E320 cdi- Should I/Shouldn't I

[MIB]

Hi all,
I've spent the last few days trawling the forum - it's a great source for people new to MB.
Anyway, I'm very interested in an E320 cdi avantgarde, V6 version, auto,Nov 05 reg. It comes with a 12m 'approved used' warranty & seems to be a good price (<20K!).
It's for mainly motorway work, c16-18k pa - I want a good cruiser. The E seems to fit the bill. I've never had a MB before - this car would be one I would keep for 5 years +.
I'm in 2 minds mainly because of the quality issues I've read about on here, & servicing costs. I've read all the Service Plus threads as well - 1000-1500 pounds pa seems a lot to pay for peace of mind with a supposedly quality/bullet proof brand. I also realise I need to be careful as people with negative experiences tend to be more vocal than those with +ve experiences.
I've only had one major mechanical issue in 25+ years of motoring so the stories of electrical and gearbox problems worry me a bit.
So, should I be worried or should I go ahead and enjoy the car??
By the way, I understand that the car needs a major service after 3 years - what's the likely cost?

Thanks in advance!!!!

 

[jberks]

buy it.

ok a bit more detail.
The 32v6 is a fantastic motor. Quality wise you've nothing to worry about with a 2005 model. I have a friend with one and he's had no problems at all. The problems only really affect earlier ones around 2002/3.
Servicing - the only major work on an E is gearbox oil and filters - say £200 and maybe glowplus around 60k. Aside from these and normal maintenance, there really isn't much else to do. Dealers sometimes try to flog you other work such as an aircon service but pressed, they tend to admit you don't really need it.

anyway - buy it.

 

[sound 8]

If you buy a E320 make sure it's from a merc dealer with warranty.
I was lent an E320 CDi while my E55 AMG was being fixed. I almost
prefered it, it cornered better and went miles on a tank full, quite quick too.
nearly bought one.

 

[colechelle]

You wont go far wrong with it, for what you need it will be better than perfect, 2005 models onwards are a very good car and dont give any real problems at all, as the other two replys, buy it, merc warranty best around by far!!!

 

[nick-E55]

my wife has a e320 state sport which we bought from new. have owned a few mercs before and many others. I cant tell u how impressed i am by this car. The smoothness and power of the engine is second to none. 7speed auto is awesome. build quality is excellent. and at last they're up with the japs for interior quality and thoughtfullness.

we bot the sport and i did wander why, shortly after a its a lot more exepensive. But in fact the ride and directness of steering makes a big difference, as i realised when borrowing a non-sport.

either way, i would highly recommend the 320 in every respect.

cheers
Nick

 

[Blobcat]

2005 will be an IL6 and not a V6, the V6 in 320CDI guise only came in with the face-lift in Oct 06. However the IL6 is still a great engine.

How many miles and do you have the Vin No.?

 

[MIB]

should I shouldn't I

I'm new to all this, but.......are you sure? I thought the e 280 is a v6 and you can find those on 55 plates. I haven't got the VIN.

 

[MIB]

Plus, isn't the V6 3ltr versus the IL6 3.2Ltr?? Plus, is a 7 speed auto a further clue??

 

[colechelle]

that will be the first with the 642 engine and 7g box in it, buy it, it wont be sorry, great car!!

 

[MIB]

Sorry, but what's a 642 engine??

 

[colechelle]

the latest v6 engine, 280 and 3.o are both the same engine, just got differnt maping for the power!

 

[MIB]

So it could be or is likely to be a V6. Tob honest I test drove another V6 (08 plate) & it was fantastic. If this isn't a V6 i don't think I'd go ahead.

 

[colechelle]

if its a e280 then it will be a 642 engine, early e class only had 220 270 320 engines in derv format and yes the 642 was in the 55 plate, just done a set of glow plugs in one this week!

 

[MIB]

Fantastic - thanks!!

Is the current V6 the same engine??

 

[colechelle]

its the only 280 v6 merc have and i looooovvveee it, used to have a R320cdi and did 46000 mile in one year, beautful smooth lump, next car C320 cdi with of course the 642 engine!!!!!

 

[MIB]

I've got a test drive tomorrow afternoon. Seems like a good deal on it (one that I'm happy with, anyway), even if there is a credit crunch!!

 

[colechelle]

let us know how you get on, they are a cracking good car!!

 

[MIB]

Will do - thanks to all for the help, very much appreciated.

 

[jberks]

2005 will be an IL6 and not a V6, the V6 in 320CDI guise only came in with the face-lift in Oct 06. However the IL6 is still a great engine.

How many miles and do you have the Vin No.?

Not quite right Blobcat. It is true that all facelift cars will be V6 but they did the V6 in a the late 05 prefacelift too. (A friend has one). There are even one or two pre facelift cars with facelift specs such as the rear lights and heater controls.

The telltale on the ads is the cc. IL6's were 3.2 V6 is 3.0.

 

[Blobcat]

Not quite right Blobcat. It is true that all facelift cars will be V6 but they did the V6 in a the late 05 prefacelift too. (A friend has one). There are even one or two pre facelift cars with facelift specs such as the rear lights and heater controls.

The telltale on the ads is the cc. IL6's were 3.2 V6 is 3.0.

All the pre-facelift 320CDI's I looked at were IL6's. I know the 280 was available pre-facelift although I never saw a 320. I suppose it could depend upon what was in the parts bin when then screwed it together
I would buy it with either engine to be fair.