280 cdi vs 320 cdi

[Londonscottish]

Hi All

On an earlier thread *** suggested that if I'm looking for a facelift E Class 320cdi I should also consider a 280cdi as it's just a de-tuned version of the same engine and a bit ot chipping/remapping could boost the power and torque right up.

Has anybody got and experience or any stats?

Thanks

 

[corned]

I think, in essence, that is all the factory do. Same lump, just a different set of software to run it.

I would assess the insurance implications first though. Is it cheaper to insure (a) a bog standard 320CDI, or (b) a modded 280? I would guess at (a).

 

[BTB 500]

Whilst the basic V6 engine itself is certainly the same, some of the ancillary parts might be different. I'm pretty sure I remember reading that the "320" versions could be chipped to a higher power output than the "280s". If they were identical apart from the software that wouldn't be the case - you'd be able to take them both to the same level.

As Corned said though, check out the insurance implications first.

 

[jeremytaylor]

I am pretty sure they share the same turbo and other hardware, and it is just software settings that differ. When I bought my 280 I did so with half a mind to chip/re-map it but in practice it is plenty quick enough, so I haven't bothered.

I will have a look through my old stuff at home over the weekend (in between stuffing in the easter eggs ) and see if I can find anything more conclusive.

 

[momomo]

Im pretty certain that it is the same engine etc but with different software which limits the output on the 280, thats all really.

 

[PXW]

When I got mine I was briefly considering the brabus upgrade - the 280CDi can be made to go very fast indeed. I believe it is simply a matter of a remap. Eventually I didn't go ahead, largely because I personally find the performance 'matches' the car as it stands and as I use it.

I also spoke to Olly at PCS about this at one point and his comment was that upgrading the 280 was a cinch (he'll be along shortly to speak for himself, I'm sure...assuming he gets a break from the nappies).

 

[Londonscottish]

I also spoke to Olly at PCS about this at one point and his comment was that upgrading the 280 was a cinch (he'll be along shortly to speak for himself, I'm sure...assuming he gets a break from the nappies).

Oi Olly!

Put that baby down. This forum's much more interesting!

 

[GordonTarling]

If you care to check the remapping company websites, you'll find that the 280 isn't capable of being mapped to the same power levels that the 320 can be mapped to. One website shows 234 bhp for the remapped 280cdi, whilst it shows 270bhp for the 320cdi. As Bill said, if the only difference between the two was software, then they ought to be capable of the same output. Can't tell you what the actual difference is though!

 

[ChrisMc]

I picked up my first MB on Tuesday, a 56 plate E320 CDI Sport Estate, and highly delighted I am with it too. (Pics to follow soon) :bannana:

Being absolutely honest, the E320 is such an awesome performer, that I cant see how anyone could fail to be ''dissapointed' in a standard 280CDI.
I was asking questions about re-map's for my 320, before I picked it up, but in all honesty, it goes quicker than I could have imagined, it is unbeleivable.
Sure, in Comfort mode, its a refined exec motor, but slip it into S or Manual, and use the gears through the range, and you run out of road very quickly indeed, and certainly before you've topped out.

Dropping a couple of gears with the paddle to overtake unleashes a phenominal surge which simply belies belief from a Diesel, and effortlessly too.

Which brings about my only slight concern, the EClass is a big car, and certainly the Estate, and so far, the brakes havent felt quite powerful enough to stop quite as quick as I'd like, even with 'drilled' discs.
If I considered any 'mod', sharper brakes would be a helluva lot higher on the list so far,.......

Being honest, I think a 280CDI would be all I would have 'needed', but looks like I'm stuck with a 320 .....

 

[st4]

280cdi is 190bhp, 320 about 230bhp. I'd argue the 280cdi be marginally more refined and kinder on its injectors due to its lower specific output.

I'd consider both as both are more than up for the job

 

[BTB 500]

If you care to check the remapping company websites, you'll find that the 280 isn't capable of being mapped to the same power levels that the 320 can be mapped to. One website shows 234 bhp for the remapped 280cdi, whilst it shows 270bhp for the 320cdi.

Those are the kind of figures I remember. The V6 in my Vito is between "280" and "320" spec. in terms of bhp and torque, and IIRC can be chipped to 260 bhp (which again fits with the above).

It's already indecently quick for a big van though, so I've no plans to tinker

 

[N4D5]

I picked up my first MB on Tuesday, a 56 plate E320 CDI Sport Estate, and highly delighted I am with it too. (Pics to follow soon) :bannana:

Being absolutely honest, the E320 is such an awesome performer, that I cant see how anyone could fail to be ''dissapointed' in a standard 280CDI.
I was asking questions about re-map's for my 320, before I picked it up, but in all honesty, it goes quicker than I could have imagined, it is unbeleivable.
Sure, in Comfort mode, its a refined exec motor, but slip it into S or Manual, and use the gears through the range, and you run out of road very quickly indeed, and certainly before you've topped out.

Dropping a couple of gears with the paddle to overtake unleashes a phenominal surge which simply belies belief from a Diesel, and effortlessly too.

Which brings about my only slight concern, the EClass is a big car, and certainly the Estate, and so far, the brakes havent felt quite powerful enough to stop quite as quick as I'd like, even with 'drilled' discs.
If I considered any 'mod', sharper brakes would be a helluva lot higher on the list so far,.......

Being honest, I think a 280CDI would be all I would have 'needed', but looks like I'm stuck with a 320 .....

Could not agree with you more here mate, I've got a 55 e320 cdi sport saloon. Now before i had i was like yes I'll do this and that to give me more power, now ill be honest my main concern is stopping power, they just don't seem top notch to go with performance, damn this car can shift like u said in manual/sport and there is no stopping u, u soon run out of road.

 

[corned]

I think there is a difference in brake perception and brake performance. The pedal does not necessarily give the most 'feel', but they haul up bloody well when an emergency presents itself. Not that I have had to find out often.

What I can say is that after a couple of laps of the 'Ring, in my straight-6 S211 E320CDI, four up, there was absolutely no brake fade. They held up admirably, considering the all-up weight and speeds involved. Believe me, the standard brakes are well up to the job, even if they don't give the best feel and feedback.

 

[davidjpowell]

I'm surprised, generally quite impressed with the brakes on mine. They certainly inspire far more confidence with far better feel than the Saab. That often catches me out and requires me to expand 'extra' effort when giving it a few beans, something which I have never had before.

 

[Clancydocwra]

Hi, there i am getting an E class facelift >2007 but still trying to understand main differences between 280 and 320cdi.
Is there a difference in gearboxes,is the 280 more relaxed motor and quitter?
Airmatic suspension or springs?
Please help!

 

[davidjpowell]

Ones a detuned version of the other. I don't think there's any other difference.