350cdi / 320cdi V6 what's the status
As for aluminum blocks, I think they might be more reliable than the combination of cast iron block and aluminum heads that our 1984 190D had. Of course we had no problems with it during the 17 years we drove it and my former neighbor hasn't had any problems during the 5 years he's had it.
Seriously, I wouldn't worry about the new V6 other than the complications that rail injection and tri-turbos might cause. The simplicity of mechanical injection pumps are long gone.
As for aluminum blocks, I think they might be more reliable than the combination of cast iron block and aluminum heads that our 1984 190D had.
)How can an aluminum block be more reliable than an iron block? The words "physically impossible" come to mind..
)How can an aluminum block be more reliable than an iron block? The words "physically impossible" come to mind..
There is nothing wrong with an aluminum block. This one has cast-in grey iron cylinder liners which is what's important. So long as the block provides adequate support for the bottom end, what's to worry about?
I would not buy one for a year or so but then I wouldn't buy any new technology right out of the box (including BMW's new I6).
Why worry? The vast majority of initial buyers will never find out how long the engine will last. There are many advantages to the new engine including smaller size and lighter weight. It has a shorter, stiffer crankshaft. It has tri-turbos. It has a cylinder head of the same material as the block.
I don't like V6's because they have a coarse sound to them when pushed. Otherwise, I can't say that my BMW I6's were any smoother running than my E320.
Technology marches on
got it! and I do agree about the lasting thing...we'll all trade them in inside of 5 years anyway!
Trending Topics
We drove our 190D for 17 years, I'm still driving my 1991 300E after 14 years and I have no intentions of selling the E320 any time soon.
The Best of Mercedes & AMG
The 7speed cannot mate to the I6 for space reasons.
There is nothing wrong with an aluminum block. This one has cast-in grey iron cylinder liners which is what's important. So long as the block provides adequate support for the bottom end, what's to worry about?
I would not buy one for a year or so but then I wouldn't buy any new technology right out of the box (including BMW's new I6).
Why worry? The vast majority of initial buyers will never find out how long the engine will last. There are many advantages to the new engine including smaller size and lighter weight. It has a shorter, stiffer crankshaft. It has tri-turbos. It has a cylinder head of the same material as the block.
I don't like V6's because they have a coarse sound to them when pushed. Otherwise, I can't say that my BMW I6's were any smoother running than my E320.
Technology marches on

I just hope there are no problems because it could really crush their reputation.
The one thing I did notice was how sluggish the car was untill it warmed up properly. Apparently this is a feature so the cast iron cylinder liners heat up at the correct temp and not to fast which could cause problems as iron and alluminium expand/contract at different speeds/temperatures.
The one thing I did notice was how sluggish the car was untill it warmed up properly. Apparently this is a feature so the cast iron cylinder liners heat up at the correct temp and not to fast which could cause problems as iron and alluminium expand/contract at different speeds/temperatures.
Does anyone know if these engines are used in diesel taxis? Mind you, that still is not my worry. After all, you start the taxi once in the morning and it's running all day. It's the start up and cooling down in northern climates that worry me. Up here, you can have -25 C. in the middle of winter and that should just put one hell of a shock into the system. On top of that, the high pressures of the diesel engine. OUCH!
I guess that by the time I am going to buy my next E, these engines will have 8 years under their belt. By that time, it will either be a success or Mercedes will be replacing engines....or cars.
Newer V6 diesel http://www.germancarfans.com/news.cf...ercedes/1.html
The iron sleeves inside Aluminum flies the the face of what I learned in material science classes... those metals have different heat properties.
If you look at this picture from the Hydra website, the cylinder walls seem to be missing.. so maybe the steel sleeves fit inside and have no aluminum around them.. which would assist in the expansion. However, the top of the block still is made of aluminum where those sleeves must be inserted.
I don't see why MB sold out to the V6 cost cutters! BMW is now the only company (to their credit) still using the superior design of the I6.
Last edited by CE750; Sep 6, 2005 at 11:22 AM.
Newer V6 diesel http://www.germancarfans.com/news.cf...ercedes/1.html
that picture is actually of the 2.0L I5. I can't find a large pic of the I6 anywhere..
It's also more difficult to design an I6 to get equal inlet flow vs. the more compact V arrangement. Then there are other V6 advantages in size, weight and stiffness. V6 engines also offer more options in transmissions and drive train choices.
Yes, V6's are probably less expensive to produce but they offer a great many advantages to the consumer.
I'm a long time fan of BMW sixes so it's taken me some time to admit that my predudice was keeping me from seeing the whole picture.



