Wig

How would the same 3.5 liter 302HP engine in the E350/C350 be detuned to 250HP in the E300/C300?

I'm sure many of our more technically minded forum members would know.

norcal_cyclist

Not sure how MBZ did it but engines are completely computer controlled, most have variable valve lift and timing. Just those two controls can kill torque and horesepower. However I'd bet it's more than that..you could install an engine tune and get all that back. I'd bet smaller intake runners, different cams, less aggressive software etc.

BMW's e46 323 is a 2.5l engine with different cams and software. They do the same thing with their motorcycles, an F650GS is still 800cc's just detuned.

ferrariyellow44

I thought the newer 3.5's were 60 degree V6's instead of the older 3.5s and its also direct injected, unlike the older one. But isnt the C300 a 3.0 liter V6? Where the 350's are 3.5's? The two engines are different sizes so I dont know how you would de-tune one to match the other.

Wig

Thanks Norcal. What would you expect the differing engine characteristics to be? Detuned quieter and smoother? Obviously power is lower, but fuel economy is very similar.

ImInPA

This used to be the case. I noticed that the new C300 4Matic now has the 258hp 3.5 liter motor as well. I wish MB would clean up their naming. I miss the days when the numeric designation related to the engine size.

hofb99

Agreed! I.e., how do you put a biturbo 5.5L into the E and still designate it as an "E63"?!! It's an E55 @ best! They're just confusing everyone now!

SoCalCLK

Oh I absolutely agree. The new E550's should be named the E460.

vei1side

even the older style "63" motors are only 6.2L

BenzV12

The point is what MB names in their cars they can perform it . So, they keep labelling new twin turbo 5.5 liter engine as E63 but it can still perfrom as well as the old replaced engine which was 6.2

I think they could be a deragatory effect for upcoming owners considering former W212s are coded E63 but new models are E55 . I could think wtf lol lol

I have spot that gasoline engine is 3.5 liter and MB uses E350 modelling name and that's correct but diesel engines you expect E300 because of 3.0 liter but when I compare either engines performance figures the diesel 3.0 liter engine is no less sluggish than it's 3.5 liter gasolione powered engine . So, in this case I don't think it's wrong that either gasoline and diesel cars model names are 350 .