Drove the new E350 CDI Coupe

[thebook]

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?

My companies policy is that we have to have either diesel or hybrid engines, so an easy decision (if not the case I would have got an E500).

Everyone has their individuals views and tastes, which is why their is a car industry as opposed to one company, one model. Personally BMW's don't do it for me at all. It may be true that your BMW might leave me standing but with a total lack of road presence (again, just my opinion, but hey, to me that is the opinion which matters most). Previously had Audi's which I still like but was really impressed with the E Coupe and still delighted now...

 

[Jules335]

My companies policy is that we have to have either diesel or hybrid engines, so an easy decision (if not the case I would have got an E500).

Everyone has their individuals views and tastes, which is why their is a car industry as opposed to one company, one model. Personally BMW's don't do it for me at all. It may be true that your BMW might leave me standing but with a total lack of road presence (again, just my opinion, but hey, to me that is the opinion which matters most). Previously had Audi's which I still like but was really impressed with the E Coupe and still delighted now...

I would agree that the Mercedes has more road presence. I think the problem may be that I have had BMWs for too long. I really want a change but obviously there will be differences and I will have to accept them, be they good or bad.

I am test driving an E350 CGi at the weekend and so hopefully will be more like the experience that I am looking for.

On a separate note I see that your car is diamond white. This seems a very hard car to find to try and see one in real life. I don't like Calcite white at all as it is too creamy. It looks stunning in some photos, is it that good in real life? If I do go ahead I would definitely consider this colour but would be wary having not seen one for ror real. Tried looking at Mercedes World but they didn't have anything.

 

[thebook]

I would agree that the Mercedes has more road presence. I think the problem may be that I have had BMWs for too long. I really want a change but obviously there will be differences and I will have to accept them, be they good or bad.

I am test driving an E350 CGi at the weekend and so hopefully will be more like the experience that I am looking for.

On a separate note I see that your car is diamond white. This seems a very hard car to find to try and see one in real life. I don't like Calcite white at all as it is too creamy. It looks stunning in some photos, is it that good in real life? If I do go ahead I would definitely consider this colour but would be wary having not seen one for ror real. Tried looking at Mercedes World but they didn't have anything.

Diamond white is certainly still creamier than white in either a BMW or Audi variant, but the pearlescent effect counters the warmth (if any of that made sense to anyone I will be amazed, you can tell I work in marketing...).

I think it looks stunning but was nervous waiting to see it in the flesh as I ordered it blind (MB Brooklands didn't have a single car in that colour at the time).

I am based next to Brooklands and am happy to show my car to anyone considering a similar spec.

 

[thebook]

Incidentally, just been to Brooklands to see if the update to 7 digit satnav is ready yet, they confirmed it is but all owners should be receiving a letter advising of a recall, I asked if this recall regarded the engine (injectors) but apparently not, it only refers to the satnav...

 

[Jules335]

Diamond white is certainly still creamier than white in either a BMW or Audi variant, but the pearlescent effect counters the warmth (if any of that made sense to anyone I will be amazed, you can tell I work in marketing...).

I think it looks stunning but was nervous waiting to see it in the flesh as I ordered it blind (MB Brooklands didn't have a single car in that colour at the time).

I am based next to Brooklands and am happy to show my car to anyone considering a similar spec.

I have seen your pictures with the red leather as well and it does look very, very nice.

I went to MB World earlier this week and they didn't have any E Coupe Sport models at all and nothing in Diamond White in any other models either.

If after my next test drive, I decide to go ahead, I would really like to take up your offer to look at the car so many thanks for that. I'm only about half an hour away.

 

[pamrit]

Incidentally, just been to Brooklands to see if the update to 7 digit satnav is ready yet, they confirmed it is but all owners should be receiving a letter advising of a recall, I asked if this recall regarded the engine (injectors) but apparently not, it only refers to the satnav...

Had my sat nav update done when they carried out the injector reset in June.

 

[mbenz76]

Also had my sat nav update a couple of months ago. Wonder if they are clever enough to not send it out to those of us who received it already.

 

[alexR1]

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...

Mine is a huge disappointment after my T5 Volvo (much less reliable - not even a blown bulb over 30K miles on the Volvo) and is much less refined than my boss' CLS320CDI. I cringe everytime I pull up to stop when engine cold as it goes into limp home mode (never does it to order for the dealership of course and no fault codes reported so non-mechanics just say "computer says no problem"!

Still haven't got used to massive delay before Drive or Reverse engages making three point turns with traffic coming towards you a real heart-in-the-mouth affair!

Sat Nav doesn't have full post code entry (that even my 3 year old Nokia N95 phone has!) -- dealer says C Class can't be upgraded.

Too early for me to get out of lease without massive penalties - I'm hoping I can afford to before the three-year term is up...

 

[alexR1]

This is my first & last diesel as the OM642 unrefined nature has completely put me off - my car doesn't have an engine under the bonnet but an old boiler instead! If you really must have a diesel(!), BMW, Audi and even our 4-cyl Mondeo pool car diesels are much more refined without the awful "pinking" noise when cold...

 

[alexR1]

I'm already thinking about my next car... lease on this one ends March 2013!

 

[alexR1]

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..

If you read other forums, Mercedes seem to have a problem with random limp home episodes on all diesel engines (mine's not the usually quoted troublesome 220/250CDi that used Delphi injectors). The problem is no fault code means the "mechanics" say thier computer insists there is no problem...

 

[tylerdurden]

Just to give you my recent experience.

Took my E350 CDi saloon to the dealers this week with a few issues. Had the car from new and it has just covered 5k.

Issues were

1. Wanted full postcode satnav update
2. I felt the car was noisy inside when driving as lowish speeds esp in the mornings.
3. I felt there was too much inertia/delay on moving off from stationary
4. My armrest storage release lever was not working fully.

They kept the car for 2 days and it was returned nice and clean. I was told the following

1. Satnav update performed as requested
2/3 They kept the car overnight to test it in the morning and agreed it was a bit noisy. I was told the dash was removed to install extra felt to improve in-car sound proofing.Additionally all latest updates for engine and gearbox were applied.
4. Minor adjustment to storage box release lever made.


I have had the car for 2d now and can report that it feels like a different car. In cabin is a lot quieter. Morning startup feels smooth and a lot less tractorlike. The Inertia/delay on moving off seems to have gone.

Overall I'm very happy. I suspect they have reset the injectors and will keep an eye on this until the next service. Not had an opportunity to look at fuel consump but will report back on that issue later.

 

[johny5_uk]

I would be amazed if they actually removed the dash to install extra soundproofing on a brand new car?

 

[Deleted member 37751]

I would be amazed if they actually removed the dash to install extra soundproofing on a brand new car?

Agreed, it's more than likely to be a placebo....

 

[tylerdurden]

I was surprised to hear that but just reporting what I was told.

Having said that it certainly is quieter in the cabin than before. Lets see if it gets worse over the next few months.

 

[johny5_uk]

Oh I didn't disbelieve you, maybe the service chap got carried away explaining things?

mine is noisy again on tickover but hey ho, its a diesel >.<


Apparently a new ipod video lead has come out and they are willing to (try) the install on mine. Involves removing the radio but I dont really want them dismantling it from the dash fearing they might scratch something. Do I have ocd!?
The cable is around £30.

 

[pamrit]

Apparently a new ipod video lead has come out and they are willing to (try) the install on mine. Involves removing the radio but I dont really want them dismantling it from the dash fearing they might scratch something. Do I have ocd!?
The cable is around £30.[/QUOTE]

Do you know the part number for this lead, I have been waiting for it to be released and thought it would be a lot more expensive. Surprised that you have to remove the head unit to fit!

 

[docman]

Just gor car back from 1st servce and software update (which no other dealer iseems to be aware of!!)

What a difference......although it is 21 degrees in Scotland today so cold testing will have to wait.

Engine is smoother, hit 43mpg on way back from dealer - not had anything like that previously -

Much much smoother and seems more shove from engine when driving.

they assure me it was a software update and NOT an injector reset - will report back after cold test.

 

[pamrit]

Just gor car back from 1st servce and software update (which no other dealer iseems to be aware of!!)

What a difference......although it is 21 degrees in Scotland today so cold testing will have to wait.

Engine is smoother, hit 43mpg on way back from dealer - not had anything like that previously -

Much much smoother and seems more shove from engine when driving.

they assure me it was a software update and NOT an injector reset - will report back after cold test.

Really pleased and hope this is what we have all been waiting for, however still surprised that not all dealers know about this. Will try contact MB at Milton Keynes for further info.

 

[johny5_uk]

Apparently a new ipod video lead has come out and they are willing to (try) the install on mine. Involves removing the radio but I dont really want them dismantling it from the dash fearing they might scratch something. Do I have ocd!?
The cable is around £30.

Do you know the part number for this lead, I have been waiting for it to be released and thought it would be a lot more expensive. Surprised that you have to remove the head unit to fit![/QUOTE]

Sorry, just called them and the cable hasnt come in and they dont have a part number for it anyway!?
Sounds like I am making it up now

I asked them about ipod video ages ago, and it was last saturday that the parts guy grabbed me to say that a lead had been released and they have ordered one to try.
Anyway, delivery delay and it might come in over the weekend/next week but I am in no rush, would rather have my engine noise decreased first