So I'm really, really contemplating a diesel
What are the opinions for that as a daily driver? Enough power for a quick merge on a freeway? Decent in snow with the correct tires?
Any downsides? I'm figuring that the torque makes up for lack of horsepower in normal driving. I haven't owned a diesel in about 30 years and I figure they've probably changed a bit. |
In short....torque...you betcha.Merging onto the Interstate is a breeze,as is passing.Winter driving...with my BMW ("all season" tires) not that great.But by keeping my speeds down (which I do in winter anyway) it wasn't a problem.I have basically no experience in winter with my Bluetec but my hunch is that it would be similar to the BMW.
No real downsides worth mentioning (apart from winter driving with "all seasons"),only upsides.As one who's owned two substantially different (recent) diesels I'll say this....if "luxury",rather than "sport" is important to you then the E Class Bluetec is a *great* choice.And the more that rear seat legroom means to you the more you should look at the E Class Bluetec.But I must say that my BMW "d" was *far* more fun...particularly the accelerator.....but it can't really be called a family car.And yes,I know this is a Mecedes enthusiast site. :-) Oh,one last thing...with both my diesels I found that they weren't so great in the city.But then,I'm not a fan of city driving anyway so maybe others would disagree.OTOH both my diesels absolutely *shine* on the Interstate.I'm convinced that the E Class diesel is,first and foremost,a highway car. |
The E BlueTEC is a great car all-around. Powertrain is more than adequate, and as mentioned, the torque is awesome. You just have to adjust to the low shift points and turbo lag.
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Originally Posted by CEB
(Post 4849654)
What are the opinions for that as a daily driver? Enough power for a quick merge on a freeway? Decent in snow with the correct tires?
Any downsides? I'm figuring that the torque makes up for lack of horsepower in normal driving. I haven't owned a diesel in about 30 years and I figure they've probably changed a bit. 30 years since last diesel, you have lots to learn. Todays diesels are actually better to drive at slow speeds than gasoline due to the huge amount of torque available from the engine. Less HP compared to gasoline model does not matter here as we cannot take full advantage of it. Diesel would loose to the gas model with top speed in German autobahn where the gasoline model would go 156 mph, which is the eloctronically set limit in Germany (probably all Europe). Diesel top speed is 149 MPH. In the U.S. both models are electronically limited I think to something like 120 mph and both cars can do this very easily. With diesel you then get the awesome fuel mileage so go for it. Best, of course, is to go have one for a longer test drive. You'll see. |
Just make sure that you will not be moving to Illinois during your diesel ownership... Also, remember to fill up diesel before driving thro Illinois..
The corn lobby and the govt have ensured that all pumps in Illinois have 5% to 20% bio diesel junk added.. It is getting very difficult to find non-bio diesels pumps here. Other than that diesels are awesome. That's all! My 2c |
I have owned many diesels. I swear by them. While technically not as fast as the E350, the torque makes it feel much faster than it is. And, it is within a half second of the gasser. The real issue is the type of driving you do. If you are mostly doing short trips and short communtes, the diesel, while still better than the gas engine, is not as good on fuel as many expect. If your driving is biased for highway driving, then you will likely be amazed at the mpg. On long drives I regularly see around 42 mpg. Also, MB allows up to 5% biodiesel. I would run 100% (B100) if MB supported it. I regularly used B100 in a Passat diesel I had and it ran great!!!. Biodeisel is a great thing.
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Originally Posted by Arrie
(Post 4849856)
30 years since last diesel, you have lots to learn.
Todays diesels are actually better to drive at slow speeds than gasoline due to the huge amount of torque available from the engine. Less HP compared to gasoline model does not matter here as we cannot take full advantage of it. Diesel would loose to the gas model with top speed in German autobahn where the gasoline model would go 156 mph, which is the eloctronically set limit in Germany (probably all Europe). Diesel top speed is 149 MPH. In the U.S. both models are electronically limited I think to something like 120 mph and both cars can do this very easily. With diesel you then get the awesome fuel mileage so go for it. Best, of course, is to go have one for a longer test drive. You'll see. I took a diesel for a longish drive right after I drove the 350 4matic, so the diesel was pretty evident even though it was way better than the old ones.
Originally Posted by giffie
(Post 4849877)
Just make sure that you will not be moving to Illinois during your diesel ownership... Also, remember to fill up diesel before driving thro Illinois..
The corn lobby and the govt have ensured that all pumps in Illinois have 5% to 20% bio diesel junk added.. It is getting very difficult to find non-bio diesels pumps here. Other than that diesels are awesome. That's all! My 2c |
Yes, just about any modern DI diesel engine will have significant and expensive problems running anything much beyond 5%. While BioD might be great for some of the older things on the road, it is not for the new stuff.
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Originally Posted by silberrosa
(Post 4849987)
Yes, just about any modern DI diesel engine will have significant and expensive problems running anything much beyond 5%. While BioD might be great for some of the older things on the road, it is not for the new stuff.
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You do need to compare the price of deisel vs. gasoline before comparing mpg ... just to be sure there is any real advantage $-wise, if that's your objective.
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It may not concern you but the diesels have run flat tires that are very expensive and give a harder ride than standard tires. There is no place for a spare tire since the space is used for the urea tank.
If you are comparing the new diesels to the old mechanical injection models,that simple, reliable, mechanical system is now replaced with a computer controlled system comparable to the current gas engines. My final complaint is that every time I have filled up with diesel fuel the price has been higher than premium gas. When I was first driving diesels, the fuel was based on cost, not what they can charge, and was less than regular leaded gasoline. |
Stop what you are doing, stop thinking, and go to your MD dealer and buy a Bluetec. My first was a 2008 E320. What a beautiful car. Quiet, smooth, powerful (I raced a crotch rocket across the Utah desert, and it lost), and great milage. I drove it from Cincinnati to Boulder on one fuel stop. Left at 6AM, arrived Boulder 9PM. 1199 miles. Then I saw the MB commercial where the guy didn't know the car in front of him stopped but his MB did. Last April I purchased a 2011 E350 Bluetec with P01 and P02 packages. At the time there was only one Black/Black with those options in the USA. I wanted it, and my dealer sent a truck to get it. I've seen 40 MPG. I drive average 75 MPH. Even at that speed I see 35-37 MPG. I've added some chrome and trunk spoiler. I always get compliments on how classy it looks. One lady who rode in it said she had never ridden in a car where the radio was on, and she could have a conversation in a normal tone of voice. People can't believe it's a diesel when they listen to it. Compare apples to apples if you are looking for fuel costs. In Ohio I pay a few cents more per gallon for diesel than premium. I bet a gas E350 can't get to Boulder on one fuel stop!
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Also, there is Sport and Luxury models. The Bluetecs all get 17" wheels, sport or lux. I have the lux and love the ride and four lamella grill.
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My regular commute is about 30 miles in the greater DC area. In the morning it takes about 45minutes and the evening commute is about an hour and a half. About twice a week I go to a remote office about 70 miles away during non rush hours on a divided highway.
Because I have MD plates on my car I generally need to set the cruise to 4mph over when driving that particular route, so about 59mph. The main reason I')d be looking at the diesel is the gas mileage. It would be a no brainer in Europe but here in the US the diesel prices make you think twice. |
Originally Posted by CEB
(Post 4850418)
My regular commute is about 30 miles in the greater DC area. In the morning it takes about 45minutes and the evening commute is about an hour and a half. About twice a week I go to a remote office about 70 miles away during non rush hours on a divided highway.
Because I have MD plates on my car I generally need to set the cruise to 4mph over when driving that particular route, so about 59mph. The main reason I')d be looking at the diesel is the gas mileage. It would be a no brainer in Europe but here in the US the diesel prices make you think twice. |
My prior car was a Volvo S80 T6. Turbo inline 6. It was rated 17/27. I regularly got 28 mpg on the Highway. With my Bluetec I regularly get 42 mpg on the highway. About 50% better than my Volvo (which is comparable to the E350 EPA mpg figures. Diesel is going to win from a cost perspective. There is the minor cost of the AdBlue (DEF) for the Bluetec, but I have spent less than $50 during my first 22K miles on AdBlue.
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IIRC, there are only very minor changes to the '12 diesel - most cosmetic, so if I get a post july build I should have most of the changes or is the diesel getting the new tranny too?
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I drove the Sport and didn't like the ride. If I want sporty I'll drive my SL. I went to one local dealer and bought a couple of bottles of AdBlue. The dealer gave me the "MB brand." I was on the road and approaching my first 10K miles. I was worried I'd run out of AdBlue so I stopped at another dealer. That dealer gave me the "generic" brand. I compared the specs on the labels. Both the same. A friend has a Ford diesel truck. He says go to Ford and by the AdBlue. Really cheap! I sympathize on your commute. I used to live in Fairfax and communte to DC daily.
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Originally Posted by dlakeman55
(Post 4851747)
I drove the Sport and didn't like the ride. If I want sporty I'll drive my SL. I went to one local dealer and bought a couple of bottles of AdBlue. The dealer gave me the "MB brand." I was on the road and approaching my first 10K miles. I was worried I'd run out of AdBlue so I stopped at another dealer. That dealer gave me the "generic" brand. I compared the specs on the labels. Both the same. A friend has a Ford diesel truck. He says go to Ford and by the AdBlue. Really cheap! I sympathize on your commute. I used to live in Fairfax and communte to DC daily.
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Originally Posted by dlakeman55
(Post 4851747)
I went to one local dealer and bought a couple of bottles of AdBlue. The dealer gave me the "MB brand."
Someone here (or at another MB site or BMW site) posted pictures showing how to remove the special spout...wish I could recall exactly where.But it's so easy even I can do it! :) |
AdBlue at second MB dealer was $22.50 for 2.5 gallons. Container came with screw-on flex hose. Hose fit in the tank perfectly. I saved that container. I"ll now go to the VW dealer and get the same amount for $13, and pour it in my nice container with the flex hose hose. Thanks for the suggestion. VW dealer is slightly down the street from my office.
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Peak also is making DEF (AdBlue) bought a 2.5 gallon jug for $10. AdBlue is just not an expense that is significant.
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Yep, Walmart sells 2.5 gallon jug of adblue for $11 with a spout built in.
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Does the Adblue warning count down the number of miles remaining, or does it give you a certain number of engine starts before you need to refill it? I was told the latter, but I have not checked my owners manual yet.
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Originally Posted by D_A_Brown620
(Post 4854477)
Does the Adblue warning count down the number of miles remaining, or does it give you a certain number of engine starts before you need to refill it? I was told the latter, but I have not checked my owners manual yet.
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In over 20K miles I have not added more than about 9 gallons. Depends on your driving style.
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Originally Posted by ImInPA
(Post 4854768)
In over 20K miles I have not added more than about 9 gallons. Depends on your driving style.
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I understand the fluid is very corrosive. I put a rag around the filler neck. I put a rag on the outside of the tank over where I held the 2.5 gallon container. One thing I didn't do but I will next time is put a dip stick in the tank before I fill it to see the fluid level. I definately don't want to overfill the tank. I also listened for the fluid level rising. I was in dead silence in my garage.
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Originally Posted by CEB
(Post 4850418)
My regular commute is about 30 miles in the greater DC area. In the morning it takes about 45minutes and the evening commute is about an hour and a half. About twice a week I go to a remote office about 70 miles away during non rush hours on a divided highway.
Because I have MD plates on my car I generally need to set the cruise to 4mph over when driving that particular route, so about 59mph. The main reason I')d be looking at the diesel is the gas mileage. It would be a no brainer in Europe but here in the US the diesel prices make you think twice. As a side note, I got the car from Euro Motor Cars and the process was extremely easy and they still have 2 left in stock (1 with the old COMAND/dash and 1 with the new one). Let me know if you have any questions and take advantage of the crazy residual values for leases (24 months) and incentives. Go for it! |
Originally Posted by ghstudio
(Post 4854965)
A question for those who have refilled their bluetec tank. Do just watch the level as you fill it with a flexible spout and stop pouring when it gets near the top.....or is there some trick to avoid spilling the fluid which apparently can cause a mess.
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Originally Posted by amiras
(Post 4862840)
CEB: I live in Springfield and drive to DC (Chinatown) every day. Yesterday I leased a 2011 E350 Bluetec and I'm extremely happy so far. My commutes is about 18 miles each way every day mostly on 395's HOV. This morning I checked the trip computer and it showed 29 MPG which I think is great!
As a side note, I got the car from Euro Motor Cars and the process was extremely easy and they still have 2 left in stock (1 with the old COMAND/dash and 1 with the new one). Let me know if you have any questions and take advantage of the crazy residual values for leases (24 months) and incentives. Go for it! |
Originally Posted by CEB
(Post 4863181)
Yep. I'm talking to EuroMotorcars too - but the one in Germantown. Who is your salesperson at Bethesda (I assume you went there.
Good luck! |
Originally Posted by ImInPA
(Post 4863088)
You can actually hear it once it reaches the neck of the fill spout. Very simple. You can also visibly see the level once you are getting close to full. If you are worried about using the big jugs with the filler spout, you can get the .5 gallon jugs that have the AdBlue screw-on spout. Very nice. I keep a couple of them in my trunk near the tank. Just in case.
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Originally Posted by amiras
(Post 4863228)
Call John Johnston. Do you qualify for the conquest cash? I did (X5) and got almost 10K off MSRP. I also did the MSD's and autopay to reduce the money factor. The one in Bethesda have 2 left. One has the old (59.7k) and one has the new (56.2k) COMAND and dashboard. Let me know if you need more info.
Good luck! |
Originally Posted by cvinfig
(Post 4863253)
Aren't we supposed to have the tank evacuated every 20,000 miles because of crystals? Do you plan on having that done? DIY? Ignore it?
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Originally Posted by ghstudio
(Post 4863281)
Ah the beauties of having a 24 month lease and mercedes maintainance prepaid :)
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Originally Posted by CEB
(Post 4849654)
What are the opinions for that as a daily driver? Enough power for a quick merge on a freeway? Decent in snow with the correct tires?
Any downsides? I'm figuring that the torque makes up for lack of horsepower in normal driving. I haven't owned a diesel in about 30 years and I figure they've probably changed a bit. I helped launch The Diesel Driver magazine almost two years ago because I believe in the concept (compared to hybrids and petrol). We have three diesels here, a BMW 335d, a Volkswagen Jetta, and a MB E350 BlueTec. I picked up the 335d at the BMW Welt in Dec. 2009 and was the primary driver for 18 months. It is (as listerone noted) a fun car to drive, very different in character from the E-Klasse. But just as I enjoyed driving my 335d around Lime Rock, I still plan to do the same with the E-Klasse. I only have 1289 km on it as of today but most of the 1200 km were on well-built Autobahnen driving at speeds ranging from 130 to 200 km/h. The car was rock solid at high speed but it was also responsive in twisties. I've driven almost every diesel auto on the market in the U.S. (with minor exceptions, I haven't driven the R-Klasse but I have driven everything else) and I would without hesitation pick any one of those over a gasoline-powered vehicle. I hope this info is helpful as you contemplate your next (diesel) vehicle. |
Originally Posted by jspira
(Post 4863938)
You are correct that diesels have changed - and for the most part for the better (the downside of the changes is that the additional electronics may make the engines less reliable over the very long term compared to the 300.000 km life expectancy you might have seen then).
I helped launch The Diesel Driver magazine almost two years ago because I believe in the concept (compared to hybrids and petrol). We have three diesels here, a BMW 335d, a Volkswagen Jetta, and a MB E350 BlueTec. I picked up the 335d at the BMW Welt in Dec. 2009 and was the primary driver for 18 months. It is (as listerone noted) a fun car to drive, very different in character from the E-Klasse. But just as I enjoyed driving my 335d around Lime Rock, I still plan to do the same with the E-Klasse. I only have 1289 km on it as of today but most of the 1200 km were on well-built Autobahnen driving at speeds ranging from 130 to 200 km/h. The car was rock solid at high speed but it was also responsive in twisties. I've driven almost every diesel auto on the market in the U.S. (with minor exceptions, I haven't driven the R-Klasse but I have driven everything else) and I would without hesitation pick any one of those over a gasoline-powered vehicle. I hope this info is helpful as you contemplate your next (diesel) vehicle. |
Originally Posted by cvinfig
(Post 4863253)
Aren't we supposed to have the tank evacuated every 20,000 miles because of crystals? Do you plan on having that done? DIY? Ignore it?
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Originally Posted by CEB
(Post 4864129)
Danke. I am still tossing around the idea of a 335d as well.While I'd like a slightly larger car for over-the-road trips, there is that advantage about the devil you know. A local dealer has a nicely optioned M-sport 335d in Space Gray for a good price. It seems that 335d's have stopped selling and I can't seem to find a MB with P2 and Parktronic.
The E-Klasse can be ordered - and you can do European Delivery if you want (for some European Delivery pictures see my article here). Keep in mind that the 335d is essentially still a 2005 design (I picked up my first E90 3er in Nov. 2005 in Munich) - and some of the technology that is in newer BMWs is not available in it (blind spot detection, lane departure warning, newer digital display in center of dash) while the E-Klasse is a year or two old. Both are great cars. Get one of each. :) |
Originally Posted by ghstudio
(Post 4863281)
Ah the beauties of having a 24 month lease and mercedes maintainance prepaid :)
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Originally Posted by jspira
(Post 4864212)
The 335d is no longer in production so you can't order one.
The E-Klasse can be ordered - and you can do European Delivery if you want (for some European Delivery pictures see my article here). Keep in mind that the 335d is essentially still a 2005 design (I picked up my first E90 3er in Nov. 2005 in Munich) - and some of the technology that is in newer BMWs is not available in it (blind spot detection, lane departure warning, newer digital display in center of dash) while the E-Klasse is a year or two old. Both are great cars. Get one of each. :) I was trying to get a deal by buying an '11 off the lot. MD is one of those "pay sales tax only on the difference" states, so it generally makes sense to trade in a car (or sell it privately for significantly more.) That's not really feasible on ED. You do make good points on the older technology and this morning I've found a 'small SD card' (ie newer COMAND) diesel E350 semi-locally that has both options I'm looking for, but it has MB-Taxi instead of leather. It likely makes little difference but after equating with MB-tex with taxis for a zillion years in Europe makes the mental transition difficult. |
Originally Posted by CEB
(Post 4864272)
You do make good points on the older technology and this morning I've found a 'small SD card' (ie newer COMAND) diesel E350 semi-locally that has both options I'm looking for...
Like I said,pay no attention to any salesman who mentions a USB port in the glovebox...that's an entirely different feature. |
Originally Posted by cvinfig
(Post 4863253)
Aren't we supposed to have the tank evacuated every 20,000 miles because of crystals? Do you plan on having that done? DIY? Ignore it?
Worries...worries...worries! :nix: |
Originally Posted by CEB
(Post 4864272)
I was trying to get a deal by buying an '11 off the lot. MD is one of those "pay sales tax only on the difference" states, so it generally makes sense to trade in a car (or sell it privately for significantly more.) That's not really feasible on ED.
Originally Posted by CEB
(Post 4864272)
You do make good points on the older technology and this morning I've found a 'small SD card' (ie newer COMAND) diesel E350 semi-locally that has both options I'm looking for, but it has MB-Taxi instead of leather. It likely makes little difference but after equating with MB-tex with taxis for a zillion years in Europe makes the mental transition difficult. |
Originally Posted by listerone
(Post 4864323)
One quick point...if the SD card feature is at all important to you be aware that the BMW can play from SD cards as well if it has a particular option (can't recall the option name or code).Mine had the option and it was great being able to play my MP3's that way.To check if the option is on the vehicle check the center armrest compartment (not the glovebox...different feature) and if you see a USB port in addition to the 3.5mm jack port then you're good to go.Otherwise...no.
Like I said,pay no attention to any salesman who mentions a USB port in the glovebox...that's an entirely different feature. |
Originally Posted by CEB
(Post 4864855)
The SD slotisn't really important but I mentioned it to indicate that the car had the 'new' COMAND with the color display, the SD slot and the iPod in the armrest.
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Originally Posted by CEB
(Post 4864855)
The SD slotisn't really important but I mentioned it to indicate that the car had the 'new' COMAND with the color display, the SD slot and the iPod in the armrest.
Comand 4.5 works well with the iphone 4 loading contacts, but I have problems with my verizon iphone 4 which sometimes rings and I can't answer the call with the car. I haven't isolated this yet to make it repeatable enough to report it to the dealer, but it's happened about 5 times now and it's getting annoying. It could be iphone code or could be bluetooth code in comand 4.5. And yes, the connection cables/plugs are in the center console, but the iphone cable is too short to keep the iphone out of the center console, so I run mine on a thin 2' USB to iphone cord (ebay) which allows me to keep the phone in the cup holders (which I need to do since sometimes the phone rings and I can't pick it up, etc). |
Use an Extension Cable
Originally Posted by ghstudio
(Post 4865150)
And yes, the connection cables/plugs are in the center console, but the iphone cable is too short to keep the iphone out of the center console, ... |
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