New-ish to the forum E320cdi questions.

[G-a-r-y]

Just tried to register but it turns out I'm already a member, so hello to the group.

Just sold my BMW530d, I need the money to enable a move to a new house.

I have about 9K left over to spend and would like E-320cdi estate (not touring) I need to buy a car quickly and haven't time for research (that's why I need advice)
1. What's the difference between Avantgarde and Elegance?
2. Would 90-100k miles be too high.
3. Do they have self levelling (I have a caravan)

 

[Blobcat]

Avantgarde is 20mm lower than the elegance and has dark wood inside as well as different wheels. It is marketed as a more sporty model.
90-100K is no miles at all - it just needs to have been well serviced and maintained
Yes the estates have self leveling

 

[G-a-r-y]

Avantgarde is 20mm lower than the elegance and has dark wood inside as well as different wheels. It is marketed as a more sporty model.
90-100K is no miles at all - it just needs to have been well serviced and maintained
Yes the estates have self levelling

Thanks for the speedy reply.
I suppose that would be like BMW's SE and Sports spec.
Which model (Avantgarde/Elegance) would be more expensive?
and what would be the "desirable" options (apart from fmbsh)
Was there a face-lift near 2000.

 

[Blobcat]

Thanks for the speedy reply.
I suppose that would be like BMW's SE and Sports spec.
Which model (Avantgarde/Elegance) would be more expensive?
and what would be the "desirable" options (apart from fmbsh)
Was there a face-lift near 2000.

Yes there was a facelift in 2000, all 320cdi's are facelift. Avantgarde is generally more sought after than elegance.
Options are really up to the individual, however all 320cdi's are auto so that was standard. Leather is the only option that makes a difference to the price. Electric memory seats are very nice to have. Comand is nice but I wouldn't pay anything for it. Auto wipers and parameter steering is also standard. 7 Seats is worthwhile in the estate

 

[G-a-r-y]

"parameter steering"?
Would that be like BMW's "Servo-tronic"? ie, lighter the slower you go? and what is Comand

 

[Blobcat]

Parameter steering is speed sensitive and is very nice
Comand is sat nav as well as control for systems in the car, audio etc.

 

[G-a-r-y]

What would be a fair price?
The car I'm looking at is a "W" reg 2000. 80k miles Elegance. One owner from new and full history, seven seats, beige leather with brown piping and on board computer. That's about all I know, I'll have to quiz the owner and see what else it has.

 

[Blobcat]

What would be a fair price?
The car I'm looking at is a "W" reg 2000. 80k miles Elegance. One owner from new and full history, seven seats, beige leather with brown piping and on board computer. That's about all I know, I'll have to quiz the owner and see what else it has.

Ask him for the Vin No. you can then find out exactly what options the car has.

 

[Bowruss]

Just a quick point on 320 cdi's. Mine's a 04 Avantgarde estate so it has the 6 cyl in-line engine. I've got Comand and xenons, auto lights/wipers, self-levelling rear susp. and speed sensitive steering. I love it all!

Later models moved to v6 configuration. I like to think that as MB must have hundreds of thousands (possibly millions?) of this engine for cars and commercials, it's a tried and tested set-up. Mine certainly goes like a train!

I wonder what others think of the two engines?

Russ

 

[OlafMaxwell]

The W210 only has the in line 6.

Just as a footnote MB do not recommend towing while using the rearmost seats in the 7 seat. If you end up buying a 5 seat the extra seat can be added by MB dealers but it seems they quote much lower prices in Ireland to do this.

The self levelling suspension can be prone to leaks, look closely at it, repairs could run to best part of £1k if it's shot. The W210 and I imagine W211 has an option of removable tow hitch, you need a 13 to 7 pin adapter which is cheap but make sure you get the red key and check the hitch removes. Its supposed to be checked by the MB dealer at each service but thats not always done.
Check air con runs really cold, condenser is a known failure but an 80-90k car is more likely to have already had this done than a 50k one.
Check glow plug light goes out and stays out, if it stays on its new glow plugs, life expectancy abut 60k.
The rear of the seat folds flat, the catches are prone to breaking and if a 200 year you should replace them before they break as otherwise you cant lower the back seat and its a pig to do after they break.
Watch for rust on W210, try and get MB history but if there is an issue get the current owner to make the claim. If MB history is good this should not be a problem.
Drop links go at 25k plus, cheap to replace. They cause a knock at front. At 90k ball joints possibly near end of life.
You will get plenty of negative on MB customer service here, including from me but the E320cdi is one hell of a car to drive so you will enjoy it.
Going on my experience the car settled with much less problems after 85k. 65-85k miles was a bit of an expensive nightmare.

 

[G-a-r-y]

The W210 only has the in line 6.

Just as a footnote MB do not recommend towing while using the rearmost seats in the 7 seat. If you end up buying a 5 seat the extra seat can be added by MB dealers but it seems they quote much lower prices in Ireland to do this.

The self levelling suspension can be prone to leaks, look closely at it, repairs could run to best part of £1k if it's shot. The W210 and I imagine W211 has an option of removable tow hitch, you need a 13 to 7 pin adapter which is cheap but make sure you get the red key and check the hitch removes. Its supposed to be checked by the MB dealer at each service but thats not always done.
Check air con runs really cold, condenser is a known failure but an 80-90k car is more likely to have already had this done than a 50k one.
Check glow plug light goes out and stays out, if it stays on its new glow plugs, life expectancy abut 60k.
The rear of the seat folds flat, the catches are prone to breaking and if a 200 year you should replace them before they break as otherwise you cant lower the back seat and its a pig to do after they break.
Watch for rust on W210, try and get MB history but if there is an issue get the current owner to make the claim. If MB history is good this should not be a problem.
Drop links go at 25k plus, cheap to replace. They cause a knock at front. At 90k ball joints possibly near end of life.
You will get plenty of negative on MB customer service here, including from me but the E320cdi is one hell of a car to drive so you will enjoy it.
Going on my experience the car settled with much less problems after 85k. 65-85k miles was a bit of an expensive nightmare.

Thanks for a good reply. My seller won't go below 9k (one owner and all that) I'll keep looking, I'll have to wait for the right car. What are these model numbers people quote.