E320CDi Estate, questions, questions, questions

[Developer]

Hello guys/gals,

I've now owned my E320 CDi Avantgarde Estate (53 plate, 36K) for a whole month and in the main it's just brilliant. However, I've a few questions I'd like some answers to please.

The engine is not really as quiet as I would have expected between tickover and say 1500rpm, particularly from cold. Once on the move it's great but at town speeds from zero to say 25mph it's very audible. I wondered if they are all like this?

There is noticeable road noise from the rear tyres that I didn't get in my SAAB with it's acoustic parcel shelf. Does anyone have any ideas on how to sound deaden the rear load area?

My steering feels a bit wooden at low speeds - I'm aware it's speed sensitive but again I wonder if it's just an E Class trait?

I find the throttle pedal is heavy - can the tension be adjusted?

In case I appear to be moaning a lot, I should point out that it's a revelation over the SAAB, draws loads of admiring glances, and that the 500Nm torque is completely addictive - I find myself driving to places for no good reason and I haven't done that for years!!

ps - if anyone has got one in the South Birmingham area and would to try mine to tell me I'm being oversensitive (or not) please let me know.

Developer215

 

[jberks]

Ths straight six 320 is noisy. But then it's a big diesel. I was surprised teh first time I heard it, but you get used to it and as you say, the grunt soon compensates. Just don't drive the new 320 V6 - It'll spoil it for you!

As far as steering goes, have the tyres/geometry checked - it always felt normal to me, though I've been driving mercs for agood few years so perhaps I just don't notice. It is different to Saabs though.
Throttle cable - it's simply a cable to an electronic switch. Mercs of old had heavy throttles, ones like yours and mine should be light (mine is anyway).

Road noise wise - I've not driven the estate so I can't comment.- what tyres do you have - the standard 225's or the wider, lower 245's?

 

[BlackC55]

Its not even a cable to a switch on the 211's. Its just a potentiometer. You could try lubricating the pedal pivot points. This may help

 

[Developer]

I've been telling myself it's a big diesel and that's how it's gonna be.

The tyres are standard 225's, but being an estate there's only the thin loadspace cover separating you and the load area with it's wheel arches.
When I change the tyres I'll try the Goodyear Eagle F1's I've used on the SAAB - they seemed to be quiet and look great.

 

[television]

On all of my cars i pick up some solid foam cushions from the local tip and cut the foam out to fill unused and empty spaces around the spare wheel and odd corners

 

[Bryann]

I have a 270 CDi sallon 03 plate, not sure myslf if this is v5 or straight, syspect straight, anyway it is noisy, especially from cold and at low revs, have got used to it, I noticed it early on but now not even aware of the noise at all

Bryan

 

[jberks]

I have a 270 CDi sallon 03 plate, not sure myslf if this is v5 or straight, syspect straight, anyway it is noisy, especially from cold and at low revs, have got used to it, I noticed it early on but now not even aware of the noise at all

Bryan

Yes the 270 is a bit noisy (straight 5) but it's fairly quiet inside, especially at motorway speeds.
The new generation is a revelation as far as noise, vibration and power range go. The new 220cdi is quiet, smooth and the same BHP as the 270. Torque is down but it's delivery is over a much wider rev range (hence the BHP) so its probably more useable.
Sadly I missed the old turbo diesel kick in the back on the newer ones - they are quicker than our old dinosaurs but without that sudden burst of power, just don't feel as much fun!

 

[benzo]

Reading this has been kind of refreshing, I always thought my E320 cdi (saloon) was too noisy when I bought it at almost 2 years old last year. Noise is especially marked when you start from cold but you don't notice it when the car warms up.

I am sure I do not need to re-iterate; the power more than makes up for the noise. No matter what speed you are going at there just seems to be this effortless reserve of power when you put your right foot down. Driving it ALWAYS puts a smile on my face...



Oh, and did I mention that I think it's beautifully designed too? ;-)