05 on 320cdi engines

dkl1971

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Looking for something as a daily for my wife. 55k is a bit OTT really, we'll use that for longer journeys. Currently we have a fabia vrs estate but we aren't fans.
A nice looking 06 plate ml500 has come up locally but realistically a 5 l V8 isn't the most ideal option for local stuff. Realistically a remapped 320 will also get us to 300bhp but with rather better mpg.
So options are an ML 320cdi or a c class estate around the 05-08 period. Our search area bridges the change of bodyshape in c class but are the engines the same?
Are these 2 basically the same engine/gearbox in differing bodyshells?
Old
http://www.autotrader.co.uk/classif...ize=3.0&postcode=sw1a1aa&model=C CLASS&page=1
New
http://www.autotrader.co.uk/classif...ize=3.0&postcode=sw1a1aa&model=C CLASS&page=1

I gather the old shape rusts rather, is the newer any better?

Any obvious advantages to an ML? Its got to be slower and more ponderous but I quite like the shape.
 

malcolm E53 AMG

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The C Class with the diesel V6 will compliment the E55 perfectly for local use go for the newer shape it doesn't suffer the rust problems of the earlier cars and has much sharper lines which have aged well

I'm sure you'll find the 320cdi has sufficient power but if not they are easily tuned with a remap speak to GAD who advertise on here
 

Wighty

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Are you sure you want a big diesel for "local stuff" ??? Diesels need a decent run at temp to keep them all clear , maybe petrol would suit better for short local stuff ?
 

malcolm E53 AMG

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The 2007-09 C320cdi has the 7 spd g/b as does the 09-14 C350cdi not sure about the ML but the OM642 engines in both are more or less identical

Give the diesel a good run once a month to clear the DPF (if it has one) but on the plus side you hear very little about MB having clogged DPF issues
 
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dkl1971

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Our local trips aren't that local to be fair, nearest town is 20mins in either direction but its a fair point. 06 MLs are the 7 spd box, not sure about the c class.
 

malcolm E53 AMG

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I may be wrong but I'm pretty sure all the V6 OM642 diesels were mated to the 7 spd box from inception, so >05
 

M80

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Not in the Vito and Viano. I would have thought all cars with the 642 had the 7 speed box though.
 

JBell

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I may be wrong but I'm pretty sure all the V6 OM642 diesels were mated to the 7 spd box from inception, so >05

All W204 V6CDi have the 7G Tronic box, all others had the 5G Tronic box until the facelift in 2012.

With the V6 CDi you need to see if the oil intercooler seals have been done.

The W204 is a massively improved car over the W203 in every way (I have had both).

At the mileages you are looking at you need to have them checked over particularly the front suspension arms as they are a weak point on the W203 and on the W204 the rear main suspension bushes (Just infront of the rear wheels) particularly with the V6 CDi as they only last about 60k
 
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dkl1971

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All useful stuff, many thanks. I take it we didn't get the c30tdi amg version?
I can imagine the 204 was an improvement but there do seem to be some cracking s203 bargains out there. Once the fabia goes then it will be a case of seeing what comes up.
 

JBell

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I can imagine the 204 was an improvement but there do seem to be some cracking s203 bargains out there.

There is a reason, most are getting leggy and need maintenance, bearing in mind they were designed in the late '90's and the most modern is from '04 on I would be looking for a W204. Depends on budget really and what you want out of it.

My father is selling his '10 plate C250CGi estate with 47k on
 

Wighty

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The 2007-09 C320cdi has the 7 spd g/b as does the 09-14 C350cdi not sure about the ML but the OM642 engines in both are more or less identical

Give the diesel a good run once a month to clear the DPF (if it has one) but on the plus side you hear very little about MB having clogged DPF issues
True with the dpf part , but you do hear a fair bit about om642 blocked inlet manifolds/swirl flap issues :)
 

malcolm E53 AMG

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True with the dpf part , but you do hear a fair bit about om642 blocked inlet manifolds/swirl flap issues :)

I mainly put that down to supermarket fuels and vehicles spending their life in urban areas
 

JBell

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I mainly put that down to supermarket fuels and vehicles spending their life in urban areas

Mine spends most of it's life in urban areas and is always run on supermarket fuel, no issues at all, the odd motorway run and self regen keeps it clean
 
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dkl1971

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Looks like a 320/350 204 is the way to go then. Thanks all.
 

malcolm E53 AMG

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Good choice, the OM462 has been in production since 05 and has benefited from continual development over that time so the later the engine the better and properly maintained will do big miles

Good luck with your search
 

kid-jensen

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Have to say the OM642 engine is very uin-diesel-like, in that it actually produces more power the more you rev it, as opposed to the opposite.

If it wasn't for the noise, you could believe you had a well-designed, large capacity petrol engine under your right foot.

It's probaby the best diesel engine I've driven, though as always, it would be nicer if it didn't make such a row! Yes, I know diesels have improved since, I just haven't driven any recent ones....

As an ML (W164) owner, I can say that an ML is also recommendable, but you would have to re-adjust your ideas of vehicle dynamics if you enjoy "chucking it about".... Not that the ML handles badly, it's just that at 6' 2" tall, it's never going to be a sports car.

THe upside is the roominess, ease of overtaking, and the ability to look down on normal mortals..

Probably the best looking SUV/4X4 on the road too...
 
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JBell

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Looks like a 320/350 204 is the way to go then. Thanks all.

Try to get a 350, it is an improved engine over the 320. Bl**dy love mine
 
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dkl1971

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Am I right to think that for an on road car there is no need to have an ML with air suspension and the issues that come with it on a 10 yr old car?
 

EmilysDad

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Am I right to think that for an on road car there is no need to have an ML with air suspension and the issues that come with it on a 10 yr old car?

you're right, but Airmatic is nice ;)
 

kid-jensen

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There's far more Non-air suspension models around.....just avoid the Air versions.

That being said, the Shock prices on the normally-Airsprung versions are.........errr.....shocking!
 

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