E220 CDi or E300TD

[C240Sport97]

E220CDi or E300TD

A mate of mine is looking at buying a previous generation E class. Wants a diesel. Budget of around £15k. Looks like you can get a lateish 220 CDi for that money or a 300 TD for about £3k less.

Which is the better engine for longevity and reliability?

Thanks mucho.

 

[PJH]

If your friend isn't bothered about 100,000+miles, then a 320CDi is also a possible option.

 

[Dieselman]

Longevety isn't really an issue for either engine, although it appears that the 220 may have more annoying problems such as uneven idle and stuck glowplugs. The two are different cars.
The 220 is a modern four cylinder direct injection and the 300TD is an older design indirect straight six.

The 220 will give better fuel economy but wont match the 300 for power output or noise levels.

Note the 220 Cdi comes in two power outputs so be sure there is enough go in the car before buying.

The 300 is a nice cruiser due to the extra weight, but still handles well as it has a stiffer setup.

Other than that it's down to what's available at the time.

 

[230K]

Hi

Have been driving a C220cdi (203) for the past 2 weeks and covered approx 1000miles while my E300TD is getting corrosion sorted.
When i first drove the 220 i thought it was quite nippy but soon realised that it wouldn't have the outright speed of the 300TD. The 220 has the same poke regardless of whether the go pedal is tickled or floored.
The 220 got 45mpg when the 300TD gets 34mpg on the same commute.
The 220 is noiser than the 300TD even at 3k compared with 175k.
The 220 looks far very complicated while the 300TD seems simple.
The 220 seems to have more electronics than the 300TD.
The 220 does not feel as solid but possibly is.

The 220 is the future the 300TD is the past.

That is my 2p's worth.
If asked to decide i would save and go for a 320cdi


Cheers
230K

 

[25 Ttriumph]

E220 or 300D?

I plumped for the 320CDI estate, found a one owner with FSH and ONLY 91K miles and got a deal under £16K
Driven 3000 miles now and it's superb, ride great, almost silent on the motorway at legal limit, ecomomy acceptable at 35 on the computer.

Keith

 

[jaymanek]

I have a 300 for sale, not sure if its what your friend wants though?

http://mbclub.co.uk/forums/showthread.php?p=64472#post64472

Cheers

Jay

 

[C240Sport97]

thanks for this. sounded great until we got to the colour ...

I have a 300 for sale, not sure if its what your friend wants though?

http://mbclub.co.uk/forums/showthread.php?p=64472#post64472

Cheers

Jay

 

[Tan]

thanks for this. sounded great until we got to the colour ...

Could always send abroad to get resprayed, like Spike did.