Mercedes E320 cdi 2000 model vs Mercedes E220 Cdi 2000 model

[blitzed400]

Im considering buying one of these two motors but not sure which one to go for this would be my first Mercedes purchase.

I understand the E320 will be a lot quicker which is very tempting having that awesome torque and good MPG figures, out of the two motors which is more reliable and are there any significant issues with both i should look out for before making a purchase?

All comments will be most appreciated

 

[Jensen]

While these cars are good there are some issues to be careful of. These models are known as W210, the latest E class with the facelift is model W211.
The W210's had problems with rust around door seals, pull back the rubber, rust on tailgate and wheel arches.
Although this probably will be covered by Mercedes I personally wouldn't go for one as I prefer the facelift W211, but even these had electrical issues.
I believe there are some good condition W210's about but I don't know about any engine/electrical issues, but I think there were some. No doubt somebody else will be able to clarify better.
I'm thinking of a W211 but my impression is get one post April 04 as better built and problems resolved, problem is the cost.

 

[maddog]

Big difference to a 2000 W210 and a 2004 W211 , probably twice the price

The issues which are of concern on the w210 affect the whole range as far as reliability goes the engines of either arent really a concern .

The 320 was only available with an auto so if you prefer manuals that will help make your decision

 

[mattsurf]

If the choice is between an E220 and an E320CDI - go for the bigger engine, there is little difference in price between 2 similar age and mileage cars. Not only is the engine significantly more powerful and quicker, it is also really smooth in comparison to the 4 cylinder 220 CDI.

As far as I have heard, reliability is similar - any car with 100k+ miles will probably need some injector work as some time soon (about £150 - £200 per injector). The MAF fails fairly often (£200), springs will probably need to be changed £300 - £400, Glow Plugs may need doing £200. Bear in mind that the 6 cylinder will cost 50% more than the 4 cylinder car for injectors and glow plugs

I think that the 320 cdi is not as economical - expect 35 - 37mpg driven in the real world a 220 CDI should do 2 or 3 mpg better

As for rust - yes the cars do rust (remember that a car built before 2000 will have exceeded the rust warantee period of 8 years). However, even if it is your own money, it would probably cost £1000 to put right. The later 211 does not have as big a rust issue (although I have heard of some rust problems on early cars), however, they do have problems with electrics and the Valeo radiator issue can result in gearbox damage or failure - these could be much more expensive to fix than some rust - also bear in mind cost a good 2002 W210 320CDI would cost £7 - £8k a 2003 W211 320CDI with similar mileage will cost £12+. I paid £5500 for my 1999 E320 CDI with 110k miles a year ago - it does have a little rust, however it is a great car

 

[jberks]

I'd go for the 320..
Reliability and quality wise there's nothing to choose between them. Even economy wise there isn't that much in it and at that age, the insurance difference should be minor too. The performance differences are vast as you know and so therefore is the grin factor. Finally, beging cheaper to buy and a more common corporate purchase, most 220s will generally be poorer spec (heated leather, toys etc) than the 320, this aside from the standard kit, where the 320 had things like parameter steering and auto as standard.

 

[blitzed400]

Thanks for the response guys some great help here i think my decision is made to go for the 320 cdi, just hope my first Merc experience isn't a bad one. W211 is slightly out of my price range unfortunately maybe next year though.

How many injectors does the E320 have?
Valeo radiator issue sounds worrying is it worth getting this replaced straight away just for piece of mind, what kind of price are we looking for replacement?

 

[jberks]

I believe the rad is around £150 but there is a good chance you won't need one anyway. It's easy to check whether you have an effected rad, lots of posts on the subject.

As for the 211, yes they're great, but early ones built up to around mid 04 could be troublesome on the electrics. My Dad has just spent a small fortune on his recently, replacing control units and the alternator. It seems fine now, but he still loses the sound from his stereo from time to time.
Mine has been better (late 04) with very few problems and a friend with his 55 plate one hasn't seen a dealer since the last service. So, wait as long as you can would be my advice.

 

[maddog]

Thanks for the response guys some great help here i think my decision is made to go for the 320 cdi, just hope my first Merc experience isn't a bad one. W211 is slightly out of my price range unfortunately maybe next year though.

How many injectors does the E320 have?
Valeo radiator issue sounds worrying is it worth getting this replaced straight away just for piece of mind, what kind of price are we looking for replacement?

You dont need to worry about the Valeo issue with the w210 .

 

[JET463]

My Bad E Class Experiance

I bought a new E320 cdi avantguard and picked up the car from Stuttgart. Warranty work on the car was estimated at around £7000. A new full electricial loom, problems with the air conditioning, fuel leak on two occasions, ball joints, rear sun blind, alloy wheels, folding mirrors, fuel injectors, its been a nightmare and I vowed never to buy another Merc. What is it about these cars, just taken delivery of a new c class sports, hope I have better luck with this one. It would appear that the stuttgart boys were being starved of cash by the yanks and the componants were of poor quality hence the problems. They have reassured us that the quality of build is back. but hanging on to or buying one second hand is too risky in my view unless you buy an upgraded one from late 2004.

 

[blitzed400]

The problems with the E class don't sound as serious as the BMW 530d, jees the amount of problems people have with there 530ds defies belief. Mercedes it is

 

[joem]

I've heard of loads of problems with BMW diesels generally. Count the number you see on an AA truck or broken down at the roadside - quite surprising really.