h-townmbdriver

I have an opportunity to purchase a new 2010 ML 350 Bluetec for well below dealer invoice. I like the idea of the added fuel economy, the 400 ft./lbs. of torque and an engine that could/should last 300K-500K miles. But I've never owned a diesel before and there doesn't seem to be a lot of information (er.....opinions) on the net. I've read about adblue and the fact there is no spare tire, but I'm not convinced one way or the other.

Thinking about trading my wifes 2009 Lexus RX350, I'm keeping my E350!

dbtk

They are great for fuel efficiency. My GL350 gets upwards of 30 mpg on the freeway. In fact, on a recent trip I averaged over 30 mpg for nearly 480 miles from CT to VA thru Jersey Turnpike and DC Beltway stop and go traffic (in 90 degree weather). Since I first bought it I have averaged 24.9 mpg (16,500+ miles).

listerone

I'm on my second diesel and I'll never go back.Some of the nasty things you read today about diesels are wriiten by those who haven't a clue about *current* diesels...that is,the claims were once true but no longer are.Neither of my diesels were/are slow...or smelly....or dirty....or noisey.

It's true that they have no spare but that's only been an issue for me once.One could argue that the lack of a spare is a drawback.Despite what some say "Adblue" is minor matter that,at worst,represents a minor inconvenience and expense (about) once a year.

dbtk

This says it all...a seven passenger, 5300lb SUV:

listerone

I routinely get my E350's computer up to 44mpg (highway) and,starting with a full tank,I get the total distance per tank (miles already driven + "DTE" reading) up to 875 miles.When I get the clock up to 5K miles I'll do an extended,detailed analysis...for highway driving (90% of my miles are Interstate miles)...using the fillup-to-fillup method.

dbtk

listerone, yea, I wish I could get the W212 Bluetec but alas no 4matic is offered yet. Being in CT (as you know) winters can be tricky without AWD.

listerone

I hear ya.But for me the lack of AWD contributes needed excitement to what otherwise would be a completly dull and drab existence.

h-townmbdriver

Thanks for the feedback, gas mileage is a big incentive. One other question, she only drives about 5 miles to work each day, has anybody heard of any problems related to not getting the engine hot for long enough, like oil geling?

wireless200

Make sure she doesn't mind a gravely sounding engine, a rather large tank of something in the spare-tire well instead of a spare tire, and run flats. Other than those things, yeah, I like the gas mileage too.

dbtk

Haha, that's why I got the new Cayenne Turbo.

dbtk

Agree. The engine is a bit loud until it warms up, and the run flats are a little jarring, especially if you pump them up like I do (39/42psi F/R).

listerone

My understanding has always been that short trips aren't good for *any* car,particularly in cold weather.Although I'm no engineer I wouldn't be surprised if that was even more true with diesels.Most of my miles are Interstate miles on longer trips (65+ miles each).Everything I've read...plus my own experience...suggests that diesels are at their best on the Interstate...at 70mph....on a 60+ mile trip.I've never been particularly impressed by either of my diesels' performance during my rare drives in the city.But then,I've never been a fan of city driving.

Of course,mine is just one opinion.

ImInPA

If she only drives 5 miles a day, the Diesel may not give you the fuel advantage you seek. Diesels shine on extended steady speeds. They do not do as well on short trips, largely because of thermal efficiency. A diesel is thermally very effecient. Much more so than a gas engine. Short trips do not allow the diesel to reach optimal temperatures and hence peak efficiency. I know many who have bought the wife a diesel vehicle, only to hear that there is not much difference in fuel economy in the diesel. When I ask, it is almost always used for just short trips.

Dooty

E-Class Owners Manual page 173. Vehicles with a diesel particle filter: If the vehicle is mostly driven for short distances, it is possible that malfunctions may occur during the automatic cleaning of the diesel particle filter. This can lead to engine damage. Therefore, if you frequently drive short distances, make sure to drive on highways or inter-urban roads for 20 minutes at least every 310 miles (500km).

h-townmbdriver

Thanks Dooty, good info. We picked up the ML last night, Love it! Engine seems no louder than my gas E350. I'll drive it 23 miles to my office every so often.....but then I'll have to let her drive the E-class, maybe not!

belgoen

I have the last 13000 km got 8.19 litre/ 100 km or 12.21 km / L. This is based on some where long distances with highspeed (above 160->240 kpm) and many small trips.
Like said above, then the small journeys kills the engines and especially the diesel. My old MPV died after 110.000 km, it was Ford Galaxy (that is for European use) with a 1.9 140 Bhp).
In EU you can choose between the Bluetec with 211 BhP and AdBlue (Euro 6 specification), or the free engine with 265 BhP. Same price. But the 265 BhP (only Euro 5 spec) consumes in theori 0.8 L / 100 km less, and the CO2 is also less. So why buy the smaller engine.
In Belgium, you have to pay 2500 Euro more in registration tax (once) for the engine above 211 BhP. That is why the Bluetec is "downgraded" to "only 211 BhP", at least in some EU countries.

Wig

I heard from a dealer (in Canada) that the diesel was to be offered with 4Matic for 2012. This vehicle would be a no-brainer for the Canadian market.

I am sceptical as to whether this will happen. The MB Germany website has CDI diesels with available 4Matic, but the Bluetec is RWD only. I believe the Bluetec is the only diesel certified for North America, so will we get a North America only Bluetec 4Matic? I doubt it.

listerone

The soon-to-be-available S Class diesel will,I hear,be offered *only* with 4Matic.IMO a vehicle that's available with AWD would be *much* more popular in North America than one that isn't....and I would think that the same would be true in much of Europe.