jimbo1mcm

Just completed a nice 12 hour each way trip. Didn't have to stop for diesel very much, but a couple of times I stopped and the nozzle was too big for the tank opening.( Obviously set up for a truck tank ). I think I will start carrying a funnel that allows me to fill up at this kind of pump. Don't want to get stuck at 2 in the morning with no place to fill up. Fits in the spare wheel well.

CE750

Nice Jim... what kid of milage did you average on your trip to the coast?

jimbo1mcm

Car got 34.2, doing about an average of 74mph. Not bad with only 7000 miles on the engine. Should get a couple more mpg when the engine loosens up.

CE750

you must have done quite a bit of passing, etc.. seems kind of low, even for 7000. I have 6700 miles now, and back with only 5000 or so, I was getting 40 (see my post) at 66, and about 38 at 75, and this is wheneht temp was 100 degrees.

pa28pilot

I'm all for standards on unique gas/air hose fittings for oxygen/nitrogen/etc, but the diesel nozzle thing makes no sense to me. At my nearest filling station, the diesel pump has a different nozzle on each side, one for trucks and one for cars. It is not at all clear to me what busybody (EPA? NHTSA?) was responsible for the "little" filler hole for diesel.

All it seems to do is delay us on days when more than one diesel vehicle of the same sort is there to fill up.

jimbo1mcm

I don't understand why my mpg are so low. I usually travel with the back doors and the trunk lid open, to help air circulation and my fuel is really cheap because I mix old engine oil and kerosene in with my diesel. I like a very comfortable ride, so I use 12-15 lbs of air pressure in my tires. Should I use nitrogen?

HELL ONA HARLEY

Thats the 64K question.... That day may never come. I guess only time will tell.

Yes, diesels get better gas milage, but in most parts of the country it's more exspensive than gasoline. When diesel is reformulated (refineries have started construction now) its only going to rise and completely nullify the advantage of purchasing a diesel car (for most folks). The oil companies know damn well your diesel is getting great milage, but will sure to keep you at no advantage by owning one as long as your using there product. Even if it was a more even playing field as far as economics between the gas and diesel cars, the fact that diesel isn't available at every corner and this B.S as described above about the different nozzels only makes things only worse

cdiken

Its wonderful, it accepts truck and of course car nozzles.

In fact, some of the Lincoln Mark VII diesels were accidentally fitted with the small nozzle openings and FORD ACTUALLY RECALLED THEM as a convenience to customers.....yes FORD, in 1984!!!

Regarding the funnel idea, you should also include a pair of gloves and maybe a bar of LAVA soap, sort of a little kit, because while the funnel will save you in an emergency you will probably get greaseballed. May I suggest a BIG capacity funnel with a section of minimum 3/4" diameter tubing (since most hoses have a static wire, if it touches the fuel it stops, and you will go bonkers and get wet trying to get your first gallon in). Whatever you do, "fit it up" at home first so that you know it will work and you won't end up scratching your car or getting your leg soaked with diesel. Keep us posted!

KB

michakaveli

I am assuming the opening on the w211 must be smaller than on the w210, as I have no problem with my w210.

How would a funnel help. Those truck pumps pump with so much more pressure you'd be spraying diesel everywhere and all over yourself.

CE750

Jim, what are you talking about?
Used motor oil? and open doors?

SAguirre

My friend who always drives around with his TDI also noticed that some nozzles don't fit. He got the reason why!

If you get the bigger nozzle, then you can go to the truck stops and use the pumps that pump about 30 gal/minute!! If you use your funnel you might need more than what CDIKEN suggested. My friend has used the truck pumps even with his smaller nozzle, but was very careful and used very little trigger.

In this area, I find that diesel is only more expensive in the fall. Otherwise it is usually significantly cheaper than 91 Octane. Currently, I can get 91 octane for $2.75/per gallon and diesel for $3.29. So my gasoline E320 is currently cheaper to drive than a CDI, however, I love the torque feel of a diesel! My E320 has more torque than my S6 or my 300E at low RPMs, but it is no CDI.

After living with diesels in Europe, I have liked the pull at low RPMs that a diesel has. Even if the new V6 CDI might be geared so that it is slower than my E320 gasoline up to 60 MPH, I am sure that it will feel quicker since it will set me back in my seat differently. My E320 shifts so smoothly and pulls so hard throughout the whole power band that it does not feel that fast. Of course, my S6 will Kill you once the RPMs hit 2800 and keeps you set back until 6,500 RPMs (redline at 7k). However, the diesel purr and low RPMs while it can wrench a tree up from its roots is very appealing to me.

It is just a matter of taste,

Steve

CE750

Steve, Diesel would have to hit $3.55/gal before your E320 is cheaper to drive, based on MB book numbers. Remember, if I'm getting 40mpg down in Phoenix, you would be easily inside 44mpg range it 5000'..

I don't get diesel prices in some states.. it must be a supply issue as here in Phoenix it's 2.99/gal and super is 2.89..

themerc

I've been enjoying my E320 CDI in the Denver area (just got it a couple of months ago). I too, love the torque!

Regarding fuel consumption, I'm sure that a naturally aspirated engine will use less fuel at 5,000 ft MSL than it will at sea level - all other things being equal.

However, I think that a forced induction engine, particularly one with turbo-charging, might well consume about the same amount of fuel at either altitude.

This is because the turbo will end up spinning faster and/or longer to help produce the requested power output in the less dense air at 5,000 MSL than it has to at sea level. The resultant air density in the cylinders will be similar between the two altitudes. So, the amount of fuel needed for the proper AFR will be similar as well.

I recently drove to Albuquerque, NM and back over a long weekend.
We got 36 mpg for the entire trip; cruising 85 mph between the two cities, both of which are at 5,000 ft MSL.

SAguirre

Yea, I know, but I am also imagining that the CDI would also be a 4-Matic which should also reduce the MPGs on my dream CDI, but all being said, when you spend this kind of money on a car I really could care less about the economy.

I only log everything and like all this stuff because I am a number cruncher. Otherwise, here in Colorado I would still be able to save money if you averaged the year long price. Just after hurricane Katrina hit, Premium 91 octane here hit $3.28 and diesel was still lagging behind at $2.89, so that would have save a bunch of money! Also, since I would have a minimum range of about 600 miles per tank I would not have to duel up that much in the fall when prices go up. I do sometimes split pennies. But then pay cash for cars and homes .

I think you figure out I am a diesel fan,

Steve

jimbo1mcm

Found a nice funnel at NAPA. Manufactured for Balkamp, Indianapolis, Ind. 46241. It is NAPA part number: 821 5212, MECHANICS FUNNEL. The exit end of the funnel is the correct diameter to push in the small retaining plate in the fuel tank, and seat itself firmly. It also has a large opening with a drip cutout for the larger fuel nozzles, or hand delivery from a 5 gallon or similar tank.

A pair of disposable rubber gloves are a good idea, since truck nozzles are not usually totally dry.

jimbo1mcm

Just kidding about the doors, fuel and tire pressure Sam!!! Wanted to get you back on your medication!!!!