E280CDI Vs E320CDI Engines

[Steve_J]

Hello All,

I'm just about to make the jump from Audi to Mercedes with a brand new E280CDI Sport.

I am wondering if anyone here can give me some info on the difference between the engine in the 280 and the 320. I understand the difference in power/torque etc but am wondering technically what difference there is between the two. For instance I know the capacity is exactly the same (both 2987cc) so is it simply just a different ECU map in the 320 to give it extra power or does it have a stronger bottom end or larger intercooler etc etc..

Any info would be greatly appreciated!

Many Thanks

Steve

 

[OlafMaxwell]

My reading of them two engines is that they are identical mechanically but different tuning. The 320 though would be a good powerful motor. I admit the 320cdi straight 6 is quick but the 320 v6 is very much quicker. Of course if you want real power there is the E400cdi V8...but it's left hand drive. Having driven one I would pay the extra insurance for the pleasure.

 

[malcolm E53 AMG]

The new V6 280CDi engine is similar in output to the older 320CDi inline 6. I've run the older 320CDi for over a year now and its quick when required, and economical. Unless your considering doing a lot of high speed cruising the 280 is more than adequate. I can see why the Germans like the new 320 and 400 engines for Autobahn use but over here with the restrictions you are never going to realise the potential.

 

[Blobcat]

The economy of the 280 and 320 are very similar, however it is nice to have a diesel which is 'limited' to 155mph which the 320 is. 280 runs out at just over 140.
I have looked at the 400cdi but in this country I can see why they do not sell it. If you want that power then you may as well have a petrol engined V8. The economy of the diesel V8 is not great.
I am obviously biased having the straight-6 E320CDI, I will go for another E320cdi engine inside another 'E' or 'CLS' if I can find the right deal.

 

[Stephen Brooks]

E280 CDi is great value

I have just taken delivery of the new V6 E280 CDi Estate and find its acceleration very lively. My other car is a BMW 330i petrol and although the Merc is slower I do not feel it is at all sluggish. In fact I find that the quietness of its power in the 2000-3000 rpm range exhilarating and the 7 speed gearbox very smooth.

I looked at the E320 but decided that it was not worth the extra, particually as Mercedes were offering an Avantgarde Estate for the price of a Classic saloon. This was not available on 320 because there is no Classic option. So the price difference was about £4k. Also I read a review that said the 280 was quieter. I have not been able to compare properly but the 280 certainly is quiet. Perhaps this is becasue the 280 delivers max power at 3800 rpm and the 320 at 4000rpm.

I did get it up to 135mph on the way back from the factory - it was only doing around 3000rpm.

 

[robbo]

Sorry to make you weep, but check out the prices of an E320CDI vs a E280CDI (saloon) on this site and let me know which is the best deal!

http://www.drivethedeal.com/

 

[Steve_J]

Yikes, there doing a 320CDI for £100 less than the 280!!! I would expect though that this discounted price is only available until the end of march and it's therefore likely that there would be a very restricted number of cars to choose from.

Got to say though that I contacted this company last week and they were very slow to get back to me (although very polite). I ended up placing the order for my new 280CDI Sport with my local garage who almost matched the discount offered and could supply the exact spec I wanted rather than compromise.

My new 280CDI Sport is coming with Leather, Parktronic, Heated seats, Telephone prep and Ipod cradle in the glove conpartment for £33,000. I'm pretty happy with that and would always prefer to go to my local dealer if poss.

On the engine - thanks for all your comments!

I have since found out from a friend at a very reputable tuning/re-mapping company that the 280 and 320 are in fact the same engine with different ECU mapping.....so I'll end up with slightly better than the 320CDI power/torque for the price of a few drinks - thanks very much!

Can't wait, I pick it up on Saturday morning. Had Audi's and BMW's but this is my first Mercedes.

 

[OlafMaxwell]

Told you so...same engine, different tuning....so for anyone else, order the 280 and get it chipped....saves £4,000!!!

 

[124coupe]

Did you end up doing this? Wat was the result?