C250 CDI Pros and Cons. Opinion needed.

C250 CDI Pros and Cons. Opinion needed.

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Discussion

anand322

Original Poster:

5 posts

116 months

Monday 15th September 2014
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Hi All,

I am hoping to get hold of a W204 - C250 CDI AMG sport, preferably the face-lifted version post 2011

Please can someone advice what should I be looking for? Any pitfalls that I should be aware of? Any specific issues that I should know prior to buying it?

I would also like to know what should the ideal price range be for a car that is run around the 25K to 30K mark?

Also, having mentioned the version that I want, I am not too rigid on it,if you think it makes more sense to buy any other version please feel free to voice your opinion. I am looking to get the best of both worlds really. I like the fact that it is 200 odd BHP, but still manages a decent 50 MPG (albeit this is just my research of reading forums and blogs).


Thanks in advance.


anonymous-user

55 months

Monday 15th September 2014
quotequote all
I have a C250 CDI Coupe.

No, it's not the most refined engine, but it's got more than enough poke for a daily driver yet remains very efficient. Mine averages about 48 mpg on my normal commute (mixture of rolling country and A roads) and on a motorway run it can easily do more than 60mpg (driving between 65 and 70).

Only big known issue I'm aware of was with injectors, mine failed within 100 miles, were replaced with an improved version and car has been spot on ever since.

If you can afford it then the C250 CDI makes perfect sense as i believe the fuel economy of the C220 CDI is no different.

If you want a bit more refinement and power, you can try and seek out a C350 CDI, which is a great engine, but there aren't that many about.







Edited by anonymous-user on Monday 15th September 20:10

anand322

Original Poster:

5 posts

116 months

Tuesday 16th September 2014
quotequote all
Thanks for that!

This is the first ever diesel car that I am planning to buy. I have always had petrol cars. So, I am a little unsure on the extent to which the rattling of the engine is going to annoy me.

How much did the injectors cost if you don't mind sharing that?

As much I'd love to buy the C350, I am consciously thinking about my wallet at the same time. Soon.. one day!

MX-5 Lazza

7,952 posts

220 months

Tuesday 16th September 2014
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anand322 said:
This is the first ever diesel car that I am planning to buy. I have always had petrol cars. So, I am a little unsure on the extent to which the rattling of the engine is going to annoy me.
I was in the same position and had the same worry when I bought my C220 CDI. It's actually no bother at all. Most of the time when actually moving the engine is close to silent and only really makes much noise at cold idle and when accelerating harder using over 2k rpm. There is enough low torque that using over 2k isn't needed most of the time and I've actually come to enjoy the noise over 2k as it sounds more of a grown than a diesel rattle.

As I say, that's on a 220 but I can't see the 250 being much different as it's basically the same engine with different turbos & ecu (I think).

TheAllSeeingPie

865 posts

136 months

Tuesday 16th September 2014
quotequote all
Merc inline diesels are very smooth and you barely hear them apart from startup and sometimes idling. I've certainly never "felt" them do anything worrying like shudder or vibrations in the cabin and I've so far driven a variety of them as rentals: C220, C250, E220, E250 & E350 and I also had a 2002 S320 CDI and that was amazingly quiet and smooth, but that's probably due to insane levels of sound deadening.

One thing I might say though, and obviously it's a personal choice, but I wouldn't bother with an AMG sport pack. You'll get more toys and a better ride from a normal one and they will still go round corners almost the same. Also tyres will be cheaper and last longer!

Also if it's a private car, not leased / financed, you also have the option of a mild remap to give it a little more poke. I know my S was transformed by a map and also ended up doing 50 instead of 40mpg on a long run.

anand322

Original Poster:

5 posts

116 months

Tuesday 16th September 2014
quotequote all
MX-5 Lazza said:
I was in the same position and had the same worry when I bought my C220 CDI. It's actually no bother at all. Most of the time when actually moving the engine is close to silent and only really makes much noise at cold idle and when accelerating harder using over 2k rpm. There is enough low torque that using over 2k isn't needed most of the time and I've actually come to enjoy the noise over 2k as it sounds more of a grown than a diesel rattle.

As I say, that's on a 220 but I can't see the 250 being much different as it's basically the same engine with different turbos & ecu (I think).
Thanks for the re-assurance. Yes the engines on the 220 and 250 are pretty much the same. I just wasn't quite sure about how would that be living with it.

anand322

Original Poster:

5 posts

116 months

Tuesday 16th September 2014
quotequote all
TheAllSeeingPie said:
Merc inline diesels are very smooth and you barely hear them apart from startup and sometimes idling. I've certainly never "felt" them do anything worrying like shudder or vibrations in the cabin and I've so far driven a variety of them as rentals: C220, C250, E220, E250 & E350 and I also had a 2002 S320 CDI and that was amazingly quiet and smooth, but that's probably due to insane levels of sound deadening.

One thing I might say though, and obviously it's a personal choice, but I wouldn't bother with an AMG sport pack. You'll get more toys and a better ride from a normal one and they will still go round corners almost the same. Also tyres will be cheaper and last longer!

Also if it's a private car, not leased / financed, you also have the option of a mild remap to give it a little more poke. I know my S was transformed by a map and also ended up doing 50 instead of 40mpg on a long run.
Thanks! The one's that I have driven yet were all cold starts. The test drive wasn't long enough for a diesel to warm up I guess.

Glad that you actually mentioned the AMG sport pack, that was going to be my next question, is that worth it? Considering that I am financing the car and re-mapping won't be an option. Is the AMG pack extremely superficial? How much of a premium is it really worth?

My train of thought on the AMG sport pack was not only about the ride and handling, but the rate at which the car would depreciate as well. I would've thought that the car would be worth more 3 years down the line which makes it a worthwhile investment up front. Feel free to correct me if you think otherwise.


TheAllSeeingPie

865 posts

136 months

Tuesday 16th September 2014
quotequote all
If you're buying on MB finance then look at the guaranteed buy back value? Viezu (and others) do a box that allows you to load 1 or 2 custom maps but you can set it back to factory if you need to hand the car back. As long as your insurer is aware of the map the finance guys probably won't care too much as they will only find out if you crash it.

The AMG stuff is stiffer suspension, change to the steering and AMG brakes (although this only appears to be cosmetic). I've driven the AMG and the Standard of the C and the E and they are quite different. If this is a motorway mile muncher you'll want the Standard, if this is something to tool around in then go for the AMG.

anand322

Original Poster:

5 posts

116 months

Tuesday 16th September 2014
quotequote all
TheAllSeeingPie said:
If you're buying on MB finance then look at the guaranteed buy back value? Viezu (and others) do a box that allows you to load 1 or 2 custom maps but you can set it back to factory if you need to hand the car back. As long as your insurer is aware of the map the finance guys probably won't care too much as they will only find out if you crash it.

The AMG stuff is stiffer suspension, change to the steering and AMG brakes (although this only appears to be cosmetic). I've driven the AMG and the Standard of the C and the E and they are quite different. If this is a motorway mile muncher you'll want the Standard, if this is something to tool around in then go for the AMG.
I am currently exploring my finance options. I looking at PCP vs HP.

As for the roads, I do a bit of both really. My daily commute involves an A road and weekends consists of motorways.

scherzkeks

4,460 posts

135 months

Wednesday 17th September 2014
quotequote all
anand322 said:
Hi All,



Also, having mentioned the version that I want, I am not too rigid on it,if you think it makes more sense to buy any other version please feel free to voice your opinion. I am looking to get the best of both worlds really. I like the fact that it is 200 odd BHP, but still manages a decent 50 MPG (albeit this is just my research of reading forums and blogs).


Thanks in advance.
Must it be the 250? If you can afford a tick more in running costs, the 350 is a much more satisfying package. The torque of that motor alone would sway me, and it's not as if it doesn't do well on fuel.

Dave350

359 posts

119 months

Saturday 20th September 2014
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What would the diesel be like doing low mileage? I'm looking at these but I only do circa 5-6000 miles a year max.

It just seems there are a lot more cars to choose from when you consider diesels with Mercedes.

jdmave

135 posts

136 months

Thursday 25th September 2014
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Hi All


I ran a c250 saloon (60 Plate) for 100k miles (2yrs), the drive was great, the engine was very rattly (knew you was in a diesel but then it was only a 4Cylinder so kind of expected)......, the only thing i'd say about this particular model is FUEL INJECTORS (4 full sets of injectors or every 25K without fail!!!!!, if not been under warranty it would have cost a fortune to keep on the road!!).

Currently running a c350 cdi Sport Plus, 92k in 23 months and just getting ready to change......., torque and performance is fantastic, fuel econemy has averaged in the 43mpg area, Been great drive and never missed a heart beat!!!, only down side is tyres every 15k on rear or 17k on front........., would have another instantly....

Viperzs

972 posts

168 months

Thursday 2nd October 2014
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Not sure if you've already made a decision. I've got a C220 AMG Sport Plus. When trying to do an MPG run I've got 61mpg on the motorway with no issue. 85mph on cruise control will get me around 50mpg.

It is a very, very capable car when driven hard. I've kept up surprising well on spirited drives across the Moors. The main difference with the C250 is extra torque and power but you can get that from a C220 with a remap if you want to go there.

Unless you are already used to high torque diesels I don't think you'd find the C220 lacking.

anonymous-user

55 months

Wednesday 7th August 2019
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Thread resurrection.

Thinking about swapping from a 320d to a C250 cdi coupe (w204).

Have there been any more updates? Problems resolved? Still requires injectors every 25k?

The one I am interested in is a 2013 plate on 62k miles.

Thanks

joropug

2,598 posts

190 months

Sunday 18th August 2019
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Can probably help you there. I had a 2013 320d SE manual and have just picked up a 2013 C220cdi Auto. It's a coupe in AMG Sport Plus guise.

I prefer the Mercedes in every way. It's slightly down on power on paper but you don't notice it.

Only driven it 50 miles or so so far, but I'm really impressed with the ride quality and performance.

I am biased but this is the trim level to seek out. It's gorgeous.

Tony1963

4,810 posts

163 months

Monday 19th August 2019
quotequote all
Super_G said:
Thread resurrection.

Thinking about swapping from a 320d to a C250 cdi coupe (w204).

Have there been any more updates? Problems resolved? Still requires injectors every 25k?

The one I am interested in is a 2013 plate on 62k miles.

Thanks
I’ve had my 2010 C250 CDi from new. Still on the original injectors, now on 130k miles. I’ve only put supermarket fuel in once or twice, if that matters. I’ve a local specialist (Derrick Wells, near Stowmarket) who are far better and half the price of a main dealer. I wouldn’t recommend one without a nearby indie specialist.