a diesel and the 6-speed manual is great in the 2010 Golf TDI. The 2010 Golf TDI also comes with a sport suspension and other tweaks that make it fun to drive. Even with all of the tweaks, however, of course it isn’t like driving in a E-Class Mercedes.

It occurred to me that I should at least consider a used Mercedes diesel. I checked on the Internet and it looks like a 2005 CDI could definitely be had for the price of a new 2010 Golf TDI, maybe a 2006 too. The 2007 Bluetech might be a bit more than the new Golf TDI, but I wondered if it might be worth the extra cost to get into the bluetech.

I definitely prefer the look of the facelift in the 2007 W211. I sounds like the change occurred late in 2006, but all of the 2006 CDI cars I found on the Internet appeared to be pre-facelift. So there is the question, what are the pros and cons of 2007 facelifted Bluetech W211 vs. 2005 or 2006 CDI W211.

Thank you diesel dudes. I hope to be one of you soon, either in a 2010 Golf TDI or a slightly used Mercedes.

[ksing44]

After reading quite a bit, I think I may get scared off from the 2006 because of the SBC (sensotronic brakes). Mercedes actually removed them in the next generation facelift, so that pretty much says it all. Even Mercedes doesn't like the system. I read they offer a 10-year guarantee, just to appease all of the complaints.

It is a darn shame, because I think I would have preferred the inline-6 motor. I would have also appreciated the lower price for a used 2006 vs. a 2007 with about the same low mileage. I do prefer the looks of the 2007 car with the facelift, but unfortunately it seems that neither car may be perfect for me. I am still going to take a drive in the 2006, just to see if I really want another E-Class Benz.

If it wasn’t for the sensotronic thing, I think I really might have purchased the 2006 right away. As it is, I’m not sure what to do. I really didn’t want to spend as much as it looks like it will cost to get into the 2007 Bluetech. Since I am not really in a rush, I guess I can just wait a while and surf the Internet to find the perfect 2007. There may be more and more available as time goes on.

[Hatterasguy]

Both are good cars, I'd just pick whatever example fits your budget the best

[e300D97]

I just picked up a 2006 E320 CDI 2 weeks ago. Its a great car. I do think the 2007 is a bit quieter, but I think the inline 6 has a proven track record. I too had some hesitation of the SBC brakes, but with a 10 year warranty I am not going to worry. The 2007 has the 6 speed transmission. I drove both the 2007 and 2006, the 2007 was just a bit more than I wanted to spend and it had MBTex, no Sirius, and over 50,000 miles. The 06 I got only had 32,000 miles and was equipped the way I wanted. I would look at the CPOs, the 1.99 financing is an awesome rate, and if you are a member of MBCA you get a 750.00 gift card to boot. Feel free to PM. I am in the middle of a 2300 mile trip with mine, fule mileage has been in the mid 30's

[ksing44]

Thank you to both of you for the encouragement about the 2006. I'm not sure it is going to help me, but I appreciate it just the same. I am afraid of getting burned with big maintenance bills.

It sounds like the 2006 was one of the years when Mercedes was really suffering with complaints, perhaps in large part because of the SBC. It sound like things may have started to turn around with the 2007, even though the reality is that the new motor has not been around very long. I don’t know if I will be able to pull the trigger on the 2006, considering what I am learning as I read about the SBC.

Regarding the 10-year warranty, that is only 6 more years for the 2006. I owned my 1995 E320 for 13-years now and I was hoping to keep the next one at least as long. After all, that is part of the attraction with a diesel. I will have to wait and see if I fall for the car after the test drive, but even then I may have to keep my checkbook in my pocket.

[e300D97]

You are welcome. Just a word of caution, if you are looking at a Pewter colored one in Lanc, send me a PM.. I drove it and have some comments.

[Hatterasguy]

Most of the people who complain about SBC online have never owned a MB with the system. Don't always beleive what is written on the forums.

[2.5Turbo]

Originally Posted by Hatterasguy

Most of the people who complain about SBC online have never owned a MB with the system. Don't always beleive what is written on the forums.

True. My dad's had his for about 8 months now, put about 10k on it in that length of time and has never had a single issue with the brakes. We did have some unrelated electronic issues early on when we picked it up last summer, but those were all taken care of under warranty by the dealer. The SA even got us a 722.6 service for free after she put "something leaking in driveway" on the work order, referencing a connector that commonly leaks. It was leaking slightly, so they replaced it and did a complete fluid+filter service for no charge.

Very few issues since the initial hiccups. At his current pace, he'll only have to bring it in for service less than twice a year as oil changes go about 13k. And you've got to love the fact that with careful driving it'll get darn near 40mpg...and that's no ebay BS

[ksing44]

I drove the 2006 CDI. It was an impressive vehicle, but I just couldn’t shake the bad feelings about signing up to pay the maintenance and repair bills. The difference in cost to purchase a slightly used 2006 CDI vs. a new 2010 Golf TDI is really not so great, but I don’t think I can bring myself to sign up for actually owning the Mercedes. It just makes me cringe thinking about paying thousands in maintenance and repairs.

If I hadn’t been down the road once already in a slightly used E-Class, I might be thinking that the cars are so well made that they last virtually forever without breaking, especially with a diesel. As it is, I know the cars don’t last any longer than other cars and they cost much more to maintain. You know the CDI I looked at already had quite a number of “Warranty” repairs listed on the documents. Edmunds seems to have that all very well calculated.

From Edmunds 5-year ownership Calculation
Based on15K miles/year, but I will drive 25K/ year so my cost will be considerably higher, especially in the Mercedes.

2006 CDI
Maintenance: $5,140
Repairs: $8,333
Total: $13,473/5 = $2694/year

2010 Golf TDI
Maintenance: $1,936
Repairs: $1,038
Total: $2974/5 = $594/year

With the Golf, there was also about a $2000 savings from decreased fuel consumption. My savings will be considerably more because I will be driving so many miles.

On the side of the 2006 CDI, I have to say the Mercedes is truly a different class of vehicle compared to the VW. As someone said in another post, it really may be too much car for me. There is nothing simple about the car when you get in for a drive. It feels wonderful, but to me it also felt suffocating from being overly complicated and overly opulent. The VW Golf TDI has a much simpler feeling, maybe more like a bicycle, but in a way that is very comforting. My old 1995 E320 has a simpler feeling about it too, although the reality is that even my 1995 E320 is a bit too complicated for a typical independent mechanic or handyman.

I have to admit I am disappointed about discovering that I will probably not buy another E-Class. I guess it really does come down to something as simple as being willing to pay to play. I guess I am just not willing to pay. Actually, it is a little humbling in a way, to face the fact that I don’t have so much money that I can feel comfortable throwing it away just so I can commute to work in a fancy car. The reality is that commuting 25K/year is just going to run any car I buy right into the ground. Even with my home paid for, my son’s paid-in-full college fund tucked away, and no other bills at all, I just don’t think I can bring myself to spend the extra money on the Mercedes.

Thank you all for helping me with your valuable insight about the cars.

[dariod]

All of the modern Mercedes cars are a ripp off. For me the last Mercedes worth buying is W124 and everything after that does not even feel like a mercedes anymore. Keep that W124 you got because later you will regret selling it remember what I told you.

[Skid Row Joe]

Originally Posted by ksing44

I drove the 2006 CDI. It was an impressive vehicle, but I just couldn’t shake the bad feelings about signing up to pay the maintenance and repair bills. The difference in cost to purchase a slightly used 2006 CDI vs. a new 2010 Golf TDI is really not so great, but I don’t think I can bring myself to sign up for actually owning the Mercedes. It just makes me cringe thinking about paying thousands in maintenance and repairs.

If I hadn’t been down the road once already in a slightly used E-Class, I might be thinking that the cars are so well made that they last virtually forever without breaking, especially with a diesel. As it is, I know the cars don’t last any longer than other cars and they cost much more to maintain. You know the CDI I looked at already had quite a number of “Warranty” repairs listed on the documents. Edmunds seems to have that all very well calculated.

From Edmunds 5-year ownership Calculation
Based on15K miles/year, but I will drive 25K/ year so my cost will be considerably higher, especially in the Mercedes.

2006 CDI
Maintenance: $5,140
Repairs: $8,333
Total: $13,473/5 = $2694/year

2010 Golf TDI
Maintenance: $1,936
Repairs: $1,038
Total: $2974/5 = $594/year

With the Golf, there was also about a $2000 savings from decreased fuel consumption. My savings will be considerably more because I will be driving so many miles.

On the side of the 2006 CDI, I have to say the Mercedes is truly a different class of vehicle compared to the VW. As someone said in another post, it really may be too much car for me. There is nothing simple about the car when you get in for a drive. It feels wonderful, but to me it also felt suffocating from being overly complicated and overly opulent. The VW Golf TDI has a much simpler feeling, maybe more like a bicycle, but in a way that is very comforting. My old 1995 E320 has a simpler feeling about it too, although the reality is that even my 1995 E320 is a bit too complicated for a typical independent mechanic or handyman.

I have to admit I am disappointed about discovering that I will probably not buy another E-Class. I guess it really does come down to something as simple as being willing to pay to play. I guess I am just not willing to pay. Actually, it is a little humbling in a way, to face the fact that I don’t have so much money that I can feel comfortable throwing it away just so I can commute to work in a fancy car. The reality is that commuting 25K/year is just going to run any car I buy right into the ground. Even with my home paid for, my son’s paid-in-full college fund tucked away, and no other bills at all, I just don’t think I can bring myself to spend the extra money on the Mercedes.

Thank you all for helping me with your valuable insight about the cars.

Of course the Mercedes-Benz will be costlier to maintain at the repair shop than a VW. That is to be expected. To me, comparing them as apples to apples is unfair. Other than both having diesel engines - they aren't even in the same universe.

Regarding price? Prices are all over the place on used CDIs and Bluetecs. There was a gorgeous, loaded, great color combo, one-owner off-lease 2008 Bluetec with 30K miles for $32,999 last week near me. That's less $$s than some are asking for a 2006 CDI! And I'm certain people have recently paid more for 2006 CDIs with the same miles on them as some available '07 and '08 Bluetecs.

For my money, I would seek a low-miles, low-priced 2008 Bluetec - they are to be had.

[markg612]

Originally Posted by ksing44

My old 1995 E320 has a simpler feeling about it too, although the reality is that even my 1995 E320 is a bit too complicated for a typical independent mechanic or handyman.

The TDI has you written all over it.

The 124s are mindlessly simple--A 211.026 would eat your lunch and your dinner.