gdavis808

Hello Forum:

Since I am thinking about purchasing an E320 Blutec, I always read any article I can about the current market trend for diesel automobiles.

I just read this article on CNN: http://money.cnn.com/2007/05/01/auto...ion=2007050316
They stated that MB will release an R, ML and GL (I assume they mean the adBlu versions since the CDIs are out) and they will be phasing out the E320.

Has anyone heard about this "phasing out" of the E320 before? I actually find that strange since BMW, Honda, etc might release a diesel car here along with the return of VW diesels. CNN is normally (I find them to be) decently accurate with their business reports.

I hope this isn't true.

Thanks

lkchris

Poorly written.

It just means there will be a new E-class in 2008 or 2009 or whatever.

Doesn't mean no more diesels.

harkgar

I sincerely hope you are right Kent.

Nevada Jack

Totally wrong about the "phasing out of the E320." Where do these guys get their information from.

The E320 Bluetec for 45 states will be available until the Bluetec with the Urea system is available in mid to late 2008 and be approved for all 50 states. The E320 diesel is the poster child for MB and there is no way they plan to "phase it out."

Untertürkheim

I agree, there is no way MB could phase out what is perhaps their single most important model. The phase out probably refers to the current demi-Bluetec sysem.

On a side note, I was really hoping the true Bluetecs would be here as 2008 models (so late 2007 arrival), I hope it does not take as long as mid-late 2008 to actually get one, since CA has been bought out by the hybrid lobby.

DerekACS

My understanding is that Bluetec models for the ML, GL and R Classes will be introduced for the MY2008 in the US and these models will have the adBlue system to allow for sales in all 50 states. It remains unclear to me when the adBlue system will be added to the E320 Bluetec, MY2008 or MY2009 ?
However, there is no mention of this addition to the 2008 specs for Canadian E320 Bluetec, but then, our pollution standards (together with 45 states) have not yet reached the same puritanical levels of "Kallifornia" .

Nevada Jack

The M, GL and R will get the Bluetec with the AdBlue system when the E320 gets it. This will not be until the AdBlue (UREA) system has been approved by the EPA for each model engine and MB has developed a satisfactory and approved system on each model to store the Urea, prevent freezing of it, warn of low levels and a no-start or limited start system when the system determines the Urea level is low. Also the dealers must have a system in place to refill the urea tanks and there must be infrastructure to support Urea refills on the highways. All this is included in the EPA letter approving the concept of AdBlue.

The current CDI cannot be modified to accept AdBlue. The current E320BlueTec will need an additional tank and cat like attachment to use AdBlue. All will need EPA certification and that will take a while!

DerekACS

[QUOTE=Nevada Jack;2196634 The current E320BlueTec will need an additional tank and cat like attachment to use AdBlue. All will need EPA certification and that will take a while![/QUOTE]
Yes, I am glad that this additional level of complexity will not be aboard my 2008 E320 Bluetec.