E280 vs 320 CDI

[Senninha]

Hi All,

I'm new to the MBO forum and having done a bit of searching I couldn't find any discussion to compare the two models listed. I'm thinking of a 2008 or later and preferably in sport trim.

My current daily, which has been my first Mercedes, is the current C220CDI Sport saloon that I'd look to sell/trade.

So for the E class estate I have a few questions if you can help?

- what are the key differences between 280 & 320
- are they all 7 speed auto
- does the auto still have the lack of hill hold
- self levelling suspension - is this standard
- how difficult to find one with sunroof or preferably pan roof

Thanx in advance

Paul

 

[Developer]

Hi All,

- what are the key differences between 280 & 320
- are they all 7 speed auto
- does the auto still have the lack of hill hold
- self levelling suspension - is this standard
- how difficult to find one with sunroof or preferably pan roof

Thanx in advance

Paul

Hello Paul, welcome.

280 and 320 are the same engine tuned differently 200bhp(ish) vs 230bhp (ish)- in my opinion the 320 will be more enjoyable - the torque is intoxicating

Yes, both 7 speed at 2008 vintage

In C (one of the gearbox modes) there is hill hold

Yes to self levelling on both

I don't think sunroof is an option on Estate's though I may be wrong - others will know.

 

[Senninha]

HI John,

Thanx for the reply and one other question if I may ... Sport vs Avantgarde ... I presume mechanicaly the same and purely cosmetic changes between the two models?

regards, Paul

 

[Developer]

HI John,

Thanx for the reply and one other question if I may ... Sport vs Avantgarde ... I presume mechanicaly the same and purely cosmetic changes between the two models?

regards, Paul

Paul,

Same engine tune but different suspension setups and trim levels. Sport suspension is firmer - twin exhausts etc.

There will be more detailed replies along soon I'm sure.

 

[christopherwk]

E280 CDi has 190bhp with 440Nm torque - 0-60 in 8.2 secs, 143mph, E320CDi has 224bhp with 540Nm torque - 0-60 in 7.3 secs, 149mph max. MPG is identical.

Sport has bigger 18inch wheels (over 17inch on the Avantgarde) mixed-size, side skirts, lower suspension, and twin-exhausts, big brakes, flappy paddles, white stitched seats, sport pedals - mainly cosmetic.

Panoramic roof only available on saloon, but normal sunroof can be had on estate.

 

[mfrack]

I have a 2005 E280 CDI Sport saloon. According to Parkers:

E280 CDI Sport 187BHP 7.4s 0-60 and 149mph - 39MPG
E320 CDI Sport 220BHP 6.6s 0-60 and 155mph - 37MPG

Plug a little tuning chip into the E280 and get E320 performance.

 

[SQ_W211]

I have a 2005 E280 CDI Sport saloon. According to Parkers:

E280 CDI Sport 187BHP 7.4s 0-60 and 149mph - 39MPG
E320 CDI Sport 220BHP 6.6s 0-60 and 155mph - 37MPG

Plug a little tuning chip into the E280 and get E320 performance.

I thought 320 was closer to 6s for 0 - 60 if that actually matters but the most important part for me was the extra torque. It really does make the car stand out. I have done a few long journeys on mine now and love it on the road, it has great performance and i did see around 42mpg on M25 which is a awesome.

 

[Michael G 2]

I'd plump for the 320 CDi, great amounts of power. (as said by Amo)
The Pano roof would be more common on a 320 rather than a 280.

 

[Alex M Grieve]

I'd plump for the 320 CDi, great amounts of power. (as said by Amo)
The Pano roof would be more common on a 320 rather than a 280.

a further thought Michael is that the top of the range models often have extra spec which is not obvious - for example parametric steering (IIRC) and one or 2 other touches.

I agree that the 320 is a superb car, but in the real world I am sure that the 280 does just as well. Not many of us ever test the limits of a 320 - although they are a real treat if you do.

 

[Michael G 2]

a further thought Michael is that the top of the range models often have extra spec which is not obvious - for example parametric steering (IIRC) and one or 2 other touches.

I agree that the 320 is a superb car, but in the real world I am sure that the 280 does just as well. Not many of us ever test the limits of a 320 - although they are a real treat if you do.

Oh yes there isn't.
But the OP can correct me but I think he wants a well specced car.
Most gadget packed W211 diesels are 320's.

 

[st4]

a further thought Michael is that the top of the range models often have extra spec which is not obvious - for example parametric steering (IIRC) and one or 2 other touches.

I agree that the 320 is a superb car, but in the real world I am sure that the 280 does just as well. Not many of us ever test the limits of a 320 - although they are a real treat if you do.

They are.

You want a sport, the handling benefits are obvious and it makes a large relatively softly set up car a bit tighter and more engaging whilst still retaining a good degree of comfort.

These are cars designed to monster miles.

The 320cdi is a breathtaking performer for the economy on offer.

I have seen 46mpg on a moderate speed gentle run and 38 is a decent average on a fast road run within sensible parameters. 70 on mways is 44mpg.

At the same time the car can sprint between 50-70mph in about 2-3 seconds and romp with disdain pretty quickly to 145mph where upon progress to 155 is a little slow. It will do 155 and sit at 150 all day long I would say where the conditions allow.

Refinement at any speed is the key and you feel like you are riding a tidal wave of torque and power.

I would not bother with the 280cdi. You are lumbered with the same consumption, 7speed box as the 320cdi (which is not as good as the 5 speed box in lesser and/or older models) but without the slug of addictive power.

Powerwise the 320cdi has never left me short changed, ever and I drive fast.

 

[Senninha]

Thanx for all the very useful comments .... the clear favourite is the 320 then

My 220CDI returns a regular 46mpg so the numbers being quoted for the power on tap is a real surprise; I was expecting mid 30's.

As I've just had to service and tax my car, I shall now watch the market for a few months before preparing to find the best I can afford around May time.

And should you hear of a Tenorite 320 CDI Sport estate with a roof, please point me in the right direction if its not what you're after. It will need to be a dealer car (main or Mercedes specialist) as I will need to P/X the current car that by April / May will be purring its way past 85k miles.

Nearer the time I'll pop it on the forum for sale threads in case anyone is interested.

regards, Paul

 

[st4]

Hmmmmmmmmm. A C220cdi is combined about 48mpg. You get pretty close to that, combined average of 37mpg for the e320cdi sports is conservative as combined figures go, its easy to beat that but to averge the same 46 is going to be a very smooth and open roaded affair

 

[Developer]

Thanx for all the very useful comments .... the clear favourite is the 320 then

My 220CDI returns a regular 46mpg so the numbers being quoted for the power on tap is a real surprise; I was expecting mid 30's.

As I've just had to service and tax my car, I shall now watch the market for a few months before preparing to find the best I can afford around May time.

And should you hear of a Tenorite 320 CDI Sport estate with a roof, please point me in the right direction if its not what you're after. It will need to be a dealer car (main or Mercedes specialist) as I will need to P/X the current car that by April / May will be purring its way past 85k miles.

Nearer the time I'll pop it on the forum for sale threads in case anyone is interested.

regards, Paul

There are 2 Tenorite 320 Sport Estate's on MB Approved Used right now though they are both over your original budget - worth a glance and you may decide to dig deeper.

Happy Christmas.

 

[dieselman]

And should you hear of a Tenorite 320 CDI Sport estate with a roof,

Fortunately, they are all fitted with a roof...

 

[st4]

Fortunately, they are all fitted with a roof...

They even paint it too

 

[gizze]

I wouldn't hold off too long, Jan and Feb are definitely the cheapest two months of the year to swap cars if upgrading to something more expensive as cars tend to be at their cheapest.

I was considering swapping mine, but I just don't think I will get what I need for it, I bought in may as I needed to, but prices where definitely the highest I had seen for quite a while.
I reckon my E320cdi avantgarde estate has lost around £5000 in 8 months, and it was one of the cheapest out there at the time, £4000 cheaper than the one I was looking at at Mercedes, although that was an 07 plate and mine was a 56 plate, still the 7G model though.

I would start enquiring and see what sort of deal you can get.

 

[Senninha]

Hi Guys,

Well I finally pulled the trigger and have agreed to change cars ... though its going to be another C-Class. However, its 350CDI Sport Estate, all the toys (bar xenons ), in Palladium with black and a good p/x from the main dealer.

Anyone know a good supplier of after market light upgrades? I'm sure I've also seen the pre faceift cars (albeit the very last few) with DLR instead of circular f/fogs. Would be a nice upgradce if anyone knows whare to get them or part numbers?

I pick up in a couple of weeks due to plate transfer, some detailing and other jobs to be completed during PDI.

In the meantime, my C220CDi Sport saloon is available if anyones really interested.

regards, Paul

 

[Developer]

Are you sure it hasn't got Xenon's?

The Sport spec's are usually the most loaded - for the E Class anyway.

 

[Senninha]

Sorry, I missed the all important 'C' ahead of the 350CDI! :Oops:

I really prefer a roof to a/c. The roof on my current car on;y gets closed for washing of the car. I suspect the Pan on the new one will be the same.

I hadn't realised the earlier E didn't have the roof option haveing only seen / driven a couple of saloon's with them before looking in earnest.

regards,