Drove the new E350 CDI Coupe

[johny5_uk]

Just booked mine in for this Saturday, service manager confirmed there was no "major" update but when cars have been going in, minor updates have been applied (apparently they plug the car in and it speaks to Germany and auto updates).

 

[mbenz76]

This noise didn't really bother me to begin with, but it is definitely getting worse.

I also find that every now and then (every few days maybe) the tickover revs goes from about 500 to about 900 and the car sounds a lot throatier when accelerating. This usually goes away of it's own accord either after driving for a while or leaving the car parked.

The other day for the first time The fan came on full speed for about 10 mins after I parked up. Not had this before and I know others have seen this symptom linked with the injector fault.

Now I can't say I have noticed a great difference in economy but it can't be doing much good to the engine in the long run.

 

[alexR1]

Mercedes are stupid enough not to put any explanation about the Diesel Particulate Filter going into regeneration mode! I thought my car was faulty when the idle speed would increase from 600 to 750rpm, 7th gear would be locked out, car actually sounded better especially below 2,000rpm (less rattle!). The problem I have is that the wretched car seems to regularly go into "limp home" mode a short while before regeneration every 500 miles or so!

Longing to get back to petrol ownership - less hassle and infinitely more refinement!

 

[mbenz76]

I thought that you had to give the car a good thrashing once in a while to clear the filter out as it needed lots of hot exhaust gasses to do the job, otherwise it gets clogged up and the car goes into limp home.

I get a good run on the motorway at least once a month so figure that does the job, but if you just drive round town that could be contributing to problems with the filter.

 

[alexR1]

I thrash mine every weekend but during week I only use it for a mile drive from home to office so think it should last a bit longer than 10-20 miles (lunchtime use too) before getting clogged! Went into limp home this moning 0.5 mile after starting!

 

[mbenz76]

Sounds like you definitely have a problem. I spend anything from 1 to 3 weeks at a time doing nothing but communting in full-blown rish hour traffic and never experience the problem you describe.

 

[johny5_uk]

Just booked mine in for this Saturday, service manager confirmed there was no "major" update but when cars have been going in, minor updates have been applied (apparently they plug the car in and it speaks to Germany and auto updates).

No updates out for my 350 coupe since my last visit back in July so don't know where this big July/august update is.
Car is running great anyway apart from the delay when setting off in auto comfort mode, I may have got used to the diesel clatter, I really have no idea anymore if it's there or not.

 

[G7Wagen]

Second thoughts now on E 350 CDi Coming in Sept 30th

Hi Guys
Having read all the threads on the injector problems on new Merc CDi engine, i am seriously considering cancelling my order for a 350 Sport coupe CDi coming in september 30th and keeping my 3 year old CLK 320 Cdi sport which has been faultless.. has anyone here got the new engine and not had any injector problems?
Quite frankly i am gutted.. I have a 2k deposit on a Obsidian black E Sport coupe 350CDi with 19" AMG alloys, black nappa leather, panoramic roof, Command,
I have had many Mercs for many yearsand all have been reliable with the exception of an A160 which almost put me off mercedes for good( 8 breakdowns in 6 months )... I went to Audi for a few years but soon realised after a new wheel bearing at 2000miles on a brand new A4 quattro that i had gone the wrong way... I have had faultless service from my local merc dealers, so my question is... are all these engines faulty.. or just some of them... am i gambling with my £45k ? I love mercedes... but will not be happy with an unreliable car... if they dont sort it out im cancelling my order...

 

[mbenz76]

It's not a fault as such - just poor programming on the ECU. There are software "bodges" which improve it, and a proper fix promised soon.

Also some people experience it more than others. I know many on here have reallly suffered, but I don't personally notice it too much.

For me, it certainly wouldn't make me cancel my order - it depends on your perception of things I suppose. The first 2k miles will (from my own and others experiences) be perfect - this injector issue doesn't seem to become evident until about 2k. By that time I would certainly hope the fix is out from MB.

 

[JohnDeere8530]

Hi Guys
Having read all the threads on the injector problems on new Merc CDi engine, i am seriously considering cancelling my order for a 350 Sport coupe CDi coming in september 30th and keeping my 3 year old CLK 320 Cdi sport which has been faultless.. has anyone here got the new engine and not had any injector problems?
Quite frankly i am gutted.. I have a 2k deposit on a Obsidian black E Sport coupe 350CDi with 19" AMG alloys, black nappa leather, panoramic roof, Command,
I have had many Mercs for many yearsand all have been reliable with the exception of an A160 which almost put me off mercedes for good( 8 breakdowns in 6 months )... I went to Audi for a few years but soon realised after a new wheel bearing at 2000miles on a brand new A4 quattro that i had gone the wrong way... I have had faultless service from my local merc dealers, so my question is... are all these engines faulty.. or just some of them... am i gambling with my £45k ? I love mercedes... but will not be happy with an unreliable car... if they dont sort it out im cancelling my order...

I think you are referring to the injector problem on the smaller diesels. These cars failed and the injectors had to be replaced(with no guarantee of the new one not failing) until Merc sorted it (I believe with software). These cars, in the latter part of last year were literally breaking down in their 1000s This is not connected with the 3.0l diesel in anyway at all

The problem with the 3.0 diesel in coupes is that after 3k miles or so the engines become noticably loude/rattly in nature. There is a short term fix that can be done to quieten it down again, but this only lasts a while. We are all told that Merc are working on a fix and that it should be with us now, but as of date it has not arrived. When the fix does come it will be in the form of a software update.

I would personally not let this put you of the 3l diesel in coupe form (e350) it is a lovely car and the engine is really gutsy. Theres bound to be a fix soon, personally I have barely noticed it, but others on here say it really bothers them.

Maybe use this as a negotiating tool at the dealers to get a free 1st service etc but good luck as you have now done the deal

Would be a bit worried about ride quality though with 19" wheels, 18" gives a very firm almost harsh ride on our non perfect roads

 

[st4]

Would be a bit worried about ride quality though with 19" wheels, 18" gives a very firm almost harsh ride on our non perfect roads

I'd go for a 17inch wheel. Cheaper tyres, better performance in the rain (narrower) better ride and much less likely to puncture.

 

[G7Wagen]

Thank you MBNZ76 and JOHNDEERE8530 or your replys.. they have certainly made me feel a little better, I was under the impression that the cars going into limp home mode was failed injectors, not just a software problem.. hopefully by september (end) they will sort out the software.. and fingers crossed I will have no issues... as an aside does premium diesel or standard diesel make a difference to the problem?? does anyone know? I realise 19 inchers will need to be nursed over our potholed roads.. but they do make the car look like it should have E63AMG on the rear!! Fingers crossed for sept 30th... I will keep you all posted..

 

[mbenz76]

I have almost always used regular branded diesel (usually BP) and have only used supermarket diesel once.

Some owners have reported than supermarket diesel makes the noise louder, and that was my impression after the one tankfull, however it could just have been because I was expecting it to.

With regards to the wheels - I have the 18" wheels, and certainly take a LOT of care over the many pot holes that litter our roads. With the 19" I would be even more paranoid.

 

[pamrit]

I am really pleased with mine since I had the injectors reset in June. the car definitely feels more responsive, quieter and smoother.

On another note I have just upgraded form 18" to 19" alloys with 235 x 35 x 19 fronts and 265 x 30 x 19 rears and have noticed no difference in ride quality. IMO car looks better with 19" alloys. Just careful with any potholes

 

[G7Wagen]

I'm glad your injector reset has seemed to cure the problem..how many miles have you covered since it was done.. after reading some of the posts the problem reappears after 3000 or so miles.. I definately think main petrol stations are a safer bet than supermarket ones... wasn't long ago that 1000's of people had problems with supermarket fuel after they admitted they used too much rapeseed oil in the mix... as supermarkets sell chocolates i think the Forrest Gump phylosophy is definately valid here!!
Wow 265 Rears.. I would love to see pictures of those bad boys! glad to hear the ride quality hasn't suffered.. I tend to always order my cars with AMG wheels/sports suspension.. Anyone know if the Brabus kit is worth the "k they are charging? for 50hp increase... I noticed some 'Grand Sport' CLS cars have 278BHP as standard.. are they running a Brabus chip i wonder??

 

[Jules335]

I have been considering changing my BMW 335i for an E350 Sport coupe. Test drove the E350 CDi today and can only say it is a lovely car that has been ruined by this engine. I found it to very unrefined, almost van like at low speeds and when idling.

I cannot understand (apart from the better mpg) why anyone would choose this over a petrol model.

My BMW would leave this standing and is infinitely more refined.

I also found some of the interior to be of questionable quality.

Is it just me or is the BMW a better bet?

 

[Aoraki]

Yep, just you..........

 

[pamrit]

Yep another BMW driver!

 

[thebook]

I am really pleased with mine since I had the injectors reset in June. the car definitely feels more responsive, quieter and smoother.

On another note I have just upgraded form 18" to 19" alloys with 235 x 35 x 19 fronts and 265 x 30 x 19 rears and have noticed no difference in ride quality. IMO car looks better with 19" alloys. Just careful with any potholes

Hey Pamrit,

How much was the wheel upgrade? I am really tempted by this...

Thanks in advance

 

[pamrit]

Hey Pamrit,

How much was the wheel upgrade? I am really tempted by this...

Thanks in advance

Sorry have not got a pic of them on my car yet, but bought the following in Gloss Black from a friend who decided not to fit on his car. Not sure what the original cost was, but can ask for you. Look good on my car which is white