270CDI / 400CDI

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Morzine
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Hi,

Doing some early research on G's and diesel is my intended route. Has anyone had any experience with the two CDI engines? Is the 270 up to the job in a 5 door? Is there much difference in service costs, I guess the V8(sounds nice doesn't it) would be half as much again? I was looking at 2000 year models and would be looking to buy second hand in Germany then import to the uk next year. I would intend to keep the vehicle for ten years.

Thanks in advance etc.

:D

mortinson
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Re: 270CDI / 400CDI

Morzine wrote:
Hi,
Doing some early research on G's and diesel is my intended route. Has anyone had any experience with the two CDI engines? Is the 270 up to the job in a 5 door? Is there much difference in service costs, I guess the V8(sounds nice doesn't it) would be half as much again? I was looking at 2000 year models and would be looking to buy second hand in Germany then import to the uk next year. I would intend to keep the vehicle for ten years.
Thanks in advance etc.
:D

Morzine,

Don't buy yourself a G500, unless your primary use will be to blast down the motorway at 120 mph. Yes, for this you'll need power and the difference between the G270 and the G500 is enormous (156 vs 296 BHP).

But in real life and for all uses other than the one above it is torque what counts, and of this, the G270 has bags: 400 Nm @ 1800-2600 rpm versus 456 NM @ 2800-4000. Or in other words, the G270 has 87% of the torque of the G500 at only 64% of the revs. Which means that it will feel more powerful in everyday use (low revs).

And on top of this, you have the fuel consumption: 25.9 mpg for the G270 vs 16.9 for the G500 (53% more).

The only problem is that I know this and so do many people so that second hand values of the CDI engines are very strong.

Regarding the G400, I would not consider it unless money were not an issue. It is even more impressive than the G270 (250 BHP, 560 NM @ 1700-2600 rpm and 22 mpg) but people complain about its reliability.

Cheers

mark
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270CDI / 400CDI

The 400CDI certainly seems to get slated a lot for reliability, but trying to find out exactly what the problems with it is not easy. There certainly seems to be enough of them around in Germany, and to my knowledge, there not by the side of the road, hazard lights going, waiting for the local road rescue. Perhaps the German forums may give more of an insight into the problems with the 400CDI..
270CDI doesn't seem to get the same slating as the 400. As Jesús mentions, providing you don't want a road burner, i'm sure the 270's moves along very nicely. It certainly moves the Sprinter commercial along at a fair rate, and the biggest Sprinters have a 6600 kg, GVW..

Morzine
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270CDI / 400CDI

Hi again,

More questions.

What was the diesel in the 300 like before the 270 CDi came along? I would consider buying the last of this series if it means less problems with all this electronic Command rubbish, which to be honest I don't really want.

Also what is the procedure with Merc dealerships in the UK servicing these vehicles, are some of them able or perhaps reluctant to do so? I will eventually live in Worcestershire.

What happens with any warranty if the vehicle is imported from Germany to the UK?

I currently run an E320 estate 1998 and have had a couple of warranty issues but these have been addressed based on a full service record etc.

Thanks,

Roly
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270CDI / 400CDI

The 300 turbodiesel prior to the 270 was an excellent engine. 177 HP. It came with a 5 speed auto Intercooler only LHD. The same engine as E class so servicing shouldn't be too difficult for an garage experienced in those vehicles. There aren't many in the country so for the rest of the vehicle you would need an experienced G mechanic. MB would get the parts no problem either in UK or directly from Germany

They have nowhere near as much electronics on them as the new CDI engines.

Pink Panzer
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270CDI / 400CDI

According to EU laws governing car sales, a warranty should be supported anywhere in the EU if purchased in the EU. I.e. if you bought a new G270 CDI from Germany Mercedes would have to support the warranty it was purchased with here in the UK. The 270 CDI engine should be well supported in this country as it is used in many Mercedes models of cars and vans, although the G version of the engine is tuned slightly different it should be no major problem.

Morzine
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270CDI / 400CDI

Hi,

Went for a test drive last night in a new(60 km) 270 CDI LWB, all the bells and whistles. I have to admit I was impressed with it. Did about an hour on the Autobahn and in the town and I couldn't really fault it. Back in 1998 I used to have a Range Rover TDI and compared to that it was a much better drive. Hopefully it would last longer too, 14,000 miles was the best the RR could manage before the gearbox gave in.

Has anyone else driven this model and care to share their thoughts?

Thanks,

Andy

mortinson
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270CDI / 400CDI

Nothing that hasn't already been said, really. I was extremely impressed by the poise of the G270CDI but in this respect it is no different from any other newish G.

Where the G270 really excels is in its mix of performance and economy.

Honestly, the G270CDI to me offers the best overall balance of all Gs. If you can afford it, go for it!

Cheers

ipanema
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Re: 270CDI / 400CDI

How about durability/reliability vs 300TD?

marcus
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Re: 270CDI / 400CDI

Jesus,
Do I understand that you would recommend a 5.0 l petrol over the 4.0 l diesel ?
It must be said that a 5.0 l petrol with a gas conversion ( and not running on Gordon Brown's gas ) has to start looking very financially attractive with the way the price of fuel is going.
Marcus

mortinson
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Re: 270CDI / 400CDI

I have not heard a single good report about the G400CDI

The Spanish guru for G matters -a guy who has known, driven, serviced and mended- more than 400 Gs says that he hates them because it makes him impossible to keep his customer happy.

Everybody I know has a G500 is delighted with his truck.

Orientdude
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Re: 270CDI / 400CDI

mortinson wrote:
I have not heard a single good report about the G400CDI

The Spanish guru for G matters -a guy who has known, driven, serviced and mended- more than 400 Gs says that he hates them because it makes him impossible to keep his customer happy.

Everybody I know has a G500 is delighted with his truck.Hello All,

I am a new member. The reason I joined is to find information specifically regarding the G400CDI. In the past I did own a 280GE LWB, but sold it due to relocation to Italy. Now I love to have a G400 and intend to import it from Germany to Italy, but what I read here, it seems a poor choice. I would appreciate if anyone provide me with the specific G400 issues?

Regards, to all.

marcus
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Re: 270CDI / 400CDI

Orientdude
Would'nt we all like to know why exactly there seems to be such a "bad press" in respect of the G400, I did ( I think ) see somewhere a complaint about the dual mass? flywheel giving problems, and as commented stories of overheating, it may simply be that DC tried too hard "a quart in a pint pot " may sum it up. Or it may be that those who choose to pay for the G 400 exploit the performance potential more than was anticapted.
O Walston has owned a couple ? def at least one G 400 and seemed to be well pleased with it
Anyway, buy a 320 CDI instead
Cheers
Marcus

Dan
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Re: 270CDI / 400CDI

The early ones did have problems. Duel injectors I believe.

Orientdude
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Re: 270CDI / 400CDI

Hello Marcus,

I also hear that the new 320CDI fitted to the E-Class etc, has many troubles from a good MB technician here in Italy, as in the UK.

I do intend to buy second-hand from Germany and keep a G for the long-term. If I could contact Mr. Walston it would help me immensely. The G has such an awe about it, all the other modern off-roaders, if I can term them as such do not come close.

I did think of the 500, but too much of a beast! If anyone has further advice especially from 400 owners, it would be much appreciated.

Thanks Marcus,
Steve

marcus
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Re: 270CDI / 400CDI

Steve.
search for "owalston" his businness e-mail is listed under contact details
Cheers,
Marcus

piggysims
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Re: 270CDI / 400CDI

Hi All,well I love my G400 it was bought new in january this year and been thrashed like I stole it has now done 15500 mile and not one G400 related problem! Brilliant low down torque and I'm getting 19mpg.

Dan
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Re: 270CDI / 400CDI

Did you get it from Holland? Still big money tough.

piggysims
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Re: 270CDI / 400CDI

No its a british vehicle from mayfair in london :lol:

marcus
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Re: 270CDI / 400CDI

That is,
EVEN BIGGER MONEY :)
And he then took it SERIOUSELY off-road
But fingers crossed some day it will be available 2nd hand
An TEE HEE, that means an even bigger depreciation.
Cheers
Marcus

Orientdude
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Re: 270CDI / 400CDI

Thanks Marcus!

Gs is Holland are very expensive and I must agree in the UK, there are even bigger money! Germany is still the best for G deals and it is where I intend to pick one up soon.

I think respect to Piggysims for using a G400 seriously off-road though. I intend to do the same but probably to a lesser degree.

Orientdude
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Re: 270CDI / 400CDI

Piggysims, Saw the picture of your car in the Gallery, why the side mirrors have no indicators built in? I thought that was a post 2003 modification?

Any ideas anyone?