Getting Diesel E-class
At this point in time, I'm not sure the answer is obvious without an opportunity to test drive both the new Direct Injection V6 and the V6 Bluetec diesel. Keep in mind that the advertised 20+% better fuel economy for the DI V6 is based on a Euro test cycle, which tends to be more liberal than the much more conservative EPA test. Obviously with start/stop technology, more city driving would influence the average fuel economy.
Another question to consider is what long term effects will this start/stop technology have on engine, battery and starter life ? I can't imagine that it would be beneficial to the drive train and accessories.
My hunch is that the Bluetec diesel will still be more efficient, cost much less to maintain and operate and have a longer lifespan than the new start/stop DI V6.
As for your concerns about RFTs, they have improved over the past few years. For example, the Michelin Pilot Sport PS2 ZP tires that I have on my 335d are much better riding than the Bridgestone RE050As. Then there is a significant safety advantage offered by RFTs, especially in the case of a front tire having a high speed blowout. In such a situation, a driver with a car equipped with RFTs would be able to maintain control and pull off a highway at an appropriate location. On the other hand, a driver of a car with regular radial tires would likely not be able to maintain control.
But you are right, the fuel economy advantage offered by the V6 diesel over the current V6 gas engine will be reduced once the new DI engine is made available.
Whether that makes the diesel Bluetec redundant remains to be determined.
You might want to check out the MB UK site and look at the E350 CDI Blue Efficiency - same diesel engine without the adBlue component.
Last edited by DerekACS; Jun 6, 2010 at 12:33 AM.
I own a Jan 2010 E350 Cdi BE Sport - I drove from London to Aberdeen in 1 tank non stop (486 miles) @ speeds of 90-110 mph.
Worth it - definately - apart from the turbo lag, it's not a slow car at all - and after 24 years of petrol, this is my first diesel, I used to have a S500L, so this thing is cheap to run by comparison.
HTH
Gee
Keep in mind that an imperial gallon has approx. 20% larger volume than a US gallon.
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There's a place holder for the E350 Bluetec. No info yet (specs, pricing ect.), just a picture so far.
But the E-class mpg figures top out at 34mpg so, I'm guessing this will be the Bluetec's hwy rating.
See the attached pics.
And I got that figure from the old fashioned "fillup to fillup" method of calculation.The trip computer read something like 44mpg for the very same stretch.
Last edited by listerone; Mar 17, 2012 at 01:03 PM.



