E280 vs 320 CDI

[Rory]

Anyone know a good supplier of after market light upgrades?

You might want to bear in mind that MOT changes from 1st Jan 2012 are expected to make aftermarket Xenon kits an MOT fail.

 

[Senninha]

What element is it that they are likely to fail on? Is it the lack of washer jets or something else?

I have a Honda that I've upgraded and has passed for many years but this does have washer jets as OEM kit.

Thanks for the heads up.

regards,

 

[Rory]

What element is it that they are likely to fail on? Is it the lack of washer jets or something else?

I *think* it's going be a fail if they're not originally factory fitted. The most obvious way they'll be able to tell is if washers and self levelling aren't fitted.

Strangly, there are some cars that don't have these things from new even though they're supposed to be part of the HID lamp system, so that's going to be interesting (for the owners of such cars).

 

[turbopete]

I *think* it's going be a fail if they're not originally factory fitted. The most obvious way they'll be able to tell is if washers and self levelling aren't fitted.

Strangly, there are some cars that don't have these things from new even though they're supposed to be part of the HID lamp system, so that's going to be interesting (for the owners of such cars).

from what ive heard, it will depend on the OUTPUT of the lights.

 

[Developer]

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

You did say it was a C - I'm just surprised that a C Sport Estate doesn't have Xenons

 

[Turbo Merc]

I have a 2003 E320 CDi Estate and it is simply a treat to drive. The way the power comes in so strong it is addictive - I have had to learn to control my right foot though as fuel is not free!

 

[WannaMB]

I hear that the e class sport models have a very bumpy ride for a Mercedes? Is this true?
Can you adjust the ride quality on these?
I know this can be done on the s class models?
To be honest it’s the looks that does it for me, Standard 280 Avantgarde is powerful enough.

 

[Blobcat]

I hear that the e class sport models have a very bumpy ride for a Mercedes? Is this true?
Can you adjust the ride quality on these?
I know this can be done on the s class models?
To be honest it’s the looks that does it for me, Standard 280 Avantgarde is powerful enough.

I have a 320CDI Avantgarde with Sports Suspension but 17" wheels, the ride is very good and not bumpy, it can be loud on the concrete motorways and I expect the 18" wheels to be even worse in that regard. The suspension isn't adjustable unless you get the Airmatic which is the same as the S class.

I was a little concerned what the ride was going to be like as my previous 320CDI had 18" wheels to start with which I changed to the standard 16" wheels which dramatically improved the ride, however I'm very impressed with the ride with the sports suspension and 17" wheels. I would take one out for a drive and see what you think.

 

[MERCSPORT]

E280 CDI 7 speed -
Fuel Consumption (urban): 26.6 mpg
Extra urban: 47.9 mpg
Combined: 37.2 mpg
0-62mph: 8.2 seconds
Top speed: 143 mph
Cylinders: 6
Valves: 24v
Engine power: 190 bhp
Engine torgue: 325 lbs/ft
Insurance Group: 16
Vehicle tax band: K
2987cc

E320 CDI 7 Speed -
Fuel consumption (Urban): 26.6mpg
Extra urban: 47.9mpg
Combined: 37.2mpg
0-62mph: 7.3 seconds
Top speed: 149mph
Cylinders: 6
Valves: 24v
Engine power: 224bhp
Engine torque: 398 lbs/ft
Insurance group: 17
Tax band: K

2987cc

Overall - There really isnt much difference between the E280 CDI and the E320 CDI, to be honest I think it is stupid to have 2 engines so close together in performance figures.

The E280 is slightly lower in insurance but thats about the only thing thats better the E320 CDI. The E320 CDI is quicker by 0.9 seconds from 0-62mph, it does the same mpg and has 34 more bhp (you should feel the difference) and has 73 lbs/ft of more torque.
It makes sense to go for the E320, if you want 48bhp extra and 10% better fuel consumption then your local MB dealer can fit a D6 Brabus power kit on, it aint a bargain though!

The Sport model has 18 inch alloys where the Avantgarde model has 16 inch alloys, if you replace your tyres at Mercedes-Benz you will definately see the price difference between the two! 16 inches, price wise seems the better option, it could save you around £500 at the dealers!

There also does not seem to be a big price difference between the E280 or the E320 so again makes more sense to go for the E320!

Suspension wise, the Sport will give either options of Comfort or Sport however am not to sure of the Avantgarde, Elegance or Classic, as far as I am concerned however you should get different options as standard on all Mercedes models.

I am afraid you cannot get the panoramic roof on the Estate model, for estates that is only available on the new shapes (w212).

It seems as if hill hold is available on all 7 speed models. The following link should help explain some things about hill hold.
http://www.mbclub.co.uk/forums/general-discussion/51506-hill-start-tip-auto.html

A few bits of advice when buying a car -

Not many people know about this but sometimes outstanding finance does not always appear on HPI checks! Some poeple have found their cars "gone missing", but they were the repos! Those people had bought from dealers and there was nothing they could do about it! I saw this report on Watchdog!

To avoid this I would reccomend buying an ex-lease car, at least this way, your garunteed to clear of any loans or financing! Or buy off Mercedes-Benz main dealer (they only buy used cars that they can be 100% sure of, most of their used cars are from previous customers coming back for another car and all the vehicles details are usually on the MB computer database).

Also make sure your car is Full Mercedes-Benz Service History as I have noticed quite a few Mercedes that have not been Dealer maintained have gearbox problems?

Buying a 4 year old car is sometimes better than buying a 3 year old, sometimes there can be a £3000 difference! Compare and check it out.

I hope I have answered most of your questions. Good luck with your next car!

 

[Developer]

E280 CDI 7 speed -
Fuel Consumption (urban): 26.6 mpg
Extra urban: 47.9 mpg
Combined: 37.2 mpg
0-62mph: 8.2 seconds
Top speed: 143 mph
Cylinders: 6
Valves: 24v
Engine power: 190 bhp
Engine torgue: 325 lbs/ft
Insurance Group: 16
Vehicle tax band: K
2987cc

E320 CDI 7 Speed -
Fuel consumption (Urban): 26.6mpg
Extra urban: 47.9mpg
Combined: 37.2mpg
0-62mph: 7.3 seconds
Top speed: 149mph
Cylinders: 6
Valves: 24v
Engine power: 224bhp
Engine torque: 398 lbs/ft
Insurance group: 17
Tax band: K

2987cc

Overall - There really isnt much difference between the E280 CDI and the E320 CDI, to be honest I think it is stupid to have 2 engines so close together in performance figures.

The E280 is slightly lower in insurance but thats about the only thing thats better the E320 CDI. The E320 CDI is quicker by 0.9 seconds from 0-62mph, it does the same mpg and has 34 more bhp (you should feel the difference) and has 73 lbs/ft of more torque.
It makes sense to go for the E320, if you want 48bhp extra and 10% better fuel consumption then your local MB dealer can fit a D6 Brabus power kit on, it aint a bargain though!

The Sport model has 18 inch alloys where the Avantgarde model has 16 inch alloys, if you replace your tyres at Mercedes-Benz you will definately see the price difference between the two! 16 inches, price wise seems the better option, it could save you around £500 at the dealers!

There also does not seem to be a big price difference between the E280 or the E320 so again makes more sense to go for the E320!

Suspension wise, the Sport will give either options of Comfort or Sport however am not to sure of the Avantgarde, Elegance or Classic, as far as I am concerned however you should get different options as standard on all Mercedes models.

I am afraid you cannot get the panoramic roof on the Estate model, for estates that is only available on the new shapes (w212).

It seems as if hill hold is available on all 7 speed models. The following link should help explain some things about hill hold.
http://www.mbclub.co.uk/forums/general-discussion/51506-hill-start-tip-auto.html

A few bits of advice when buying a car -

Not many people know about this but sometimes outstanding finance does not always appear on HPI checks! Some poeple have found their cars "gone missing", but they were the repos! Those people had bought from dealers and there was nothing they could do about it! I saw this report on Watchdog!

To avoid this I would reccomend buying an ex-lease car, at least this way, your garunteed to clear of any loans or financing! Or buy off Mercedes-Benz main dealer (they only buy used cars that they can be 100% sure of, most of their used cars are from previous customers coming back for another car and all the vehicles details are usually on the MB computer database).

Also make sure your car is Full Mercedes-Benz Service History as I have noticed quite a few Mercedes that have not been Dealer maintained have gearbox problems?

Buying a 4 year old car is sometimes better than buying a 3 year old, sometimes there can be a £3000 difference! Compare and check it out.

I hope I have answered most of your questions. Good luck with your next car!

What a comprehensive answer for a 1st post - welcome aboard.

ps 320's rule, despite what the figures might indicate.

 

[st4]

You did say it was a C - I'm just surprised that a C Sport Estate doesn't have Xenons

The facelifted 204s do, but not the pre facelifts.

its shocking.

I'd like a C estate with xenons next time but finding one will be blooming hard.

 

[MERCSPORT]

I'd like a C estate with xenons next time but finding one will be blooming hard.[/QUOTE]

http://www.autotrader.co.uk/search/...years_old/sort/priceasc#advert201127396276631

Try this search, or if you want a C class estate with a bit more excitement...

http://www.autotrader.co.uk/classif...words/xenon/page/1/postcode/mk429se?logcode=p[/U]

 

[Alex M Grieve]

I'd like a C estate with xenons next time but finding one will be blooming hard.

I have not driven the 204, but the Halogen headlights on the 202 and 203 are much better then those on the W 220 I had, and are perfectly adequate.

Worth trying the 204 lights at night before struggling too much to find one with Xenons - although I agree Xenons are excellent.

 

[MERCSPORT]

Iv had a look for W204 estate with xenons......

http://www.autotrader.co.uk/classif...words/xenon/postcode/mk429se/page/1?logcode=p

http://www.autotrader.co.uk/classif...words/xenon/postcode/mk429se/page/1?logcode=p

I was pretty sure to begin with you could get one, as long as your budget stretches to around 18k you should be able to get a W204 estate pretty easily

 

[Janusrolex]

I have just bought a 2008 high spec 280 sport estate. Truly gorgeous looking car inside and out. Plenty of power. Can't imagine wanting more. Was gonna go for the A6 Avant until I saw this beauty. So glad I didnt. Even thinking about selling the house and moving in to the back of it!