ML-280 Vs 320 CDI

[Mark A]

What are the main differences between the ML-280 & 320CDI. A friend is considering buying a new ML from Motorpoint, unfortunately they only list the 280CDI, and he is a bit concerned about it lacking a bit of getup and go. What would be involved in boosting the power to a similar level as the 320 ??He was considering a Porche Cayene Diesel as an alternative, but I'm trying to keep him within the fold.

 

[jberks]

Looking at the spec sheet, the 280 doesn't seem to make much sense.
0-60 - 9.8 - not bad but compared to 8.6 for the 320 not that impressive.
Economy figures are exactly the same so no advantage there.
He could get it chipped I imagine. It shouldn't be hard to get the 190bhp upped to 240 but I'd just buy a 320 if it were me.

 

[Cole@MBS]

There both the same engine-3.0 ltr!

Just have different mapping for the different power output!

 

[Rory]

There both the same engine-3.0 ltr!

Just have different mapping for the different power output!

I gather on the 200/220CDi there are different turbo's (different geometry?) and the injectors are different, so maybe it's more than just the mapping?

 

[Cole@MBS]

Cant remember now, long time ago i did the 642 training, from memory though, it was just done via the ecu,s, probably wrong!

 

[hawk20]

Both engines being replaced with "300cdi Blue Efficiency" and the "350cdi Blue Efficiency". A few are available already. Not yet on MB website - I imagine till June offers have cleared the old stock.

New engines offer more mpg and somewhat lower emissions. Still both based on the 3 litre V6 of course.

 

[blassberg]

Just have different mapping for the different power output!

Without any knowledge, that is my understanding too - but that suggests you can 'chip' a 280 to a 'chipped' 320 if you know what i mean. Do we know that is possible?

And if so I could 'chip' a E250cdi coupe to a 'chipped' E350cdi level giving 260ish BHP and 600+ Nm

 

[st4]

Without any knowledge, that is my understanding too - but that suggests you can 'chip' a 280 to a 'chipped' 320 if you know what i mean. Do we know that is possible?

And if so I could 'chip' a E250cdi coupe to a 'chipped' E350cdi level giving 260ish BHP and 600+ Nm

No as the E250cdi is a 4 clydiner 2100cc engine, the other a 6 clynider 3000cc.

I wouldn't chip either and for the OP I wouldn't chip the 280cdi. Manufacturers warranties are well worth having and the rise in the insurance premium would be disprortionate to a) the increased performance b) the rise in premium to a 320cdi.

As Hawk said, scour the dealers. They DO keep the best stock.

The Cayenne diesel is worthy of a look to. Fabulous cars these Cayennes.

 

[Cole@MBS]

Without any knowledge, that is my understanding too - but that suggests you can 'chip' a 280 to a 'chipped' 320 if you know what i mean. Do we know that is possible?

And if so I could 'chip' a E250cdi coupe to a 'chipped' E350cdi level giving 260ish BHP and 600+ Nm

Companys like GCL tuning would be better than me to answer that, but i know where your coming from, same engine, so why not???

 

[hawk20]

Companys like GCL tuning would be better than me to answer that, but i know where your coming from, same engine, so why not???

Why not? For the reasons given by ST4. Chipping infringes MB's intellectual property rights and the 3 year warranty unless you use approved chips like Brabus but even that will reduce guarantee from unlimited miles to 60k.

And you must notify your insurance or your policy will be null and void.

And the 320cdi is different in other respects not just the software.

 

[Mark A]

Many thanks for the replies. I will pass this on to him and see what he says. The MB dealers aren't offering big discounts, however motor point are offering a +/-£10K discount hence he was looking at getting the 280 and a Brabus chip. Porsche aren't offering discount either, they are looking the list price for an ex demo because they say there aren't many of the diesels about - that would be enough to make me walk, but hey ho.

 

[jberks]

280+brabus (MB approved) chip is a good option.
As for differences - there will be some. The core block and ancilliaries willl be the same but I imagine injectors etc will be different. Its things like the injectors that take a hammering when chipped - hence the 60k warranty from unlimited mileage.

 

[psmart]

+/- 10K, could be well worth taking the ML280.

Let me give you a real life example of the 320cdi:-

I regularly drive 600mile weekend returns on the Autobahn at high speeds. You occasionally get into races and I found myself up against a 320cdi a while back. I was impressed, it didnt quite have the 500's power, but it kept up, from 60mph to ~140 before I left him.

A couple of weeks back, another 320cdi went head to head, and he didnt stand a chance. Conclusion, the first 320cdi was chipped.

Ok, we are talking non-UK speeds, but a 280 chipped cdi would be more powerful than a 320 standard from logical deduction. Same block, gearbox, running gear - just have potential excacerbated injector wear, for a 10K saving less the remap (so long as insurance doesnt alter), it could be well worth thinking about.

But, if your friend is into power, just go for the 320 and chip it.

Personally I wouldnt chip my cars now though.

 

[Blobcat]

I would go for the 420CDI instead...:twisted:

 

[chrislarkin]

Get him to take a look at stock over here(Southern Ireland). I've a friend in Jersey who did it on a pajero passenger jeep and saved around 6k off the UK price. The dealers are going through a really though time over here and if it's a brand new car he can export it without paying the higher taxes over here.(VRT - Vehicle Registration Tax and then you only have 15%VAT where we have 21.5%)

 

[blassberg]

Conclusion, the first 320cdi was chipped.

..........

 

[Rory]

Porsche aren't offering discount either, they are looking the list price for an ex demo because they say there aren't many of the diesels about - that would be enough to make me walk, but hey ho.

Porsche diesel - Should amuse the mechanics when it goes in for servicing!

What about just looking at the Touareg instead? Several friends, a neighbour, colleagues and a relative have them and all rave about them. I read a road test in a US magazine recently which compared Touareg, ML, X5 and some sort of Lexus and they rated Touraeg the best (although they did say X5 was the best on the road but dropped it down as it was completely useless off-road).

I think the bottom of the market for 4x4/SUV has passed now - a colleague bought a fully loaded (even rear screen DVD) 3.0 V6 diesel Touareg, under 1yr old, just before Christmas from a VW dealer for £20K. I looked recently and they're £25K+ now.