How much more would you pay for a CDI versus E350?

[pred02]

My father is turning 60 and would finally like to get a 2006 E-Class W211. I really want to recommend the 2006 E320CDI to him, in addition to better mileage its probably a better engine and overall car, but there are only 4 within 100 miles where we live and they are about $8-10k with equivalent mileage and vintage non-diesel variants. For example, the used 06 E350 4matics go about $32-$35k retail whereas the CDIs are listed at around $42k.

We don't drive that much, maybe 10k per year max, but I do love diesels, I am just not sure if its worth it.

Is the 320CDI $8K better car then the 350 4matic?

I presume 2006 is a good year for the W211 with the major bugs and quirks worked out?

Thanks!

[Fourdiesel]

Only you (and your father) can tell 'how much is too much'. However, keep in mind that the fact that the cars are listed for more now is a strong indication that they will be also worth more later, when he doesn't need the car. With increasing fuel prices (both gas and diesel) the gassers will drop faster in price than the less-to-operate (cents per mile) same car with diesel. Also Mercedes diesels have a VERY HIGH reputation. They are seen to run, and run, and run, and run...

[Kajtek1]

Originally Posted by pared

Is the E320CDI $8K better car then the 350 Matic?
!

The car is exactly the same. It is just the engine difference and AWD option.
Is diesel better? In what aspect? In performance not. Diesel shines in fuel economy, reliability and long life.
With small annual mileage diesel fuel saving will take several years to recoup the price difference, but in more than 5 years the gasser will have value of the wheels on it, while diesel will still bring high resale value.

[lkchris]

When the cars were new the difference was $1K for the 2WD versions.

The 4WD option tilted the price higher for the gasoline version.

If it's now $8k more for the diesel, well that's a difference in resale value, isn't it?

[drivbiwire]

Do the math on the CDI, the fuel savings over the E350 if you drive 15,000 miles per year are:

$4.79 For diesel
$4.05 for Premium

The CDI will still save you around $800 a year in real money.

The CDI in the long run has lower maintenance costs (just barely) the big difference is gassers have spark plugs and ignition coils (that fail) and the CDI has a fuel filter thats replaced every 26K vs 56K on the gassers.

As for power, the nearly 400ft-lbs of torque of the CDI will surprise any E350 off the line

DB

[sv7887]

Originally Posted by drivbiwire

Do the math on the CDI, the fuel savings over the E350 if you drive 15,000 miles per year are:

$4.79 For diesel
$4.05 for Premium

The CDI will still save you around $800 a year in real money.

The CDI in the long run has lower maintenance costs (just barely) the big difference is gassers have spark plugs and ignition coils (that fail) and the CDI has a fuel filter thats replaced every 26K vs 56K on the gassers.

As for power, the nearly 400ft-lbs of torque of the CDI will surprise any E350 off the line

DB

This is a good post..There are additional practical elements to it as well. A Diesel will give you double the range, so yes it's more expensive, but there is that convenience of not having to gas up all the time.

There is the resale argument too. The depreciation on the W211 is pretty bad, but the Diesel Benzes in Massachusetts hold their value really well. In fact the MB dealer tells me there is a waiting list for them, even ones with 100K on them.

Then there is driveability elements. I think the CDI/Bluetecs have 16" wheels right? Doesn't that give them a smoother ride (albeit cushier) ride? Cheaper to replace those tires too.

My neighbor swears by diesels for many of the reasons DB highlighted. I can think of one additional reason:

You get to thumb your nose at the Priuses AND get to take advantage of priority parking for "Alternative Fuel vehicles" (they did this at Logan Airport in Boston)

Plus you never have to change the batteries like Hybrids do! Hybrid MPG with the Class and Elegance of Mercedes-Benz..Hard to beat!!

[K-A]

Do the CDI's still have that chuggy diesel sound the old 80's Benzes had?

[sualk54]

clackita-clackita-clack? that was my 85 300DT- the dogs literally heard me over a block away when I came home

Salesman told me they actually start up the new ones in the showroom to move them around, they are so quiet and smell-free.

Just waiting for the lease info to get my 09 E320 Bluetec on order- diesel is still cheaper than premium up here

[Fourdiesel]

Regarding the engine 'noise': On the new models ('07, 08) [I haven't heard any '06's] You can be standing right beside them and not know they are running if there is any other noise at all. I was standing right beside mine in the shop area of the M-B dealer in Portland, OR. I was about to walk away when the SA reminded me he had left the engine running!

DBW is right about the torque; these cars are every bit as quick off the line as the V8 gassers - same torque! [Not quite a quick as the bigger gas engines]

[usc96]

My concern would be that over time, when things loosen up on the car, the clickety clack will reveal itself. Having grown up with a '81 240D (bought used, but always had it) an '83 300SD (ought used, but always had it) and a '95 300D (purchased new), I know the the diesel clickty clack.