Half A Million Miles: 2006 Mercedes-Benz E320 CDI
Mercedes-Benz diesel engines from the 70s/80s/90s are noteworthy for their ability to outlast all of the other parts of a Mercedes-Benz vehicle, even though those vehicles were built to a high standard. The legendary Daimler quality reputation took a hit during the Daimler-Chrysler era but the diesel engines still seem to last longer than their gasoline equivalent. But this next car has survived to the 530k mile mark, but the engine has gone into limp mode, which is exactly what it sounds like. Find this 2006 Mercedes-Benz E320 CDI offered for $2500 in Concord, NC via craigslist. Tip from Matt V.
From the seller:
2006 mercedes benz e32 cdi
fuel: diesel
odometer: 530000
title status: clean
transmission: automatic
2006 Mercedes E320 clean title new transmission installed 150k miles ago new turbo installed 150k ago has a new high pressure fuel pump installed 50k miles ago car has 530,000 miles and run and drives I was told that the car may be in something called limp mode I don’t know the car has a problem not going to spend any more money. The car has normal wear and tear for the mileage being so as-is asking 2500.00 obo call
See a better way to drive something that burns oil on purpose? tips@dailyturismo.com
I wonder what the odds are that this gets picked up by someone wanting to abuse the “They don’t do emissions checks on Diesels in my state” loophole, and ends up with some crazy V8 swap.
With a different tune and a turbo swap, this engine would be making 600+ ft lbs of torque. They made this E class with a supercharged V8 as well
If I am not mistaken, this car STILL holds the speed endurance record. It’s a fascinating story you can read about it here:
https://www.mercedes-benz.com/en/classic/museum/mercedes-benz-e-320-cdi-record-car/
Vid: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kMRbV4pIdyc
I bought one of these at Manheim Miami in 2009 and got nearly 40mpg going 80 driving it back to Austin. I had it for 3 years till some old guy with a tractor knob on his steering wheel hit me and totaled it. I’d probably still have it today if it hadn’t been totaled. It was the ultimate mule.
Limp Mode, wasn’t that an 80s bondage band or am I thinking of Depeche Bizkit?
My friend Google says:
https://mbworld.org/forums/e-class-w211/126038-e320-cdi-power-loss-limp-home-mode.html
So maybe it’s cheap and simple.