Kev04C320

Why are they so **** about DIESEL? The newer diesel engine burns cleaner and gives better mpg. I just don't understand Is this a political move?

marc32

Nope, The only thing Mercedes has a problem with is the diesel offered here in the US does not burn as clean as the diesel offered in Europe. Thus creating problems for the diesels sold here in the US. If The gas company providing the diesel here were to provide the same grade of diesel offered in Europe,we would probably see a rise of diesel mercedes offered throughout the line up. You also have to realize the American public for the most part lost their faith in the diesel motor, especially when US car makers came out with those pos gas converted engines back in the eighties. Also another point we also have the least expensive gas in the world, compared to other countries. So there isnt any real desire for our goverment to push diesel motors here. If you were to look at the car prices in Europe for example you will see that any car sold with a diesel engine are more expensive and hold there resale value, but not so true with any gas motor. The goverments in Europe put a larger tax/duty on the vehicle due to engine size. Thus making it clear to the consumer there to buy a diesel. Its a real darn shame that mercedes hasnt brought in the S class diesel here yet, I have driven the 400cdi diesel there. Its absolutely an amazing motor

FossilFuel

It was only a matter of time til the C350 came out, but I didnt expect it as a 'refresh' engine in the 203's. That being said, I'm happier to see the the 7G-Tronic is listed as available for all V6 engines. Hopefully, the C55 will pick it up, or take it out of the SLK55, at the same time.

trench

MB is bringing over the 2005 E320 CDI, it just won't be sold in five states (California, New York, Vermont and two others I can't recall). I drove one at the "LoveMercedes" tour - that 370 lb-ft of torque is sweet. Hopefully we'll eventually get the lower sulfur fuel so they can be sold in Khaliforneeah.

prodigy1387

yes, you're right....that 323 always gets me confused. kind of like how the c240 is actually a 2.6 liter v6 heh.

cdiken

Ever since my 1970 Dodge Dart Swinger, and 1985 Ford straight six, I have been sold on the straight six. Why use a V6 that requires balance shafts, etc when an I6 is naturally balanced. Plus, the I6 motors are inherently more torquey at the bottom RPM's, where most of the United States real-world putz driving takes place.

Only advantage to V6 is a shorter nose....that's probably the long-term styling trend, shorter nose = more passenger room with same overall length of the car, plus better outward visibility. But I like a long hood.

KB