Daily Mileage Muncher - Mercedes E320 CDI Avantgarde
Discussion
Hi All,
First time I have done one of these. Having sold my faithful 2005 Audi A3 TDI as she was getting on a bit and wasn't the most suitable for when I was on business travel, I decided a big barge of a car would make more sense. My previous Saab 9-5 was fantastic for this, if a little thirsty.
So...after a lot of shopping around, I was set on a 5 series (e60). However, I couldn't find one I liked, despite searching all avenues like a hawk. I then widened my search and quite like the interior on the Merc. A bit of searching revealed most were silly mileages and there were a few horror stories knowing about. Then I stumbled on a 2004 model, 120k, full MB service history and 1k over budget...Made a speculative offer at the 1k less and after a few conversations and a bit of haggling, did a deal.
Avantgarde spec, but only half leather (would have liked heated seats). Standard stereo (no command) but I think I prefer the cleaner look.
She drives lovely - I was expecting the handling to be poor as reviews always say the BMW is so much better. It's a lovely weighted experience and is much better in the twisties than I expected. Very comfortable and the engine/gearbox is super smooth. Like a rocket ship when you floor it too!
Only faults so far are:
Passenger powerfold mirror doesnt work
Steering wheel worn and grubby
Driver side visor grubby
Still feeling a few bumps through the suspension so think it's a little tired (expectantly) so will investigate at some point
Slight clunking/knocking when driving up a hill this morning in 2nd. Engine was cold and transmission was still super smooth. Assume something is loose suspension wise!
All in all, very happy. Ideal for getting me to work and shooting up and down the motorway for work. MPG was 37 average on way back and I wasnt hanging about. Down to around 33mpg with some town driving and my hilly commute. It is so effortless to drive!
More photos to follow soon!
Rob
First time I have done one of these. Having sold my faithful 2005 Audi A3 TDI as she was getting on a bit and wasn't the most suitable for when I was on business travel, I decided a big barge of a car would make more sense. My previous Saab 9-5 was fantastic for this, if a little thirsty.
So...after a lot of shopping around, I was set on a 5 series (e60). However, I couldn't find one I liked, despite searching all avenues like a hawk. I then widened my search and quite like the interior on the Merc. A bit of searching revealed most were silly mileages and there were a few horror stories knowing about. Then I stumbled on a 2004 model, 120k, full MB service history and 1k over budget...Made a speculative offer at the 1k less and after a few conversations and a bit of haggling, did a deal.
Avantgarde spec, but only half leather (would have liked heated seats). Standard stereo (no command) but I think I prefer the cleaner look.
She drives lovely - I was expecting the handling to be poor as reviews always say the BMW is so much better. It's a lovely weighted experience and is much better in the twisties than I expected. Very comfortable and the engine/gearbox is super smooth. Like a rocket ship when you floor it too!
Only faults so far are:
Passenger powerfold mirror doesnt work
Steering wheel worn and grubby
Driver side visor grubby
Still feeling a few bumps through the suspension so think it's a little tired (expectantly) so will investigate at some point
Slight clunking/knocking when driving up a hill this morning in 2nd. Engine was cold and transmission was still super smooth. Assume something is loose suspension wise!
All in all, very happy. Ideal for getting me to work and shooting up and down the motorway for work. MPG was 37 average on way back and I wasnt hanging about. Down to around 33mpg with some town driving and my hilly commute. It is so effortless to drive!
More photos to follow soon!
Rob
I run a 2002 S320 CDi as a daily snotter and the engine in them is fantastic. I get 35 mpg if I hoof around (on a long run, more like 29mpg in traffic) and a good 43+ if I stick to 65-70 with the cruise control on. I've noticed that the air intake pipes often are not properly connected in these cars, and a couple of hose clamps a screwdriver and 20 mins of skinning your knuckles can get you a more responsive engine with better mpg.
TheAllSeeingPie said:
I run a 2002 S320 CDi as a daily snotter and the engine in them is fantastic. I get 35 mpg if I hoof around (on a long run, more like 29mpg in traffic) and a good 43+ if I stick to 65-70 with the cruise control on. I've noticed that the air intake pipes often are not properly connected in these cars, and a couple of hose clamps a screwdriver and 20 mins of skinning your knuckles can get you a more responsive engine with better mpg.
Really? Well MPG is down to around 31 today due to some town work. Hoping this will improve once I have serviced a few bits (last service was just oil so fresh air filter and fuel filter will hopefully help things!!).Thanks for the tip on the intake - will check it out at the weekend
jamiebae said:
Not keen on the grille personally, has it had a bang and had it replaced?
I do like this model of E Class, I think they've aged way better than the E60, especially the interior.
It's been changed for cosmetic purposes I reckon - They did the bonnet badge at the same time! Working on moving it back to standard now...EBAY!I do like this model of E Class, I think they've aged way better than the E60, especially the interior.
Nice! I had '55 plate one of these back in 08/09 and did 30000 miles in 2 years with no issues. MBcustomer service was too notch, the car was very refined and just a lovely place to be. Mine had COMAND and the iPod kit which remains to this day as the best iPod controller I've ever used.
Nice choice OP but definitely agree with the others about getting that grille changed. Always been a fan of the E class no matter what generation, we have a 2003 E270 at the moment it's a great car but the amount of hassle it has caused us means that we probably won't get another one as a family car. That said when funds do allow I wouldn't mind an E55 for myself
My commute probably keeps the MPG average up as I do 110 miles to get to work Monday morning and Friday afternoon, with 20 mile drives each way to work (I work away from home). However I got a Viezu V-Box as well, so my car is mapped, which makes it a lot more fun. Also got the EGR duty cycle disabled on the latest map which makes a difference on long journeys.
It's definitely worth just tracking through the intakes as these are often loose and keeping them tight really wakes up the car. Cleaning the EGR is relatively easy as well (Google it, just need to remove it and leave it in some petrol for 4+ hours) and so is the MAF which definitely help freshen up an older engine.
This weekend we did some car shopping and over 55 miles of stop-start traffic with a bit of "making progress" in-between dealers due to time constraints got me down to 31mpg for that trip. Bear in mind though that my car probably weighs a good 2-400kg more than yours so you should be able to get better results
Air filters are very cheap and easy to replace and with any new car I always change the air and oil filter regardless of service history. It's about £40-70 and about an hour or two's work and generally makes any used car feel a little more sprightly.
Mines the I6 with 5 speed box btw, I think the S-class used the I6 until the model change in 2007ish.
It's definitely worth just tracking through the intakes as these are often loose and keeping them tight really wakes up the car. Cleaning the EGR is relatively easy as well (Google it, just need to remove it and leave it in some petrol for 4+ hours) and so is the MAF which definitely help freshen up an older engine.
This weekend we did some car shopping and over 55 miles of stop-start traffic with a bit of "making progress" in-between dealers due to time constraints got me down to 31mpg for that trip. Bear in mind though that my car probably weighs a good 2-400kg more than yours so you should be able to get better results
Air filters are very cheap and easy to replace and with any new car I always change the air and oil filter regardless of service history. It's about £40-70 and about an hour or two's work and generally makes any used car feel a little more sprightly.
Mines the I6 with 5 speed box btw, I think the S-class used the I6 until the model change in 2007ish.
First issues noted after a 1200 mile round trip to Newcastle (Fully loaded with 5 burly males and luggage)...I'm getting knocking through the car when under load and what appears to be over rough surfaces. Up a hill, this is really obvious.
I have had loads of fun and theories trying to track down whats causing it...but think I finally have. My engine mounts aren't in the best of shape (shame they weren't renewed when the crankshaft was replaced before I bought the car!) and they are allowing the engine to lift (I've tested this by revving the car in drive with brakes pressed!). The exhaust appears to be slightly off to one side anyway and this extra lift is allowing the exhaust to knock the chassis (sometimes noise seems below me, sometimes behind me) which makes sense. Only happens if engine is under load and only knocks over bumps!
So, I have it booked into my local Indy to get it up on the ramp and assess. Hoping an exhaust mount is missing or there are signs of the knocking to confirm.
The car needs a suspension refresh anyway as it's a bit wavy so will be good to be able to get the indy to pry around and confirm whats weak.
I have a squeak from the front left under load also, which I think is the engine mount, but hard to confirm. I am going to PTFE spray the mount and see if it solve sit (which will also confirm my theory further!).
On a positive, the car is running like a dream (knocking aside). 39mpg over the 1200 round trip too and cruise was set to 95 leptons (aside form the average speed check section of the M1 which probably accounts for 200 of the miles!).
Happy barging!
I have had loads of fun and theories trying to track down whats causing it...but think I finally have. My engine mounts aren't in the best of shape (shame they weren't renewed when the crankshaft was replaced before I bought the car!) and they are allowing the engine to lift (I've tested this by revving the car in drive with brakes pressed!). The exhaust appears to be slightly off to one side anyway and this extra lift is allowing the exhaust to knock the chassis (sometimes noise seems below me, sometimes behind me) which makes sense. Only happens if engine is under load and only knocks over bumps!
So, I have it booked into my local Indy to get it up on the ramp and assess. Hoping an exhaust mount is missing or there are signs of the knocking to confirm.
The car needs a suspension refresh anyway as it's a bit wavy so will be good to be able to get the indy to pry around and confirm whats weak.
I have a squeak from the front left under load also, which I think is the engine mount, but hard to confirm. I am going to PTFE spray the mount and see if it solve sit (which will also confirm my theory further!).
On a positive, the car is running like a dream (knocking aside). 39mpg over the 1200 round trip too and cruise was set to 95 leptons (aside form the average speed check section of the M1 which probably accounts for 200 of the miles!).
Happy barging!
Gassing Station | Readers' Cars | Top of Page | What's New | My Stuff