E-Class (W211) 2003-2009

BlueTec Turbo Lag?

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Old Mar 12, 2007 | 11:33 PM
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BlueTec Turbo Lag?

I have a friend who was very unhappy with the turbo lag in his 2005 CDI. Is there any improvement with the current BlueTec?
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Old Mar 12, 2007 | 11:42 PM
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What turbo?

Edit: According to automobilemag.com they really do have turbos. Weird how mbusa.com mentions "turbo" on the S600 and "supercharged" on the E55 but not on the E320.
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Old Mar 12, 2007 | 11:51 PM
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Originally Posted by BudC
I have a friend who was very unhappy with the turbo lag in his 2005 CDI. Is there any improvement with the current BlueTec?
Diesels and Florida grapefruit are illegal here in California, but I've rented a number of CDI cars on business trips to Europe. I thought the lag was pretty minimal. It had been a while (since my '83 300SD) since I drove a turbodiesel, but I was floored with the grunt right off idle. And no waiting for glow plugs! Starts like a gasoline engine. I don't know if your friends car had a problem or if his expectations were unreasonable, but I suggest you test drive one if you're thinking diesel.

And yes, I can feel more lag with my S65 but only under 1,200 RPM .
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Old Mar 12, 2007 | 11:53 PM
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Originally Posted by midget fidger
What turbo?

Edit: According to automobilemag.com they really do have turbos. Weird how mbusa.com mentions "turbo" on the S600 and "supercharged" on the E55 but not on the E320.
No modern diesel engine is normally aspirated.
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Old Mar 13, 2007 | 12:35 AM
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It has a Garrett GT20V variable-geometry turbocharger. The question is if the current V6 CDI has less turbo lag than the older straight six CDI?

Since this engine is all over the place now (even in Chrysler models) I suppose I could go drive one. Unfortunately, the Mercedes dealerships in my area are inconvenient for me to get to.
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Old Mar 13, 2007 | 01:17 AM
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Not sure what your friend is talking about...the CDI doesn't have any turbo lag to speak of. There's enough torque off idle to break the rear tires loose...perhaps he's spinning them.
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Old Mar 13, 2007 | 01:28 AM
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Originally Posted by Alan Smithee
Not sure what your friend is talking about...the CDI doesn't have any turbo lag to speak of. There's enough torque off idle to break the rear tires loose...perhaps he's spinning them.
First of all, we're talking about a 2005 CDI, not the V6. Secondly, when he went to accelerate there was significant turbo lag so that the car suddenly accelerated after some delay. I'm curious to know if the current V6 diesel has this problem.

I can't say that his car didn't have an unusual problem or that he simply couldn't adapt to it but what I'm interested in is the current engine and anyone experiencing turbo lag with it.

I'd also be interested in the opinion of those who have owned both the straight six and the V6 versions of the diesel. Is the current V6 more powerful or are they about equal in performance?
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Old Mar 13, 2007 | 01:53 AM
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Originally Posted by BudC
First of all, we're talking about a 2005 CDI, not the V6. Secondly, when he went to accelerate there was significant turbo lag so that the car suddenly accelerated after some delay. I'm curious to know if the current V6 diesel has this problem.
Actually, I don't think your friends car has "turbo lag" per se.

If you mean from a dead stop, then yes. If you mean while driving, I would blame the transmission.

I've got an '05 cdi and do have "issues" at speed, but it's mostly due to what I consider poor transmission shift points (at least for performance). It has the sensation of hesitating to downshift under hard acceleration.

One thing that can minimize how this works is to do one of the ECU resets described here: https://mbworld.org/forums/w211-amg/148019-holy-crap-you-guys-sneaky-ecu-reset-works.html

This will tend to improve street type driving feel; although for a limited time as the transmission "unlearns" what you want it to do.
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Old Mar 13, 2007 | 02:04 AM
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Originally Posted by Andy0331
Actually, I don't think your friends car has "turbo lag" per se.

If you mean from a dead stop, then yes. If you mean while driving, I would blame the transmission.

I've got an '05 cdi and do have "issues" at speed, but it's mostly due to what I consider poor transmission shift points (at least for performance). It has the sensation of hesitating to downshift under hard acceleration.

One thing that can minimize how this works is to do one of the ECU resets described here: https://mbworld.org/forums/showthread.php?t=148019

This will tend to improve street type driving feel; although for a limited time as the transmission "unlearns" what you want it to do.
I know what you are talking about since I have a 2004 E320. I hate that transmission but I'm not sure that's what he is talking about. I'll talk to him tomorrow and see what he says.
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Old Mar 13, 2007 | 01:27 PM
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Make sure he has the transmission set on 'S'. Otherwise the car will start in second gear and shifts will be early and slow; generally more lethargic. The 2005-2006 CDI has its faults, but turbo lag isn't one of them.
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Old Mar 13, 2007 | 02:15 PM
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Originally Posted by Alan Smithee
Make sure he has the transmission set on 'S'. Otherwise the car will start in second gear and shifts will be early and slow; generally more lethargic. The 2005-2006 CDI has its faults, but turbo lag isn't one of them.
No, the problems he felt he was having had nothing to do with the 5G transmission. He's had more than one Mercedes with that transmission along with several with the 7G so he's quite familiar with them.

I'm going to assume that if there was a turbo lag problem, it wasn't normal and the new BlueTec's with the 7G transmissions should be fine as well.

BTW, I just read that BMW will be importing their X5 with the twin turbo diesel into the U.S. next year. This engine revs to 5K and produces 369 ft. lbs. of torque from 3.0 liters.
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Old Mar 13, 2007 | 03:41 PM
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get a kleemann module for the CDI. He will not complain anymore.
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Old Mar 13, 2007 | 04:02 PM
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Originally Posted by KosherBenz
get a kleemann module for the CDI. He will not complain anymore.
He's long since replaced it with an E350. BTW, what is the color of your car? It's very nice.
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Old Mar 18, 2007 | 03:42 AM
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Originally Posted by Alan Smithee
Make sure he has the transmission set on 'S'. Otherwise the car will start in second gear and shifts will be early and slow; generally more lethargic. The 2005-2006 CDI has its faults, but turbo lag isn't one of them.
What are its other faults? I am curious to know...

Thanks!
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Old Mar 18, 2007 | 10:06 AM
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I drove a BlueTec yesterday. I was very impressed. It was quiet and smoother than the M112 V6 in my E320. I didn't notice any turbo lag except perhaps just a bit off the line or for a second or two speeding up to enter freeways.

I'll probably get an E350 instead of the BlueTec primarily because I don't drive enough miles to make the economy worth while and I'm concerned about all the hardware hung on the exhaust system to clean it up. I don't know how much of that qualifies for the 8 year/80K warranty mandated by the US Government. I'd hate to have to pay to replace any of it.

The engine has also had some teething problems and I don't want to have to deal with that while they are being resolved.

Overall, driving the BlueTec was a pleasant experience and you'd never know it was a diesel with the windows closed.

If I lived in California with it's high gasoline prices and relatively low diesel prices I'd buy one as soon as I could.
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Old Mar 18, 2007 | 03:32 PM
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[QUOTE=BudC;2084841]I drove a BlueTec yesterday.
I'll probably get an E350 instead of the BlueTec primarily because I don't drive enough miles to make the economy worth while and I'm concerned about all the hardware hung on the exhaust system to clean it up. I don't know how much of that qualifies for the 8 year/80K warranty mandated by the US Government. I'd hate to have to pay to replace any of it.

Many thanks for sharing your driving impressions of the E320 Bluetec.

With the E350, you would burn 40% more fuel than with the E320 Bluetec. Does this difference not "make the economy worth while" ????

As far as warranty coverage for the catalytic converters is concerned, the Warranty Manual should explain this in detail. Any Bluetec owner members of the forum should be able to answer this question. According to the Canadian website, "certain emission parts" are covered for 8 years. In any event, replacing a catalytic converter will be many thousands less than having to replace the nickel-hydride battery pack in a Hybrid.
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Old Mar 18, 2007 | 04:06 PM
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I live in Arizona where diesel fuel costs more than premium gasoline. I drive about 7,500 miles a year and even assuming 10 MPG better fuel mileage than I get with the E320, it would take a while to make up for the extra $1,000 the diesel costs over the E350.

I've estimated how much money I'd save driving the previous E320 CDI on a 5,000 trip in the US vs. my E320 and it would be about $150. That's not worth giving up the convenience of owning gas over diesel.

We drove a 190D for 17 years so I'm familiar with what it's like to be a diesel owner. If the BlueTec was as simple and reliable as the older Mercede diesels with mechanical injection pumps then things would be different but the BlueTec is a very complex car.

Of course in California, premium fuel is extremely expensive and diesel is far more reasonable. Combine that with the economy of a BlueTec and getting a diesel is a no-brainer (when it's possible).
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Old Mar 18, 2007 | 04:09 PM
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Originally Posted by DerekACS
According to the Canadian website, "certain emission parts" are covered for 8 years. In any event, replacing a catalytic converter will be many thousands less than having to replace the nickel-hydride battery pack in a Hybrid.
I think catalytic converters are the only thing covered by the long term warranty. Everything else is covered by a two year/24,000 mile warranty (if it's not covered by the basic warranty).
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Old Mar 18, 2007 | 06:23 PM
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Originally Posted by BudC
I think catalytic converters are the only thing covered by the long term warranty. Everything else is covered by a two year/24,000 mile warranty (if it's not covered by the basic warranty).
Bud,
I checked the MB Canada site for the current warranty terms, which I would assume are similar for the US market. Basically, the warranty could be described as 2/4/5/8 :
2 year "Wear and Tear" coverage for light bulbs, brake pads, discs. etc.;
4 year coverage for the entire car inc. engine, transmission, electrics, etc.;
5 year rust perforation coverage;
8 year coverage for Emission System.
Tomorrow, I will look at a copy of the "Warranty Manual" for specific details and exclusions and I will report my findings here.
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Old Mar 18, 2007 | 06:48 PM
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Originally Posted by DerekACS
Bud,
I checked the MB Canada site for the current warranty terms, which I would assume are similar for the US market. Basically, the warranty could be described as 2/4/5/8 :
2 year "Wear and Tear" coverage for light bulbs, brake pads, discs. etc.;
4 year coverage for the entire car inc. engine, transmission, electrics, etc.;
5 year rust perforation coverage;
8 year coverage for Emission System.
Tomorrow, I will look at a copy of the "Warranty Manual" for specific details and exclusions and I will report my findings here.
Here are the components of the BlueTec system http://www.worldcarfans.com/classics...uetec-in-depth

Three of the four parts are catalytic converters which should be covered 8 years/80K in the US. I wouldn't doubt but what the particulate filter is covered as well. On the other hand, once you pass 80K, it could get expensive.
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Old Mar 19, 2007 | 02:16 PM
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Originally Posted by harperb
What are its other faults? I am curious to know...
Nothing major. 208hp isn't much to haul around 4,000lbs, and you feel it at high RPMs when you're out of the torque band. The suspension is very soft, and the steering a bit numb (supposedly improved across the 2007 E-class line-up). These are nits, though, and I knew about them going in...getting ~35mpg on the highway, the smooth and silent highway ride, getting 600+ miles on a tankful, and paying .40 less per gallon than super unleaded more than make up for any issues.

The point of my post was that the CDI doesn't suffer from turbo lag.
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Old Mar 19, 2007 | 08:04 PM
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Originally Posted by DerekACS
Bud,
Tomorrow, I will look at a copy of the "Warranty Manual" for specific details and exclusions and I will report my findings here.
I tried three local MB dealers; not one Bluetec in stock !
Now that the Canadian Federal Government is going to reward the purchasers of fuel efficient cars with rebates and penailze the purchasers of guzzlers, MB diesel sales in Canada should increase even more.
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Old Mar 19, 2007 | 08:48 PM
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Originally Posted by DerekACS
I tried three local MB dealers; not one Bluetec in stock !
Now that the Canadian Federal Government is going to reward the purchasers of fuel efficient cars with rebates and penailze the purchasers of guzzlers, MB diesel sales in Canada should increase even more.
Dealers here in Arizona seem to have as many BlueTec's as they do E350's. They sell for $1,000 more than E350's.
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Old Mar 20, 2007 | 02:53 PM
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Originally Posted by BudC
Dealers here in Arizona seem to have as many BlueTec's as they do E350's. They sell for $1,000 more than E350's.
Perhaps one explanation for relatively strong diesel sales in Canada is the different pricing strategy used by MB Canada. Here, the base price of the E320 Bluetec is $67,800 v's $74,500 for the E350 4Matic sedan (there is no RWD version offered in Canada). However, when you add in the three popular option packages (leather, HK sound system & bi-zenons), the Bluetec price jumps to $73,475,or $1025 less than the 350 4Matic.
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Old Mar 20, 2007 | 03:58 PM
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Originally Posted by DerekACS
Perhaps one explanation for relatively strong diesel sales in Canada is the different pricing strategy used by MB Canada. Here, the base price of the E320 Bluetec is $67,800 v's $74,500 for the E350 4Matic sedan (there is no RWD version offered in Canada). However, when you add in the three popular option packages (leather, HK sound system & bi-zenons), the Bluetec price jumps to $73,475,or $1025 less than the 350 4Matic.
Having vacationed up there last summer, I can understand why Canadians would want a diesel. The cost of fuel is very high compared to the US. In the past, it wasn't so bad because the US Dollar was a lot stronger.

I'm almost tempted to buy a diesel just to afford vacationing in California and Canada
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