Dilema

[JHS]

Hi all
Am about to but my first ever Merc and can`t decide between the C220CDi and the C240. Have driven both and although the 240 is smoother than the 220 I have owned a lot of diesels and got used to them running on fresh air (well almost :wink: ) but would also like the refinment of the 240
What are the pluses and minuses of both cars and given the choice, which one would you buy.
Thanks a lot

Jim

 

[fuzzer]

I have got a C240 just now and the family pull of cars have had a c220 too. i only do about 6k a year so getting 220 miles out of a £50 quid tank is not really a concern , if i had the choice i would go for the C220 CDI as it will be worth more , cheaper to insure and run as well.

unless you are getting a better deal on the C240. I also found that people who ordered the diesels did not spec the cars up as much as the C240's.

 

[Richard W]

Jim,

I had the same dilemma when I bought my C220 CDi, what swung the choice for me was the power of the diesel (and the easy way of getting more!), the economy and the noise/smoothness issue was not that noticeable, in fact the sheer 'whee' factor when the diesel gets up and going made the 240 seem sluggish.......

Having owned it now since Feb (and 14k miles) I feel my choice has been right for me, the ability to get to Scotland on one tank (Sunningdale - Oban!) at 41mpg and still cruise at a quiet 85-90.

I've put an Alpin chip :wink: on mine (180bhp....) and that has given the car real grunt making overtaking easier and quicker, whilst not affecting the fuel consumption.

I would say if you're after smoothness and don't do too many miles then the 240 does give that 'waft', but if it's real world performance and economy (as well as that undefineable 'Mercedesness') then it's the CDi.

HTH

Richard

 

[JHS]

Thanks for the replies chaps and hope you will forgive my ignorance in these matters but does the Alpin chip invalidate the warranty, how much does it cost and where do you buy one.
Cheers

 

[fuzzer]

Yes the chip will invalidate your warranty and if somthing goes wrong with your engine , guess what they will blame !!!!


The C240 is a a lot faster that the 220 CDI which does not give the same wonderful noise that puts the smile on your face

Yes the 220 cdi is good on fuel , but on that same 85-90 mph trip , the c240 is only doing about 3500 rpm so, its good on fuel at that speed. The only thing that kills the MPG is town driving and i do that all the time and get about 20mpg with the air con on. I did a 3000 mile trip across europe ( not hanging about ) keeping up with the motorway traffic even in germany and we averaged 34mpg.

The c220 cdi has a lot of torque but , the c240 wants to keep going and going and going ........

Its up to you ......

Let us know what you buy

 

[Richard W]

Jason is quite right - the chip will invalidate your warranty. If they find it! Then again if you have anything go wrong with the ECU it's a 5 minute job to take it off.

It's 'transparent' to the servicing diagnostics and they would only find it if they had cause to look in the ECU 'box'. Then again when the guy road tests it then he'll notice the difference.

You can find them at:

http://www.dms-automotive.co.uk

Ask Rob for a good price - he supplies to main dealers....

The chip does for the diesel what Jason describes the V6 to be like - it has serious grunt and just wants to go and go - then again it took me a while to get used to cruising at 2500 rpm and changing up at 4500rpm!

With the power increase and the torque at more than the 320 I would suggest that the changes puts the CDi way in front of the 240...... 8)

 

[Guy]

but does the Alpin chip invalidate the warranty

At the risk of sounding like a spoilsport - it could - and probably would - also invalidate your insurance unless of course you declared it, and paid the extra premium.

 

[Richard W]

Oh yeah! forgot to mention that bit - most insurance companies will need to know - didn't make much difference to mine.

R

P.S. Jason, didn't realise you had a 220 too. Do you think the E weight negates the diesel advantage?

 

[fuzzer]

Richard , yeah , we have had both the 125BHP c class and now the E220CDI 143 estate.

To be honnest , its a flying machine . You don't really feel the diference in weight .The size means its deceptive.what feels like 30 in the c is more like 45 in the e The speed happens before you realise it !!

We average around 42.9 with it according to the dash computer which is not bad. Its always fully loaded with Tools and spares so , it is a workhorse. We got it new in march 2002 and its got 20k on it now. 16500 to the first service. We got 18500 out the c220cdi between services.

Its a nice car to drive , loads of torque , loads of MPG. Its the avantgarde too , so , sports suspension and huge 17" 235 wheels which i think might be made by locktite as a sideline to superglue :lol:

Its a good upgrade from the C. Trips to ikea are a breeze with the cargo area.

 

[JHS]

Hi all
Thought you might like to know that I ordered my new Merc today.
After a lot of thought and being as I don`t do a great deal of miles I went for the C240 Elegance in Jasper Blue with Orion Grey leather.
Thanks to you all for the advice.

 

[Roger]

Glad to hear you got your solved your dilema.

Sorry to be mercenary but as it may save you some money it's not all bad (and the call is free) MBOA members (full members not forum only members) may save money on their insurance through the associations insurance scheme. Check out insurance for more details.