saffrontiger

For all the CDI owner's here in the US, looks like there will be no competition for the E320 CDI with BMW having no plans to introduce the 530/535D here. Too bad, because as much as you may hate the shape, the engine is fantastic. Oh well, so much for competiton being good for the marketplace. I hope to get a good discussion out of this as the CDI here in the US and on this board is rarely discussed or embraced like it is with our Euro friends.

Here you go...
http://www.autoweek.com/article.cms?articleId=100644

jester2ll2

I agree, IDB that the closest competition would be the Passat GLS TDI, but I wouldn't even call it competition.

Before realizing that MB had brought out the CDI I had been looking at other new diesel's and there really are not to many out there for the North American Market.

Its basically VW or Benz () for cars, Ford or VW for SUVs or the big name American guys for Pickups.

khaug

I'm sure other manufacturers will be watching the CDI's sales performance closely. Most euro manufacturers do diesels for their home markets. BMW, for example, sells a 530 diesel in Europe, which was very favorably reviewed in the current issue of AutoWeek. Its performance and fuel mileage were similar to figures reported for the CDI.

jester2ll2

I've never understood the average American's reluctance to a diesel powered automobile.

Although, having this new generation of diesel power has definetly gotten a lot of peoples attention around my town. Mostly its, "Wow, thats a diesel? I can't even hear the engine."

I think most people still have that idea in their head that diesel's are noisy and smell bad. But hopefully this new generation will turn more people on to them.

saffrontiger

I believe preconceived notions regarding diesels are formed because of past experiences with 70/80's diesel technology. Clean disel technology will take sometime to catch on, but once gas prices rise to $3/gallon, you will defintely see a panic surge in interest with diesel. ULSD is around the corner but still taking to long to come to the pumps. It is already available to most major cities for fleet/motor pool use. This could make a serious dent with particulate matter and Nox emissions if available now. With those variables controlled, I truly believe we will see a huge gain in diesel utilization here in the US.

A good resource for diesel is the following:
http://www.dieselforum.com/
Jay

shoes

Anyone know how much the low particulate diesel fuel will cost when it is available widely in 2007? I sense a rip off coming.

jester2ll2

This is interesting...

Taken from http://webreprints.djreprints.com/997110697061.html

As of now there are only 2 Diesel SUV models available in the US...this could be interesting.

I hope MB brings over the G-Wagen diesel.

saffrontiger

Early est.'s are 3-5 cents/gal increase. It's complicated as each state has their own formulations to comply with. As well it must trucked/railed in as there are no pipelines yet to carry ULSD according to Valero Energy
As for rip-off..nope, but defintely willl help w/ emissions and more importantly, performance. I think as diesel catches on you will see that the marketplace adjusts accordingly. Diesel is easier/cheaper to refine and of course is well utilzed globally except for guess where...you got it the US!

MB-JIM

I think BMW is simply going to wait and see how the MB diesels sell. They may feel the market is too small to support a second luxury car in that market. If the sales go well, you can be sure that BMW will bring their car in. They also may be waiting until diesels can be sold in California.

glojo

Just wait until you get similar diesel fuel to that used in Europe. Service intervals in excess of 20,000 miles. These engines are sensational and the latest BMW 535 is still a 3ltr diesel with twin turbo's and that thing flies (well nearly)

Congratulations on an excellent choice and hopefully MBUSA will one day give you a full choice of options.

Bye for now,
John
Dark Torquay

kort677

Is that so? Ford, GM, I believe Dodge and VW all have diesel suvs

jester2ll2

The only two current SUV models are the Ford Excursion with a 6.0L V8 Power Stroke® and the VW Touareg with a 5.0L V10 Turbo.

GM had Diesel SUVs but stopped them in 1999, AFAIK Dodge never had a diesel SUV.

Green E-300 DT

Dodge has an SUV diesel now?

I don't think so.

And the VW Touareg TDI is priced far to high for most folks, and then only
available in rather limited numbers.

jester2ll2

Yeah, but what a blast to drive! Its always fun to to drive an SUV you can take corners fast with and not worry about flipping.

HELL ONA HARLEY

Yes, you and others will be bent over at the pump for sure.... Here in cali there is barely a 10 cent difference in price between gas and diesel currently and as soon as its reformulated there may be no savings what so ever. At least you'll be getting a little better milage for your efforts.

saffrontiger

I have to disagree. Ther is alot of pressure for ULSD to be a success from private and public interest groups. This is one of the EPA's projects that will be closely scrutinized to see if clean diesel technology has wider consumer/gov.t applications. 3-5 cnet/gal increase seems reasonable without having to bend over for a digital exam

HELL ONA HARLEY

I see you are from the great state of Texas... well you might as well be from mars as far as gas price comparisions are concerned. As you may have noticed I show the current prices in my sig for gas here in my state of cali. These are a direct result of reformulation of our fuel exclusivly to be burned here.... I see no reason things will be different once the diesel is done over as well... I think for the most part the difference in prices between the fuels will not be a deciding factor in the purchase of a diesel car.... At least here in california.

jester2ll2

I like the idea.

Green E-300 DT

We now have the federally required ultra low surfur diesel fuel of June 2006 available here to the general public in California.

Know as Arco (BP) ULSD ECD-1, it is now (and has been available here for some time) being sold at approximately 120 stations throughout California.
While it is true that there is slight additional costs involved in its production, and many station do price it higher than other companies fuel, I do know of one Arco station on Franciscito in La Puente ($2.09) that meets the Unifuel competions price located just down the street.
This retailer does very well indeed, whereas the stations that gouge for this fuel do not!


Once this federally required fuel is the "norm" throughout our country, the market place will determine its cost to the general buying public, and not big oil. When it does arrive by mid-2006, I think you'll see more foreign marques importing fine diesel machines.

Barry45RPM

Fuel prices would be more equitable if there were 1 formula for gasoline across America. When the law makers get involved because they know better than the rest of the country, thats when things get twisted. Use the least polluting fuel formulation you want, but make it a Nationwide standard, so gas shortages in 1 area could be helped by available supply in another. There is no reason for the price of gas per gallon to differ by .70 a gallon from location to location in this country. (Rent/labor/taxes will cause some variation but not that much)

Green E-300 DT

If you're speaking of gasoline, the above is true.

But since we are mainly interested in diesel here, this will happen by June of 2006. Its the law!

You will still see the big fluctuation in pricing from one area to another!

Barry45RPM

I'm talking about regional Gasoline Formulations. Other than high altitude formulations there needn't be 15 different regional formulations spec'd out by the lawyer/legislators in each state to meet their own clean air requirements, just to have their name on a piece of legislation.

glojo

I disagree, about no competition for the 320CDI ******* the 400CDI is not yet however available in the US, but who knows what will happen once you get your low sulphur diesel.

This excellent engine is not available in the UK, but there have been some excellent reviews elsewhere.

John
Hot and humid Torquay

jester2ll2

Glojo, I was only referring to what is currently available in the North American Market.

glojo

Please don't think I am I criticising you. The 320CDI is a fairly new US import, I believe it is still a no, no, in California.

However making enquiries to MBUSA about the 400CDI 'might' (Highly unlikely) have them look at this brilliant engine.

Bye for now,
John