C320cdi advice please

[garybezz]

I am in the market for something comfortable swift and economical to rack up the motorway miles and a 320 diesel is on my radar.
The C320 looks to me to be a better performance / economy compromise than the 220 or 270 and budget looks like it will run to a low miler from just prior to the latest model.
i will be doing 30k miles a year at my own expense so any advise on real world mpg service costs and any expensive nasties likely to be lurking would be gratefully accepted.
Thanks in advance.
Gary

[Wacky Racer]

As has often been said on here, the 320cdi engine is superb, powerful,smooth and fast.

Our CLS, (Which is a big heavy car) averaged around 37mpg combined, which was excellent.

[Four Cofffee]

I have a 320CDI and do about 18000 a year, mainly motorway miles. Best touring barge I have ever had.

I average 42.6 mpg on the motorway at or just above 70MPH. I have managed 56MPG through the 14 miles of 50 MPH roadworks that used to be on the M1.

It just gobbles up the miles

[onedsla]

56 reg C320cdi saloon with 21k miles. Bought late last year for £14,200 - which seemed too good to miss given the miles.

Just achieved 50.8 mpg on a 230 mile Journey (227 of them M-way or dual+ carriageway) averaging 68mph with one short stop at m-way services. It was an unusually quiet day on the roads and the cruise control was set at 72 (GPS 70) for a huge chunk of the journey. Venturing 10mph or so above the legal limit would <probably> push consumption into high 40's.

My occasional <3 mile drive to the office gets about 30-35mpg depending on traffic. Rarely see the display under 30.

I'd expect a 20-30min run in mixed conditions to achieve 40+.

I think driving at 50mph would get into the mid 50's - superb given the performance, (though I do wonder how much I'd notice the difference over a 220cdi). I stepped out of an M3 and never really felt like I missed the performance in real world driving conditions. That said, I've completly changed my driving habits and am less inclined to use the throttle than before.

I'm very pleased with the car. Slight concern over the 7G - when cold it initially struggles to find, then snatches 2nd gear, though usually only the first time - then it's super smooth. I think the 'box oil will be changed in the next service (~30k) which I hope will sort this problem.

Was also shocked to find the back seats don't fold down (unless I've missed something?!) which made a recent Ikea visit rather interesting.

[SLacKer]

Hi

Have an ML320CDI and have achieved 37MPG with a careful run so a more aerodynamic E class would definitely get into the 40's. Had ours 4 years now and no issues with the engine whatsoever. We had a 270CDI E class for a day when the ML was in for service and thought that was excellent.

[amokwa]

We have the C320 CDI too, I second the economy figures as I regularly see 40mpg with a heavy right foot on my 50 mile commute from Surrey to Sussex when I can wrestle it off the Missus.

To put the engine into context I have an '01 E55 AMG which is a torque monster, however although clearly quicker than the C320 the CDI's torque is such that when I jump into it after driving the E55 it's never left wanting.

[garybezz]

Thanks everyone for the replies.
Can no one think of anything to say to put me off :-)

[amokwa]

garybezz said:

Thanks everyone for the replies.
Can no one think of anything to say to put me off :-)

Check the service record for issues with the inlet port motor ours failed twice. The climate control is either all hot or cold or am I missing something ?

The car comes with the telephone pre-wired. Will be a good idea to check if it has the MB bluetooth module in the armrest very useful piece of kit.

Edited by amokwa on Tuesday 13th April 11:08