[playadude]

I've always wanted the straight six E Class, I found a pristine low mileage 2006 E320 CDI.

Are Mercedes of this era mechanically competitive with newer cars ? Or are today's cars better in terms of suspension, transmission, and interior finishes ?

Not sure if I'm being nostalgic about these older cars. Might just get a new VW Jetta CDI.

 

[Kajtek1]

In last decade engine managements change with the speed of androids.
9 years old is consider dinosaur, although some things, like displacement are not replaceable, the 200 HP today is found in 4 cylinders, 2.1 liter Bluetec.

 

[playadude]

I'm thinking the same way ... my desire for this really cool in-line 6 diesel is based on nostalgia ...

 

[Kajtek1]

Nostalgia for me is something so beautiful that even after 30 years it still gives you chill.
Those don't have wires that break off every 10 years.
Where I live I still see lot of those. This is active listing.1982 Mercedes 300D Turbo Diesel - SMOG EXEMPT - best offer or trade
Still even I am not gadget guy, I like to have ABS, some airbags and working GPS is not a bad thing.

 

[414228]

I've always wanted the straight six E Class, I found a pristine low mileage 2006 E320 CDI.

Are Mercedes of this era mechanically competitive with newer cars ? Or are today's cars better in terms of suspension, transmission, and interior finishes ?

Not sure if I'm being nostalgic about these older cars. Might just get a new VW Jetta CDI.

Opt out for a tdi jetta and post a link for the low miler

 

[benz_driver]

My 2006 CDI with 112K on it still feels like new to me. I wouldn't trade it for a newer W212 - even for $0...

That said, you will need to be meticulous on the maintenance to keep it a nice car. That is not cheap, but is a LOT cheaper that depreciating a new car.

I'm hoping it lasts another 20 years...

 

[aeubank]

Yeah, my cdi is rock solid and it's sooooo easy to DIY this car. Don't have to worry about urea and all of that other ish too..

And it get's 35-37 mpg runnin 80..

Try that in a Prius..

 

[kurtismayfield]

In last decade engine managements change with the speed of androids.
9 years old is consider dinosaur, although some things, like displacement are not replaceable, the 200 HP today is found in 4 cylinders, 2.1 liter Bluetec.

But with limitations:

Horsepower:
195 hp @ 3,800 rpm
CDI 201 @ 4,200 rpm

Torque band:
369 lb-ft @ 1,600-1,800 rpm
CDI 369 lb-ft @ 1,800-2,600 rpm

Acceleration:
0-60mph 7.9 sec(4MATIC: 8.2 sec)
CDI 6.6 sec

Construction:
Diecast alloy block and heads
CDI Cast iron block

Compression ratio:
16.2:1
CDI 18:1

Curb Weight:
4,200 lbs
CDI 3,835 lbs

CDI vs TDI = no comparison

With the newest, fastest and bestest electronics comes the higher repair cost. Also the newer the car the less likely you can diy. A person ends up paying more for very similar performance.

 

[Kajtek1]

There is no replacement for displacement

That sure applies to all engine and I am the guy who replaced 7.3l Powerstorke with 6l Powerstroke.
Even newer 6l engine is about 100 HP higher rated, with 7.3l I could pull the wall on idle, while 6l gives me always a chill when I have to move fast via intersection.
Fact is that newer generation of cars get less DIY friendly, but now we are talking about generation of guys who grew up on computers.
My youngest son was playing computer at the age of 4. At the age of 5 he could save the game, turn the computer off, than restart everything.
A year later he went to school and learn reading.
He made DL just few years ago and even I beat him in diesel repairs, don't think I will beat him in software operation.

 

[Silly_me]

I have an 05, and while mine has not clocked all that many miles it still doesn't show its 10 year age. Looks and feels new, it is a solid car. Comparing to a new diesel, well since we only have to deal with the egr I find that nuisance to be less of a concern than the newer tech particulate filters and urea injection.

Not to mention I think the w211 looks better than the more angular w212. A more organic cabin as well.

When you want it to be the CDI is a hooligan-mobile, you can lay down 11s from a stand still (sometimes by accident :grin ) while conversely being a green-mobile by getting better-than-hybrid highway fuel economy in a serene and comfortable cabin with space for a normal sized person.

The only maintenance issues I tackle on a normal basis is oil change, filter changes, battery changes, SBC flushes, transmission flush. Nothing has ever gone wrong on my car *knocks on wood veneer* German cars in particular eat rubber suspension bits every 100k miles or so, and motor/trans mounts wear quicker than say a Japanese car. But then again these drive better than a Japanese car :smile

 

[euro_sport]

My 2005 CDI is solid also also feels practically new. Sure I wish I had the same COMAND as in my 2009, but other than that it is a super solid daily driver with more than 140K on the clock and still going. Would rather have this car than a new Jetta.

 

[Noodles]

I would go with the CDI over the BlueTec if given the choice. I can never find a CDI with the P2 package at a decent price, but I am casually looking around.

 

[Kajtek1]

I like the way the thread evolves.

Sure the OP question ask for it.
So older MB is better technology than newer Volkswagen
Than no offence, what luxury package has to do with technology?
Unfortunately we live at the times, when environment issues take over performance issues. AGAIN.
I am old enough to remember introduciton of EGR valves to European cars.
Porsche from 1980's in European version would have 20-40 HP more than US model with EGR valve.
On realistic side, we USA users do have choices drastically limited by politics, but I have no doubt I would like 300HP E class newer diesel better than 200 HP 2005 E320 cdi.
Especially when it comes with fuel savings and regardless the fact that I might have to buy $2000 computer to do oil changes.

 

[Noodles]

I just like having the amenities I have in my E500.

We just had a 2012 Q7 in the shop which is the VW/Audi V6 diesel and it was not as easy to maintain and fix an oil leak as a straight six MB CDI diesel.
That is all I was getting at with my previous post.

 

[Kajtek1]

You are right Noodles that lot of the times we prefer to choose convenience over the technology or economy.
With my European roots, I just had a talk with my US customers, where she is original British about household washing machines and dryers.
They just come back from visiting their Australian family and remember that not only washing machines were much smaller, but front-loaders used much less water.
Than Australian dryers are so economical that instead of waiting 3 hr, the wife prefer to hang the laundry for air-drying. Something unthinkable in US, where energy and technology is cheap
Still remember the talk I had with MB salesman picking up ML320 back in 1998. At the time the car was first digital SUV on US market with affordable price, so really break-thru technology.
The salesman mention one lady, who after 1 hr long presentation how new technology is way more advanced than the old-fashion limited slip differentials - asked how many cupholders the car has.
After learning that there is only 4, she consider the car inadequate for her family.

 

[catalind]

I would go with the CDI over the BlueTec if given the choice. I can never find a CDI with the P2 package at a decent price, but I am casually looking around.

2010 Bluetec ML350 .... I just went thru the nighmare of changing the oilcooler seals at only 89000miles (actually it was already changed earlier by the previous owner at the dealer at 54000) after only 2 respective 4 years. Properly maintained car with all the records.
Well, the oil leak is still there but from what it looks like rear main seal.
It's a shame. As much as I love MB, this is my 8th one, I never ever had a problem like this. I had other cars too, but no oil leaks like this Bluetec even though they were way older and double the miles this one has.

My 06 CDI continues to be a "doll". At 70000 miles now, I changed the engine mounts at 55000 ( ?? the excuse is high torque - my 02 gasser engine mounts were OK even at 180000) and thermostat around 30000.

 

[MTUpower]

BMW's new 7 series 3 liter diesel produces 255 HP and a bit over 400 torque in it's USA form. So basically in ten years the improvement is slightly better than 20% over the 05/06 CDI. MB in it's new E class diesel is 200HP in a 2 liter 4 cylinder; if it was a 6 cylinder it'd be 300HP.

 

[Kajtek1]

The 3l Bluetec sold in other countries today is rated at 258 HP.
29% gain in power, with lower emission and 45 mpg official ratings.
E 300 Bluetec Hybrid. 204 HP and 58 mpg - still about 6.9 sec to 60. NOT BAD for 58 mpg car.
Try that Prius or Jetta

 

[pl626]

My 2006 CDI with 112K on it still feels like new to me. I wouldn't trade it for a newer W212 - even for $0...

That said, you will need to be meticulous on the maintenance to keep it a nice car. That is not cheap, but is a LOT cheaper that depreciating a new car.

I'm hoping it lasts another 20 years...

My '06 is a gas-powered V-6, but it's been very reliable. Out of warranty, I haven't really had many issues outside of routine maintenance. I sometimes wish I had an updated infotainment, but MB has never been great in that area. Plus it's just another distraction when I'm driving.

That said, I wouldn't view an '06 E320 CDI as a dinosaur. If it checks out, go for it! Your insurance (and taxes?) will be cheaper.

 

[Kajtek1]

Taxes yes, but insurance not necessary. Cars giving better safety do have lower liability premiums.
Just a reminder we are comparing 38mpg car with 58 mpg new technology car with the same performance.
I am not big admirer of gadgets, so WI FI and starting the heater from your smartphone don't even count with me but sensors holding the car in the line is something I might get used to. If you don't notice that as a big difference, I don't know what would it be.