e220 v e350

[GEH007]

Im changing my old W211 for a W212.

For the same money, I cant get either a 2011 E350cdi Avantagarde 7 sp with memory seats amd a couple of other bits. Or, a 2012 E220cdi Executive SE with pana roof. Both have nav etc.

So, the newer 220 with better economy and slight updates or the older 350?
The avantgarde and Exec SE look identical spec to me bar Xenons.

Any input to help me decide would be appreciated.

Cheers

 

[GEH007]

Forgot to add.

Also, with a 2011 E350cdi, how can you tell if the gearbox is 7G or 7G plus? (it's defintiely a 265)

I know that the 2012 e220cdi is 7g plus

Cheers

 

[GEH007]

Would appreciate any input.

 

[John Jones Jr]

A four cylinder diesel or more powerful six cylinder diesel? It's got to be the six.

 

[developer]

For me, the 350 every time.

E's are big cars - that 100bhp difference will be useful.

Also, the 4 pot can be gruff under load - the V6 more refined.

Even if the gearbox turns out to be a 7g, it's a late one and they are fine - mine (3 off) have been faultless.

Xenon's are great - I wouldn't be without them.

The Nav on the 220 may be more basic too - some don't have 5 digit postcode entry.

 

[tonysmb]

I think the 7g+ gearboxes came in with the stop-start system, the box having some modifications connected with that system.

If it was me, it would be the 350, even if it is not quite as economical. They're still fairly economical for the performance they offer. Are you able to drive both and see which you prefer?

 

[LTD]

Nice dilemma to have.

I run a 2012 E220 CDI Coupe and it's a good car.

When I was debating my choice, it was either a 220 or the 350 and my budget meant the 220. The 250 wasn't worth considering as the jump in performance wasn't so great (remember I was coming from a V8 500)

I have the Intelligent Xenons and they are fantastic but you need to ask yourself what sort of motoring you do.

Long journeys during daylight, the 350 is a no brainer but if you are doing a fair bit of night time driving or sitting in traffic or heavy commuting then you might be prepared to sacrifice power for the better lighting and fuel economy.

Ultimately it's your call and neither is a bad car. Just one will be more suitable for your driving needs.

 

[Handydave]

I know you're comparing the E220 with the E350, but you might be interested in this thread where I was debating between an E220SE Coupe and an E250, together with my impressions of the E220SE that I eventually plumped for.
http://http://www.mbclub.co.uk/forums/general-discussion/156914-e-class-coupe-250cdi-vs-220cdi.html

 

[HR17]

If you've tried a 350 and you buy the 220, you'll always regret it. You'll realise the big difference between a V6 and a 4.

 

[trapperjohn]

6 pot - end of.

 

[johns E350]

I had a 220 C class coupe now got a E class 350 coupe and the difference is amazing If it was my choice it would be the 350 every time so much more power and sounds great

 

[Ash]

To put a counterpoint for the 220: it depends on what kind of driving you do... and how important economy is. we have children who need taxi-ing around and the smaller engine is more tolerant of short trips. The v6 will be better at higher speeds... though the refinement of the 4cyl is worst at low speeds and fine on the motorway - an inconvenient truth.
the word is going small capacity so if you're keeping it for a while maybe 220 will hold value better?

 

[developer]

the word is going small capacity so if you're keeping it for a while maybe 220 will hold value better?

That's me f*cked then .

 

[GEH007]

Thanks for the replies.

I think 6 pot is too simplistic. The post above has merit, the world is indeed going smaller and more efficient.

Bit more about my position. Speed isnt really an issue these days. I've just sold a 911 so had that a few years and if I want real speed the garage has a couple of Ducatis in it.

Current W211 is my daily bus. An 06 220cdi Avantgarde 5sp Auto. 187k faultless miles, Ive put 30k on it in the 2 yrs I have had it.

The latest 220 with 7g+ will feel like a racehorse compared to mine no doubt anyway.

Im leaning towards the newer 220 I think, Im not sure the 350 oomph will get enough use and as I said, compared ti the current bus, the new 220 will be sprightly I guess.

 

[ghibbett]

If it's any help, I reviewed the E350 (back-to-back with an E300) here: http://www.mbclub.co.uk/forums/general-discussion/171193-e300-hybrid-e350-bluetech.html

 

[GEH007]

Thanks for that, interesting feedback.

They both have good torque levels, I think you would have to be poking it a fair bit to feel a big difference.

7 sp quick shifting boxes have revolutionised the "smaller" diesels, keeping the engine seemlessly in the torque band. The latest 220 is probably 2.5-3 secs quicker to 60 than mine. Thats a hell of a lot for only 20hp more and similar weight.

 

[blue gnome123]

I have an e350 with a pano roof and it is probably my favourite option.

My e350 is used much of the time on the motorway and it would probably be fine to run a e220 instead. In fact my usual taxi firm has a 2012 e220 (70K miles on it now and just having some gearbox issues - maybe stop/start related) which always seems like a good performer. I think if you are doing urban driving then the e220 is the one to go for the e350 is good when it's warmed up but it takes ages.

 

[isleaiw]

I have an E220 CDi AG Estate - 2012. Before it I had owned or driven a selection of diesels that were not 4 cylinder - 330d, 156, S60 (x2). I had made my mind up that I wasnt having anything 4 cylinder as a result.

However, 40k miles a year, the need for good economy and newest car i could get for my money (as a consequence of the mileage i do) meant the 4 cylinders were much more appealing financially.

So.... yes I miss the 6 cylinder / 5 cylinder smoothness. Yes I occasionally miss the performance - but as i get older I drive more economically anyway. I do like 45mpg plus on my mostly motorway journeys. It is a bit coarse if pushed - but i dont push it and on the motorway or around town when poodling around its absolutely fine.

On a slightly different track, I have a pano roof in my company Passat 2.0 TDi Sport estate - at first i was really pleased about it (i inherited the car, didnt choose it!) but on hot days its a pain when you leave the car parked for 9 hrs in direct sunlight - especially with a black leather interior.

I'd go for the newer car and not worry about missing the 350.

Ian

 

[GEH007]

Thanks for the input all. Strange as it may seem (to myself as well), I am leaning towards the 220. I dont even really need an estate but much prefer the look to the saloon.

 

[isleaiw]

Thanks for the input all. Strange as it may seem (to myself as well), I am leaning towards the 220. I dont even really need an estate but much prefer the look to the saloon.

I also prefer the look but with a son at uni, also find the ability to throw things in it useful..... not much this side of a transit will cope as well!

Would be good for the dogs as well but as of yet I cant bring myself to allow them in!

Ian