C350 CDi - v - C250 CDi
Discussion
Shortly placing an order for a C Class estate (current facelift model) but undecided about which engine, although needs to be a diesel. I particularly love the 3L V6 diesel I have in my current car, so not sure if I would be disappointed in the refinement levels of the 4 cyl 250 engine, although I appreciate it is more economical. Any thoughts from those with either engine would be much appreciated.
TIA
TIA
I have the facelift C220 CDi, same twin turbo 4-cyl 2.1 litre engine as 250CDi but with 30bhp less.
From the exterior it does sound gruff and a bit rattly on startup, but I'd suggest all 4-cyl diesels do. Once warmed up it's quiet in car and it's a smooth refined unit, it feels torquey and understressed and I actually think the engine note on hard acceleration is pleasant, though the on-paper figures suggest it's faster than it actually feels.
It's no 6-cyl sound which I love, which I'd have chosen other than the fact my car sits on the motorway or around town so sacrificing mpg and more importantly paying a few £k more for unrequired power wouldn't have made sense (more money left over to spend on the MX-5
)
From the exterior it does sound gruff and a bit rattly on startup, but I'd suggest all 4-cyl diesels do. Once warmed up it's quiet in car and it's a smooth refined unit, it feels torquey and understressed and I actually think the engine note on hard acceleration is pleasant, though the on-paper figures suggest it's faster than it actually feels.
It's no 6-cyl sound which I love, which I'd have chosen other than the fact my car sits on the motorway or around town so sacrificing mpg and more importantly paying a few £k more for unrequired power wouldn't have made sense (more money left over to spend on the MX-5
)Just sold my 2009 C220 CDI, albeit with the older 2148 cc engine, after 6 months as I simply couldn't accept the 4 cylinder engine noise. I know the new 2143 cc twin turbo engine is a more modern and smoother engine, but at least fro the outside I still think it sounds rough compared to the silky smooth V6. I would have kept the C class had it been a C320/C350.
Only advice would be to try both and see if either is acceptable to you.
Only advice would be to try both and see if either is acceptable to you.
rassi said:
Just sold my 2009 C220 CDI, albeit with the older 2148 cc engine, after 6 months as I simply couldn't accept the 4 cylinder engine noise. I know the new 2143 cc twin turbo engine is a more modern and smoother engine,
In my experience they are not comparable, I moved directly from the older 2148cc E220cdi to the new 2143cc twin turbo C220cdi - quieter, smoother, nicer sound under hard acceleration.Don't get me wrong, it doesn't sound wonderful, but for a 4-cyl diesel, its as good as it gets!
Thanks, that's all good stuff. Hoping to try both back to back on Friday and I know the 250 won't be as refined but just wonder if I could live with it long term. Obviously the economy is better and the road tax lower, just not sure I can give up a 6 cylinder for those benefits though.
Can anybody with a 350 comment on the turbo lag at all? My 5 yr old 320 CDi is great but does have some lag and just wondering if this has improved with the current V6? I know it still has just the single turbo, so may still be some lag perhaps?
Can anybody with a 350 comment on the turbo lag at all? My 5 yr old 320 CDi is great but does have some lag and just wondering if this has improved with the current V6? I know it still has just the single turbo, so may still be some lag perhaps?
I have had my 2012 model E250 CDi for just over a week now. Moving from a VW/Audi 3.0 V6 TDi I do miss the noise of the V6, but the 250 CDi is no slouch ! It has plenty of torque and the 7-speed auto is a perfect match. The noise is a bit gruff when cold, but to be fair, the car is well insulated and very refined overall.
My commute is an 85 mile each-way motorway schelp, so I am revelling in the economy of the 4-cylinder 250 CDi and am getting high-40's mpg even on a new engine that is yet to loosen-up. In contrast, my old v6 TDi long-term average was about 26mpg. No contest!
My commute is an 85 mile each-way motorway schelp, so I am revelling in the economy of the 4-cylinder 250 CDi and am getting high-40's mpg even on a new engine that is yet to loosen-up. In contrast, my old v6 TDi long-term average was about 26mpg. No contest!
Spoke to the dealer today to confirm the test drives and everything set up for me for Friday, so will give them both a good drive and will report back on the findings.
After a 300 mile drive with my 320 CDi today, the 4 cyl has a lot to live up to to match that for refinement and sheer grunt though. I guess you can see which way this is heading.
After a 300 mile drive with my 320 CDi today, the 4 cyl has a lot to live up to to match that for refinement and sheer grunt though. I guess you can see which way this is heading.
P.Nott said:
After a 300 mile drive with my 320 CDi today, the 4 cyl has a lot to live up to to match that for refinement and sheer grunt though.
Assuming its a fairly newish C320 CDi, it's close on grunt and performance ( I love stats ):C320 CDi = 221bhp, 510Nm torque, 0-60 in 6.7, 38mpg combined
C250 CDi = 201bhp, 500Nm torque, 0-60 in 6.9, 53mpg combined
Obviously the 6-cyl C350 CDi will be better still, and smoother, nicer sounding, and in gear acceleration will tell more than 0-60 times, but the 4-cyl C250 CDi is a close match for your current steed.
yellowbentines said:
Assuming its a fairly newish C320 CDi, it's close on grunt and performance ( I love stats ):
C320 CDi = 221bhp, 510Nm torque, 0-60 in 6.7, 38mpg combined
C250 CDi = 201bhp, 500Nm torque, 0-60 in 6.9, 53mpg combined
Obviously the 6-cyl C350 CDi will be better still, and smoother, nicer sounding, and in gear acceleration will tell more than 0-60 times, but the 4-cyl C250 CDi is a close match for your current steed.
You don't get twin pipes with the 250 ):C320 CDi = 221bhp, 510Nm torque, 0-60 in 6.7, 38mpg combined
C250 CDi = 201bhp, 500Nm torque, 0-60 in 6.9, 53mpg combined
Obviously the 6-cyl C350 CDi will be better still, and smoother, nicer sounding, and in gear acceleration will tell more than 0-60 times, but the 4-cyl C250 CDi is a close match for your current steed.
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