E400D (W213) Saloon 3.5 vs 3.0

[T5R+]

Probably stick with yet another 3ish year old pre owned saloon to rack up my commuter 25ish thousand miles per annum. Whilst the BMW 5 series is a lovely car and Maserati Ghibli nice, have found 3x W212s just right for my needs over the last decade plus.

So, anyone know the key differences between the 2 engines? Also, if decided to remap/modify - either of the 2 better than the other?

SORRY - think I have figured some of it out.......the saloon never came in both variants of engine. However, something is bugging me over early E400D saloon engines.

 

[unimog]

As far as I know, the diesel engines in the 213 series are all 3.0 (ish) displacement.

The OM642 V6 being available up to 2018 as the E350d with 258ps, after that the E350d is the OM656 2.9ltr in line 6 286ps or E400d OM656 i6 340ps. Either way the 656 is a nice engine, spent a bit of time in a new CLS powered by one. A lot smoother than the V6 and big torque band.

 

[T5R+]

........... after that the E350d is the OM656 2.9ltr in line 6 286ps or E400d OM656 i6 340ps........

I wonder if that is the bit that is bugging me.

Wonder if old age is catching up with me and I was thinking E350D vs E400D as the same base engine came in both variants.

 

[JamesE400D]

With the E400D it's simple... if you can, then you must! Stunning powertrain and makes the car imho.

 

[Waitforme]

The 400D has endless power and is as smooth as a baby’s bum.
Surprisingly economical too, cruise on at 65 ish will see 50mpg.

 

[T5R+]

This would essntially be my commuter car and so generally buy at 2-3 old and stick approximately 25K miles on it per annum. However, a debadged E400D saloon is somewhat a "sleeper" in my view and would suit me just fine..........in fact I spend most of my commute in either L1 or 2 @ 60mph. I totally get that I should buy an E220 diesel for the commute but then petrolheads can also be dieselheads.

 

[Waitforme]

I’ve no idea what the 220 feels like to drive , didn’t try one. My head would probably have told me to buy it !
But I’m so glad I’ve got the 3 litre.

 

[JamesE400D]

Last year I spent two months with a new E220D SE whilst my 5 series was on recall, to be honest I absolutely loved it, averaged over 60mpg using it as a 25k a year motorway barge even at a brisk cruise. Swore I'd get one next.... Ended up falling for the E400D!

I've just spent a week in the Highlands with her, arrived on Saturday just before the Boris announcement after a 615 mile journey, managed 1600 miles during the week exploring, another 615 miles home, averaged 40.8 mpg and 47mph over the week. Trip back was 39.2 mpg at an average speed of 70mph, journey time 8hr 47 mins, not a slow cruise....

All in all the E400D is on another planet to the E220D in terms of performance, however, there's no denying she can be a thirsty beast (for a diesel) if you use it...

I'd be very interested to compare an E53 estate with mine for economy / performance, I'm pretty sure the E400D would be the better package.

Mine is a premium plus car with a few silly extras (soft close doors... really?!) yet doesn't have the driver assistance pack, with your miles I think that's an essential option!

 

[C240Sport97]

Good to see 19” wheels on the E400d. I think it’s all 20” now

 

[JamesE400D]

Good to see 19” wheels on the E400d. I think it’s all 20” now

Went for the taxi look, silver, 19' alloys, and a debadge

 

[HB]

That’s a lovely car. It’s a brilliant all round package.

 

[Waitforme]

I took a couple of test drives in the E53 coupe as was undecided between that and the E400D.

The first test drive I drove it like I’d stolen it and averaged 15.3mpg, so this was an absolute deal breaker for me.
Then I got thinking I’d not drive it like that all the time so took another test drive and kinda nursed it , easy driving , A road and city and averaged 25mpg.
The difference between the two in performance didn’t justify TO ME the extra cost to purchase and mpg hit.
Performance wasn’t that different between the two, nothing you’d notice unless you were driving at 9 tenths.

Oh, and Mrs Waitforme preferred the 400D.

 

[HB]

I took a couple of test drives in the E53 coupe as was undecided between that and the E400D.

The first test drive I drove it like I’d stolen it and averaged 15.3mpg, so this was an absolute deal breaker for me.
Then I got thinking I’d not drive it like that all the time so took another test drive and kinda nursed it , easy driving , A road and city and averaged 25mpg.
The difference between the two in performance didn’t justify TO ME the extra cost to purchase and mpg hit.
Performance wasn’t that different between the two, nothing you’d notice unless you were driving at 9 tenths.

Oh, and Mrs Waitforme preferred the 400D.

With the E53 it’s the brakes, suspension, noise and other sporty bits you enjoy. The 400d is more muted. Real world performance as you say is negligible. I don't know what a ”driven” 400d would do in terms of economy but our 350 after a wee Italian tune up sits at 22 mpg.
Again as you say 9 tenths - who can even do that in Golf GTD these days.....

 

[Londonscottish]

Last year I spent two months with a new E220D SE whilst my 5 series was on recall, to be honest I absolutely loved it, averaged over 60mpg using it as a 25k a year motorway barge even at a brisk cruise. Swore I'd get one next.... Ended up falling for the E400D!

I've just spent a week in the Highlands with her, arrived on Saturday just before the Boris announcement after a 615 mile journey, managed 1600 miles during the week exploring, another 615 miles home, averaged 40.8 mpg and 47mph over the week. Trip back was 39.2 mpg at an average speed of 70mph, journey time 8hr 47 mins, not a slow cruise....

All in all the E400D is on another planet to the E220D in terms of performance, however, there's no denying she can be a thirsty beast (for a diesel) if you use it...

I'd be very interested to compare an E53 estate with mine for economy / performance, I'm pretty sure the E400D would be the better package.

Mine is a premium plus car with a few silly extras (soft close doors... really?!) yet doesn't have the driver assistance pack, with your miles I think that's an essential option!

A neighbour of mine recently sold his 211 E500 to get into one of them.

Notably, he's never had a diesel before - he had a couple of W210's with the 320 petrol then the E500 alongside a V10 M6 and now a Mini Cooper Sport. Plus a couple of petrol fun cars for tack & historic rallying.

It must be good to get him into one.

 

[T5R+]

A real fan of E Class but have now also included the (BMW) Alpina D5 on the list. Just hope an (emerald) green with white interior and decals does not come up too soon, as could be grounds for "a domestic".