How does the 320 CDI compare?

[Merlot]

How does the Mercedes 320 CDI unit compare to the likes of other 'performance' diesel engines?

In particular, the BMW 330d (204), Alfa JTD 2.4 (175) and the Volvo D5 (185) ?

[SVX]

Awesome motor, been very impressed with every variant I've ever driven (C-Class, E-Class and S-Class)

[Blown2CV]

My Dad had an E320CDi, and I had a 280CDi. His had more grunt but quite a lot poorer on fuel than mine as had 5sp auto as opposed to my slightly newer 7G-tronic. Same engine anyway. Also same as new 350CDi, but with tweeks. I suspect the bimmer range is more frugal and probably more powerful pound for pound, but there isn't a whole lot on it I'm sure, and it comes down to which mfr you prefer. I understood the JTD2.4 was around 200-210bhp. Volvo D5 dull as dishwater on paper... never driven.

[jamieboy]

Merlot said:

Alfa JTD 2.4 (175)

As above, the 2.4 as used in the 159/Brera/Spider was 200bhp in the early days, 210bhp since sometime in '07.

The version in the last of the 156s was 175bhp - not sure what age of cars you're comparing.

The only two I've tried are the Alfa in 200bhp and 210bhp form, and the Volvo D5. The Alfa was smoother and much less dieselly, much better to drive. The D5 was probably a nicer engine than the 1.9 Alfa diesel, though.

Edited by jamieboy on Monday 26th April 09:47

[ZesPak]

Merlot said:

How does the Mercedes 320 CDI unit compare to the likes of other 'performance' diesel engines?

In particular, the BMW 330d (204), Alfa JTD 2.4 (175) and the Volvo D5 (185) ?

Impressive motor, especially in a C-class.
As said, the Alfa is actually 200-210, but nowhere near as good on mpg as the BMW or the C class (don't know about the volvo).

[Remagel2507]

Had a lot ( and I mean a lot ) 330d's (plus X5's, 530ds and a 730d) and must say they are absolutely great, they have a few problems but a lot of the new age diesels do anyway. Would get one again if I had the chance

The Volvo D5 unit is also a pretty good unit, my uncle had an S60 D5 for his company car and he loved it - good performance and economy. D5 is more comparable to the merc 270 CDI unit as they are both 5 cyl.

320 CDI unit is not as powerful as the BM but is a lot smoother. When you boot it in the 330 it has quite a shove whereas the Merc accelerates well but in a much more smoother and quiter manner - its mainly why taxi drivers use them. Had an 2002 S320 CDI which felt a bit flat at times but the CLK320 CDI (06) was an awesome car when combined with the 7G -Tronic gearbox

[davidjpowell]

Blown2CV said:

My Dad had an E320CDi, and I had a 280CDi. His had more grunt but quite a lot poorer on fuel than mine as had 5sp auto as opposed to my slightly newer 7G-tronic. Same engine anyway. Also same as new 350CDi, but with tweeks. I suspect the bimmer range is more frugal and probably more powerful pound for pound, but there isn't a whole lot on it I'm sure, and it comes down to which mfr you prefer. I understood the JTD2.4 was around 200-210bhp. Volvo D5 dull as dishwater on paper... never driven.

Different engine.

5sp 320 CDi will be a straight 6 3.2. Cars with 7Gtronic have a V6 3.0 E320 and E280 with 7gtronic use the same engine, although there are so many different variant of 7G it is possible that the E320 gearbox is uprated for extra power.

Straight 6 is lovely when warm. Does sound a bit diesely when cold. V6 is lovely all the time and I think smoother than and quieter than the BMW unit. Not experienced the Alfa. Volvo unit is OK, bit harsh when thrashed from memory.

Edited by davidjpowell on Monday 26th April 10:09

[Monkeylegend]

320 CDI unit is not as powerful as the BM but is a lot smoother. When you boot it in the 330 it has quite a shove whereas the Merc accelerates well but in a much more smoother and quiter manner - its mainly why taxi drivers use them.



The other reason Taxi/Chauffeur drivers use them is their reliability and ability to do huge mileages. Just make sure oil changes are carried out when recommended.