E-class Auto Box

[pb33]

Hi There,

Test drove a new E280 CDI at the weekend. Fantastic car. Particularly the 7-speed auto box.

Question is: was this box standard on the 2003 (53) model year e-class estate (211) 320CDI? Or was it a lesser 5-speed box? If the latter, when did MB make the change?

Regards,

PB

 

[television]

The change is only a matter of months.

Malcolm

 

[andy from embsay]

Hi - I'm also interested in the 280CDi with auto - did you find it appropriately speedy and responsive?

 

[pb33]

Ta.

The 7-speed box was utterly stupendous. I've never driven a car so smooth, yet so responsive.

So, am I to assume that 5 speed auto is standard on the e-class? And if so, was the 7-speed available as an option in 2003 on the 320CDI? If so, I might hold on to find a used car with that.

PB

 

[Rory]

The 7 speed box is new and has only been available for a few mths.

 

[jberks]

Its a 5 speed and a different engine. The 280 and new 320 are V6 3l engines and 7 speed gboxes whereas in 2003 they did a straight 6 320cdi and a 5 cyl 270cdi, both with 5speed boxes. Neither will be as quick or as smooth as the one you drove I'm afraid. They are still pretty good though. I have to admit that the 270 engine is a bit rough after the v6 I used to have but has plenty of pull and smooth and quiet once warmed up and going. The straight 6 320 is smoother and more powerful, but costs a bit more to run.

 

[OlafMaxwell]

The other thing is the straight 6 320 is a known reliable engine, lots of them around with high mileages. The V6 is an unknown quantity and with Mercedes recent reliability issues it is a risk.

 

[Blobcat]

Only 5 speed autos available on the straight 6 E320cdi. However mine is very very smooth and sounds great when the loud pedal is pressed hard. Drove a collegues E220cdi and an E270cdi and both 4 cylinder 220 & 5 cylinder 270 were quite rough in comparison.
I would be interested to know how the fuel economy is on the new 3.0ltr V6 E320cdo as I have heard its not that great