ML270CDI E320CDI and an empty airfield...

[Flip]

Christmas came a little early, I just spent a day with some of my firms cars on an empty airfield.

ML270CDI was a real dissapointment, compared to the X5 the handling and ride are awful. I wouldn't want one on hire, let alone as a daily driver.

E320CDI however, was a revalation! Great torque, where you want it and when you want it!! and SO stable - swap lanes at 120mph in a bit of a hurry, it does it without drama or worries - I think I might be looking for one in a year or so!!!

Also tried a couple of Skoda Octavias - a diesel which was ok in a VW parts bin kinda way, and an RS which has to be one of the best handling FWD cars I have driven. A good effort (so long as it isn't you paying for the depreciation...).

:bannana:

 

[Steve_Perry]

Enter one smiling Brian, stage left

I was pleasantly surprised by a Skoda Octavia last year as a hire car when on business. It drove really well.

Was the ML really that bad?

S.

 

[Dieter]

Hi,

Whilst it is generally agreed that the X5 (developed later specifically to be more 'car-like) handles better than ML it's (ML) not that bad!!! The ML was initially designed to compete v Range Rover etc., not the E320CDi

Even though it wallows a tad it's surprising how many cars you can leave behind 'on the twisty stuff' (low(er) speeds than 120mph obviously!).

What X5 did you drive? Did you drive that on the limit? The differences are probably exagerated on an airfield as compared with every day driving i.e. on the limit the ML may not be too hot but how was the X5 under similar conditions?
How would it compare with an ML with a bit more power (ML 350?). I drove a ML500 (on road) on an off-road day and that wasn't too bad.

The new ML should address these deficiences and even things up (hopefully be better?) a bit.

Cheers,

Dieter

 

[Flip]

Dieter

(I didn't intend to offend any ML owners!) I have been driving the ML for the past few days, and was concerned that it didn't absorb poor road surfaces in the way I would expect (certainly a rougher ride than my SLK!!) and in normal driving it rolls into corners far worse than the last Range Rover I drove (previous model).

I can't remember which model the X5 was, but the price was similar to the ML. The ML270CDI also creaked - poorly fitted gear lever surround - which sounded like a £6k hatch.

Maybe ours is just a bad 'un (a couple of months old) but this ML wouldn't leave anything behind on the twisty stuff (other than the contents of the drivers stomach).

The E320CDI was an estate. Even with a load in the back it felt very secure. We got 23-25mpg prior to the day at the airfield.

:bannana:

 

[RichardM]

Was it the W211 estate Phill?

 

[Vergnugungspark]

Originally posted by Flip
Also tried a couple of Skoda Octavias - a diesel which was ok in a VW parts bin kinda way, and an RS which has to be one of the best handling FWD cars I have driven.

Imagine how it is with 4WD and another 45 bhp (Used bargain)

Still deciding which Merc - old shape E320CDi as new one too much ! What Car have a head to head test of the new shape against the 530d at the moment and they are very evenly matched.

 

[Satch]

Well, I have had my W211 E320Cdi Avantgarde Estate for about 6 weeks now and am pleased to say it performs and handles far better than I had hoped for.

Previously had a BMW 530d and briefly considered the new 5 series saloon. Did a test drive and although it drove well enough IHMO it is vile both inside & out.

The other option was, yes, an M class but sadly the example I drove (a 320 petrol) had done 8000 miles & rattled horribly. Also not impressed with the overall fit & finish.

So yes, I agree: W211 320Cdi :bannana: :bannana: :bannana:

 

[GrahamC230K]

Originally posted by Flip
Christmas came a little early, I just spent a day with some of my firms cars on an empty airfield.

How did that come about?

 

[fuzzer]

Originally posted by Satch
Well, I have had my W211 E320Cdi Avantgarde Estate for about 6 weeks now and am pleased to say it performs and handles far better than I had hoped for.

Previously had a BMW 530d and briefly considered the new 5 series saloon. Did a test drive and although it drove well enough IHMO it is vile both inside & out.

The other option was, yes, an M class but sadly the example I drove (a 320 petrol) had done 8000 miles & rattled horribly. Also not impressed with the overall fit & finish.

So yes, I agree: W211 320Cdi :bannana: :bannana: :bannana:

i agree , the bloke ( or woman ) who designed the interior of the new BMW 5 series must have left their guide dog at home that day

 

[Brian WH]

Originally posted by Steve_Perry
Enter one smiling Brian, stage left


S.

What more can I say, another recommendation for this superb car, estate or saloon.:bannana: :bannana: :bannana:

 

[Flip]

Re: Re: ML270CDI E320CDI and an empty airfield...

Originally posted by GrahamC230K
How did that come about?

We do some specialist driver training on the airfield.

Brian - it was an estate, and although I thought it was great, I prefer the look of the saloon, so I would probably go for that.

 

[gregd]

Hey Satch..what colour / extras have you gone for on the E Class? I've got the same model on order for delivery 01/03/04..
Are you pleased with it? Any pics you can post up of your car?

Greg