C250 CDI BlueEfficiency?

[LRS]

Looking to buy a new C Class Sport before the end of the year, providing the right level of dealer discount is achieved.

Just heard about the new C250 CDI BlueEfficiency that is coming along in summer 2009.

Is it worth waiting for or should I stick with the C220 CDI?

What does everyone reckon?

 

[Alex M Grieve]

Looking to buy a new C Class Sport before the end of the year, providing the right level of dealer discount is achieved.

Just heard about the new C250 CDI BlueEfficiency that is coming along in summer 2009.

Is it worth waiting for or should I stick with the C220 CDI?

What does everyone reckon?

There is not a lot wrong with the 220 CDI, especially the more recent versions with much more power and torque than the originals. You will see that some more recent owners are struggling to exceed 40 mpg until the car has done significant mileage though (20,000 perhaps).

The new engine is a generation better than anything in the MB range at present however. The power outputs seem to be pretty much as for the IL6 320 CDI of just a few years ago, but the fuel economy and CO2 production are light years better.

My heart says wait for the new engine - especially if this is a long term buy. My head (and Scottish wallet) say that the new engine is so good that it might command a premium (or have a waiting list), as a result of which the 220 might be discounted to encourage continued sales.

Usual story, you pays your money, etc.

PS it is interesting to note that the new engine conforms to a formula that Bill Blydentstein (sorry if that is miss spelled) - he who used to tune Vauxhalls for saloon car racing 40 years ago - described when asked what would make the most efficient engine for a motor car. He said - a four cylinder engine of 2.5 Litres capacity. Voilà!

 

[hawk20]

when asked what would make the most efficient engine for a motor car. He said - a four cylinder engine of 2.5 Litres capacity. Voilà!

Well it may be called the 250cdi but it actually only 2.14 litres same as the present 220cdi. And the performance and economy gains are not as stunning as some may have expected.

Present 220cdi in an E class delivers 170 bhp and 400 of torque. The 0-62 is 8.4 seconds and combined fuel economy is 42.2 with CO2 of 177.

The new 220cdi blue efiiciency has identical power and torque at 170 and 400 and similar performance at 8.3 seconds to 62 mph. Emissions are lower at 159 and economy is better at 47.1 mpg (plus 11%).

Now take the so called 250cdi blue efficiency. Same size engine just tuned up more. 7.4 seconds to 62 but identical economy and emissions at 47.1 and 159. Worth the extra in modern traffic? To some.

Worth waiting for in the C class compared to the current 220cdi? Yes, is my guess, probably, just about from the depreciation point of view, unless you can get a good discount on the present engine.

All my figs are from the MB website for auto versions of the new E class saloon with these new engines, compared with the current E class auto with the current 220cdi engine.

 

[hawk20]

I left out the power and torque for the new 250cdi at 204 and 500.

Although the performance gain is only about 1 second 0-62mph it is worth noting that the 250cdi in the E class, will give about the same 0-62mph figure as an S class 320cdi at the moment but with emissions at the level of an A class diesel. S class performance; A class emissions. No mean feat.

 

[PeterCLK]

(and Scottish wallet)

I've never seen one of those - what do they look like?

 

[st4]

I've never seen one of those - what do they look like?

You can't see them as they never ever come out of their pockets

 

[LRS]

Thanks for all the feedback

I think I'll wait for the new C250 CDI as it will be a long term buy, unless a mega discount deal comes up for a C220!

 

[*Thumper]

Having just purchased the C220 CDi .............. My thoughts would be based on price ............ don't expect huge discounts on the current C220 .............. but expect a premium to be paid on the Blueprofiteer ............ You'll be on a waiting list for starters, unless you get in now ............. good gains from the C250 in power and MPG ........ but again, for how much more

The Current C220 is an excellent car .... and I would highly reccomend one ........ but over the C250 .........Probably yes !

 

[hawk20]

Scottish wallet is like a Yorkshire one but with the generosity removed.