E350CDi

Great car ruined by an engine with a known reliability problem

Purchased new in June 2010 and for 2 months enjoyed driving what was probably the best estate car you could buy at the time. Then the fuel economy started to drop (30mpg max) and the noise from the engine increase. Took it to the Merc dealer three times and each time yet another ECU or gearbox software update was applied, none solved the problem. I then had confirmation from the Merc UK (via the dealer) that there is a known problem with the 350Cdi engine which means that the diesel injectors need to individually have their control software reset every 2-5000 miles and that there was no permanent fix available. I wrote to Merc UK, the dealer and Merc Finance stating that I was rejecting the car and I returned it to the dealer. Since then the Customer Service (joke) depts at dealer, Merc UK and Merc Finance have stated that the car is in fact working 'within tolerance' and that if I'm not happy I should talk to one of the other Customer Service departments. Round in circles I go.
Type 'mercedes e350cdi engine problem' into Google and you will find reports from loads of other owners with the same problem.
All Merc have offered is to buy the car back for £6k less than I paid for it, how kind. What should have been a great car ruined by an engine with inherent problems and made worse by appalling service. 'The Best or Nothing' they clearly took the 'Nothing' option. Buy a petrol one or a BMW/Audi. My forth and last Merc (I'm now selling my SL as well because I refuse to have it serviced and give more money to Merc)

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