servicing E class diesels

[sweeper]

i am thinking of buying a 2004 E class diesel, as i do my own servicing i was wandering if these cars have an oil drain plug? or will i have to purchase a pump to extract to oil? also am i able to reset the service indicator ( as i can on my c class) or is there a need for a special tool? i was looking at either a 270 or 320 rather than the 220 as i feel this may be under powered, would i be right?

Cheers

 

[SamR]

Hi, I have an E220 CDI 2001. Many will tell you that they're under powered. My view is that they're absolutely fine for normal driving i.e. can always accelerate, top end is 130mph (enough for most) and perform well on motorways etc. I never held up anyone... Any sports car will out drag on acceleration, but then if you want a sports car ... I believe the 2004 car has a higher power output than my engine, so I'd drive one before automatically going for the 270/320, you may be surprised. Also you have cheaper servicing, less glow plugs, injectors and better fuel consumption. Of course 4 cylinders not quite as smooth as 5 or 6. The only time mine struggled was when towing my large twin axle caravan, so I now have a Land Rover aswell.

Cheers

 

[Gollom]

I agree with SamR. I have a 2006 E220 CDi which I think is 140BHP and does not leave me wanting at all. As he says, the later ones have had a power increase (160 BHP?) - look for something on a late 2006 plate onwards

 

[sweeper]

I agree with SamR. I have a 2006 E220 CDi which I think is 140BHP and does not leave me wanting at all. As he says, the later ones have had a power increase (160 BHP?) - look for something on a late 2006 plate onwards

don't think budget will stretch to 2006 model, i have been used to the c230k, which never ever struggles and always has a bit in reserve even fully loaded, roof box and climbing, so i have been spoilt, and i fing the jag very annoying despite 220bhp as it is heavy and has little low down power, fine once it's revving but annoying for normal use. i will try a 220 though as there are more about and they are a bit cheaper.

 

[timskemp]

I'm running a 270, that's 141mph top speed. Other than that it uses more fuel, costs more to insure and service, and is a bit quicker off the line, if the 141 mph doesn't matter to you then get the 220. I'd say the 220 in the W211 (the model you're looking at in an 04) is absolutely fine. All the ones I've driven seem a bit quieter than the 270 as well at idle and cruise.

Me? I'll be getting a 320 next I think....

 

[Mr E]

My 04 E220CDi was more than adequate - including fully laden trips with roofbox through France. 150BHP is those.

New one is even better (170BHP), although being the estate I didn't need the roofbox this year

 

[SilverSaloon]

i dont know for sure but i think all cars will have an oil drain plug.

you should be able to reset the service interval reminder by selecting the option using the steering wheel buttons.

 

[SL300-24]

Maybe this is of interest to you?


http://www.mbclub.co.uk/forums/showthread.php?t=51332

 

[davidjpowell]

Don't let them con you - the 320 engine is superb!

David

 

[evdok]

Yep sure is..

 

[st4]

So is ther 220cdi for most (doesn't stop me wanting a 320cdi) but the 220cdi, even in 140bhp guise, is ample.

 

[Gareth]

i've got the 280, I wanted a 320 but this one was too good to leave.

 

[benzino]

Hi, ive got the 280, exact same as yours a few months ago. before that i had a 210 320cdi. The 280 is much smoother than the old 320 at least. however the 211 320 is probably even smoother (never tried it cos was getting too good a deal on the 280)

However i think there is currently a small problem with mine you may be able to shed some light on.

Fom idle, acceleration on the 280 is brilliant. 0-60 quick time. however, downshift from middle gears is really slow to react on kickdown. say if im going 50-60 coming to round about, slow down to check traffic and then want to accelerate off from about 20-30 cos i see a gap, it lets me down big time. i push my foot down but it seems to choke for second before kicking down and taking off.

took it merc oxford where i bought it and they did a software update on ecu and gearbox which resolved it for a month or so but now same again

any ideas??!!!

 

[Gareth]

hmm, I haven't tested mine fully but it seems to be similar from memory.

 

[Chattonmill]

If I want to overtake in my E320 I manually shift down to the gear I want to avoid any kick down lag, then shift back to Auto after.

 

[maddog]

Wouldnt it be worth having MB do the basic service to maintain goodwill and mobilolife cover if applicable???

I have my car serviced by MB and my last A service was £99 plus parts bearing in mind i have probably had £3000+ of goodwill repairs from MB i reckon i'm still up on the deal

All other repairs can be done by yourself or an independant so no need to pay MB rates fro replacing a set of brake pads for example

 

[glojo]

On a different thread there has been a huge long list of technical service bulletins for the E-class 211 motor vehicle. These bulletins are circulated to main dealers and instruct the service department to check vehicles, to add software and carry out certain modifications as and when required. By doing your own servicing then you and your pride and joy are not privy to all this extremely valuable information. I would NOT be exaggarating when I state that there has been hundreds of these bulletins.

Why not as others have suggested get the basic servicing carried out by a main dealer and then do the more expensive work.

Are you happy about disconnecting, or playing with the SBC braking system?

On older 211's without a shadow of a doubt...the 320CDI is the smoothest engine and the most quiet. The latest 220 E-class is a completely different beast and in my humble opinion is well worthy of consideration.

Good luck with the decsion
John

 

[elkavox]

How exactly can you reset the service indicator on the 220cdi 2004