E350 CGi Sport Buyers Guide

[AK22788]

Hello,
I am thinking about E350 CGI to buy.
Would you tell me please if this is a good choice and what are the warnings?
Thank you,
Arek

 

[JBell]

@Conor is the guy to ask

 

[Conor]

I seem to have become "that guy" for 350 CGI related queries.

Hi OP, I like the car and don't regard it a bad choice by any means.. that said, I am curious what you are comparing it to?

So the 350 CGI engine (M272) is an improvement on the earlier, non CGI versions of same engine. You get more power and higher fuel efficiency.. what is there not to like? I like the engine, it's got plenty of poke for me and is very smooth. I'm often sat at the lights and I can't feel a thing.. needing to blip the throttle to see if it's still running lol.

One thing I notice about the engine, which doesn't occur on my friends regular 350 S Class.. is the tapping.. it does tap away like a diesel engine and I have seen posts in the past, asking if the sound is ok. Answer - it's fine! Also, it taps like a diesel, but overall isn't rough like a diesel lol. This tapping is due to the high pressure fuel pump/rail, which works in a similar principle to diesel common rail.

With the M272 engine there are two primary concerns:
* Balance shaft (Google it) - This CGI engine isn't a concern, I believe as it was introduced after the balance shaft issue was resolved.
* Intake manifold flaps - I have not had the issue and i'm on 220k miles. I'm not sure what years it's an issue on, but supposed to show symptoms around 80-100k miles. I don't have much info on that, i'm afraid.


Overall the engine is solid, I believe. I will say that the spark plug configuration is annoying, they are towards the bottom of engine, and given the size of engine, space is tight. Likewise with changing the PCV valve.. was a major pain in the ass... and it has been confirmed to me that for this car/engine, the heatshielding needs to come out.. which means steering column universal joint.. was annoying really.

Overall, not a bad shout. They can be rare to find and I believe I was reasonably lucky to get an estate version.

Depending on your budget.. you could look at the newer version E350. Which has an M276 engine which has marginally more power (14 BHP) and better fuel economy.

After that, I think everything is the same as regular engine.

EDIT: One other warning, which is unique to the CGI, I believe is that it uses direct fuel injection. This can result in clogged up intake valves and reduce performance at higher mileage. I think I have that problem and I need to get them cleaned. Other cars inject fuel in the manifold, meaning the fuel passes the valves to keep them clean.

 

[Conor]

...Oh and also.. if you are ever considering one of the older CGI engines.. tread carefully. I think they are among the few "new" Mercedes unsuitable for E10 fuel.

 

[AK22788]

...Oh and also.. if you are ever considering one of the older CGI engines.. tread carefully. I think they are among the few "new" Mercedes unsuitable for E10 fuel.

Hi @Conor,

thank you for the prompt answer.

I am thinking about a E250 or E350 CGI 2009 - 2010.


Examples:

1.8 E250 CGI BlueEfficiency SE G-Tronic+ Euro 5 (s/s) 5dr

MERCEDES-BENZ E CLASS E350 3.5 CGI BLUEEFFICIENCY SPORT Black Auto Petrol, 2009

I do not know what type of engine they have (M272 or M276).

I want to swap my Peugeot, which is causing me pain and want to find a better car.

Regards,
Arek

 

[Conor]

I don't know much about the engine in the E250 CGI.

But I can tell you hands down.. that of the 2 you posted. I'd be picking the 350 all day.

Bigger, smoother engine and leather seats. You really do no want a Mercedes with cloth seats..I think you would have a hard time re-selling it. Also.. that E class is generally overpriced. You are paying for the low mileage.

80k miles on the 350 isn't bad at all to be honest.

Are you specifically looking for an estate or saloon? Do you have any specific requirements?

 

[fabes]

That E looks to have a nice audio upgrade in it.
It's the M272 engine so check the vin regards the issues Conor flagged above.

At that mileage it's due its second gearbox service. Worth doing. Budget £250 for that.
Check the tyres, they're not cheap.
It is being sold without warranty, but you still have your statutory rights on it being as described and fit for purpose etc

 

[AjEvs]

hi @Conor I purchased my 2nd E350cgi estate on the weekend - 2019- 2021 i had an 11 plate avantagarde which I didnt get on with at time but later regretted selling - this one a 170k mileage amg sport trim version. Inote youre helpful previous messages in particular the thread related to your purchase of high mileage similar and works carried out, which I note.

it seems fine, immaculate inside and bodywork save for front stone chips, excellent service records and receipts retained going back two owners except that a transmission service has been neglected even by mercedes which I found odd, and everyone else so loooong overdue.

My car is at my german specialist on Friday for a healthcheck and transmission kit service, i have reported asome oil or coolant pooling/leak, and a diesal like sound, and throaty grumble when accelerating especially lower, but it has K&N air filters installed and from a quick search this appears to be a characteristic (which I dont like!) but equally seems symptomatic with either end of life belt/tensioner or engine/trans mounts or manifold leak. I expected and budgeted a grand or so to improve so not overly concerned by what I find, fingers and all crossed!

any helpful additional pointers or observations very helpful and welcome by y ou or others, and I think you for your time in consideration.

regards
Andrew

 

[JBell]

Make sure they flush the transmission as well

 

[AjEvs]

Make sure they flush the transmission as well

thank you. on that advice i called this morning and they confirmed its the full transmission service kit inc flush and trann fluid. more pressing problem i have is the terrible shuddering and rough on acceleration so we think its engine mounts. the seller thought it was his K&N filters! i should have gone with insinct but..

 

[JBell]

More pressing problem i have is the terrible shuddering and rough on acceleration so we think its engine mounts.

Ouch ££££££

 

[Conor]

Hi @AjEvs

Two points from your posts above:

* For the juddering.. see my post here. I had the exact same problem, and a transmission fluid change seems to have worked wonders.
* With regards to the diesel like sound. That is a characteristic of the CGI element of the engine. It uses a high pressure "common rail fuel injection", similar to Diesel, which is where it gets it's sound from. I was worried about that once, too. My friend has an S350 with a regular M272 engine and it doesn't sound like that at all. I think it's fine, but a good MB Indy should be able to confirm.

Also:

* The spark plugs are quite difficult to change and you need a special wobble extension with extra play in it. You see the fuel rail sits where the spark plugs go on the regular M272 engine.
* The CGI variant is a direct injection engine, meaning you are going to end up with fouling on the intake valves. It's very common on BMW/Mini engines. Google it. The best solution is walnut blasting.
* My engine burns a bit of oil. About 1 litre in 700 miles. It's the valve stem seals. I will be taking the heads off and doing a rebuild as I plan on keeping the car "forever". I will clean the intake valves at that point.
* If you start getting issues with lean/rich fuel trim error codes, start with the PCV system. Replace the rubbers, breather, separator etc. The PCV valve is in an awful place and I couldn't find any other way that to remove the heatshield/bulkhead.. which also involved disconnecting the universal joint on the steering column. It was involved and difficult doing on the ground without a lift but hey ho.

They are the big ticket items that I see as specific to this particular engine I would say. It's a beautiful engine and very smooth.. In estate form.. this is my idea of the perfect daily driver. Good luck with it.

 

[AjEvs]

many thanks for your time here, Conor, really appreciated!

the last owner had a major overhaul in 2021 at 146k (now 170k) miles with sparks replaced, ball joints etc, new fuel pump, alternator, battery. ill check up on sparks interval later (40-50k from memory so prob at next service (sept 23 i drive circa ave 9-10k a year.

the car is lying very low on near side rear even after an hour, so its likely the strut (unsure if airmatic or not?) has gone or hopefully just leaky lines, i cant work out if off side also lowered on its accord or as result of n/s drop but the o/s strut was replaced in 2019.

all pumps up fine and drives at right level but of course aware of the control unit burn out...i think its been left a while with a susp fault and o/s/r level sensor replaced 09/22.

I LOVE the spg comment...brilliant... my one reservation before i bought was mpg and so i drove a few 200 and 250cgis but not impressed much at all, and not a touch on the smoothness and enjoyable ride.

I am currently undecided if to spend A LOT and keep for long-term or keep an eye out and get the 11-14? 350 cgi engine with better mpg and spec, but as we know, rare as hens teeth. I think the estate is beautiful too over the saloon.

i thought my 10 plate was a m272 engine and m276 engine belonged to the 11 - 13 or 14 e350 cgi? is that not correct?

i hope this isnt seen as too much of a brain dump, i guess we all sounds like e350 enthusiasts so hope this sharing is ok?

kind regards

 

[AjEvs]

oh man, youve the exact interior and beige leather i was looking for so long! im putting up with aluminum and black artico although they look like the sport seat upgrades and are more comfortable i think.

Hi @AjEvs

Two points from your posts above:

* For the juddering.. see my post here. I had the exact same problem, and a transmission fluid change seems to have worked wonders.
* With regards to the diesel like sound. That is a characteristic of the CGI element of the engine. It uses a high pressure "common rail fuel injection", similar to Diesel, which is where it gets it's sound from. I was worried about that once, too. My friend has an S350 with a regular M272 engine and it doesn't sound like that at all. I think it's fine, but a good MB Indy should be able to confirm.

Also:

* The spark plugs are quite difficult to change and you need a special wobble extension with extra play in it. You see the fuel rail sits where the spark plugs go on the regular M272 engine.
* The CGI variant is a direct injection engine, meaning you are going to end up with fouling on the intake valves. It's very common on BMW/Mini engines. Google it. The best solution is walnut blasting.
* My engine burns a bit of oil. About 1 litre in 700 miles. It's the valve stem seals. I will be taking the heads off and doing a rebuild as I plan on keeping the car "forever". I will clean the intake valves at that point.
* If you start getting issues with lean/rich fuel trim error codes, start with the PCV system. Replace the rubbers, breather, separator etc. The PCV valve is in an awful place and I couldn't find any other way that to remove the heatshield/bulkhead.. which also involved disconnecting the universal joint on the steering column. It was involved and difficult doing on the ground without a lift but hey ho.

They are the big ticket items that I see as specific to this particular engine I would say. It's a beautiful engine and very smooth.. In estate form.. this is my idea of the perfect daily driver. Good luck with it.

 

[malcolm E53 AMG]

the car is lying very low on near side rear even after an hour, so its likely the strut (unsure if airmatic or not?) has gone or hopefully just leaky lines, i cant work out if off side also lowered on its accord or as result of n/s drop but the o/s strut was replaced in 2019.

all pumps up fine and drives at right level but of course aware of the control unit burn out...i think its been left a while with a susp fault and o/s/r level sensor replaced 09/22.

As it’s the estate it has rear airbags if there are no air leaks from the pipework and the pump has good pressure the airbags will need replacing and better to do both. My E350cdi has just had the airbags replaced, the MB units are very pricey so Arnott tends to be next best @ £275 each from GSF, mine certainly feels better on the road since the fitment. The airbag rubber wall deteriorates over time and becomes porous.

 

[AjEvs]

hi,

full inspection of engine completed and is overfilled with oil has the following oil leaks;

- Rocker cover gasket - new seal

- Oil cooler gasket - new seal

- Vacuum pump is leaking oil through it - new vacuum pump, NOT MB OEM.

- High pressure pump oil seal - new seal

- coolant looks old and replacing

---transmission service kit; flush/oil/filter/gasket+new sump pan

---at least one rear air strut required. (Arnott is fitted on right, also low but not as low as the other - leaking line?)

drives slightly better, still starts off cold rough and sounds like a diesal when revving, but it also similar to the sound of an AMG engine (its a sport AMG trim) where you have that particular throttle sound - could that be the K&N air filters filters? Garage has completed two tests drives and say its normal, nothing spotted.

to be honest im seriously considering cutting my losses and getting another lower mileage e350 or e250, but my flip thinking is well maybe this is the full extend of repairs needed for a year or so and the lower mileage version could also come with another set of issues, but ive spent a further £6k or so buying one..

too much stress

thoughts welcome.

 

[gregory ong]

where is a good place to get parts for W207 E350CGI

 

[Conor]

Mercedes dealer or auto doc.