To buy a 2006 c320cdi or e220cdi?

[iceracoon]

Hello,

I'm considering buying either a facelift e220cdi (170bhp) or a c320cdi.
Ideally, I'd like to have the c320cdi, however I'm worried about some of the issues with steering (alignment and feel).
In a couple of forums (not necessarily here) I've read that the c class's steering can cause a lot of problem with pulling to the left and uneven tyre wear. Does this affect all c classes or only the earlier ones? Was this sorted by 2006? The other thing is that I've heard people complain about the car wandering at high speeds and a generally over-light feeling to the steering, but I'm not sure this applies to all c classes or just earlier ones or ones. My reason for putting the e220 cdi as an alternative is that it is still within budget and I expect the 170bhp gives decent, if not breath-taking performance and doesn't seem to be affected by the same steering issues.
Any thoughts and advice much appreciated

 

[BlackC55]

The best thing to do is drive them both and compare. This will be only way YOU can make a comparison. The C320CDI is brilliant IMO

 

[davidjpowell]

I've had a C320, currently have a E320, and have driven a E220. If you can live with the size between the two I would go for the C320. The performance is remarkable.

I never noticed mine pulling to the left or uneven tyre wear. Main difference I found was that the C was not quite as luxurious or put together as the E. Still miss mine though, and I would happily ditch the E in favour if times were different.

 

[iceracoon]

Anything you think I should look out for on a c320cdi? I've found an MB dealer who wants about 14K for an 06 c320cdi avantgarde with 41k on the clock - does that sound right to you?

 

[macabethiel]

I have driven both on a regular basis - the E class is in my opinion a much better vehicle in virtually every respect.

 

[A-AvantGarde]

I have driven both on a regular basis - the E class is in my opinion a much better vehicle in virtually every respect.

Yes, agree if you're talking about like for like engines, e.g. C320 CDI vs E320 CDI or C220 CDI vs E220 CDI.

However given the choice of a C320 CDI or an E220 CDI I'd go for the C320.

 

[st4]

I'd rather have a 211 E220cdi than a 203 C320cdi.

The 211 is just such a lovely car.

The E220cdi is no ball of fire, a C320cdi very rapid.

Could you not get an E320cdi. Then you have the power and the luxury.

If you can hold out, stretch the finance term longer a 204 C class 320cdi is just what you want. These are a much better car than the 203 and a worth competitor to a 211.