Apple vs Orange: E320cdi Estate vs 730d

[CrawfW]

I am looking for a diesel motorway cruiser for my partner and little people.

I’d prefer something luxo-barge like, where the running costs and modest kerb appeal mean that the upfront cost is low.

This leads to the following apple and orange comparison

A 2005-ish E320 estate
A 2005-ish 730d

(The obvious 530/35 Touring is out as, for cruising and capacity, the Mercedes has it. Personal opinion obv.)

My thinking is that the 730d is ultimately nicer on the motorway, in particular quieter, but only marginally. This is more than compensated for by the additional utility of the Mercedes’ load-carrying and 5+ capacity.

The W211 probably has a slightly better for reliability, especially in uncomplicated straight-6 and 5G form.

Am I missing anything?

[ZX10R NIN]

The E320 is the pick.

[drunkenmunkey]

Check that the SBC pump has been replaced if you go for an e320cdi. When they reach 200,000 pedal presses they become a very expensive paperweight. Budget up to £2000 bought and fitted.

2006 onwards went back to a traditional hydaulic system.

[ZX10R NIN]

That may have been the price when new but you can now get the units serviced for £200 by BBA Reman & they come with a lifetime warranty.

[CrawfW]

ZX10R NIN said:

That may have been the price when new but you can now get the units serviced for £200 by BBA Reman & they come with a lifetime warranty.

Thanks for this - I thought i remembered something like this, and was trying to find it again as you answered!

US view seems to be that SBC is live-savingly good.

I also had the impression that the switch to the V6 was more to do with packaging and manufacturing cost than anything else. (Bias - i would quite like to see the final run out of this design, having had it in two W124s and two W210s).

[drunkenmunkey]

That's cheap, I wish I'd known that a few years ago when i had one.

I'd be careful to check that they're not just resetting it at that price. Mercedes programs the intervention to occur at 70% of the Bosch recommended lifespan. The cheaper fixes tend to add a couple of years to the lifespan by removing that 30% from the counter and just letting it fail, not good.

Just to add, i have no experience of the BMW but i was spending around £1500 a year to keep the 320cdi on the road. It never let me down but always had faults.

Edited by drunkenmunkey on Thursday 11th March 01:35

[anonymous-user]

They say they remanufacture the unit
http://www.bba-reman.com/gb/content.aspx?content=m...

My 320 hasn’t cost me a penny apart from a service so I guess like any car it varies. It’s due an mot soon, so maybe I’ll live to regret those words

[SlowV6]

Appreciate slightly off topic but I would suggest checking out reviews of BBA Reman and also note they are in liquidation. I think I would want a plan-B company..

Worth considering a facelift E320CDI with the 7G to avoid the SBC? Does seem like the E320 is a more practical car for a family. IMHO of course!

[BlueJ]

ZX10R NIN said:

The E320 is the pick.

+1. With 'little people' the benefit of estate practicality is a no-brainer.

[CrawfW]

Thanks to everyone who helping polish my thinking. Fingers crossed SBC keep going - but will be buying some sort of E on condition and location - can't be doing with driving the length and breadth of the country for a burner!