lbgottlieb

Earlier this summer I test drove a 2011 E350 Bluetec and wasn't exactly blown away with it. But to be fair, I was limited to around town driving as there isn't a highway all that close to the dealer - thus I didn't have a chance to open it up and experience the full potential of the torque. Can anyone share what the difference in drive feel on the road between the two engines?

Also, I've read in prior threads comments that some BT owners have made insinuating that they really began to enjoy the feel and drive of the BT once they got used to how the car "behaved" in traffic. Anyone care to elaborate on what this may mean?

BTW - I don't mean for this to sound like a "trolling" question. I've never owned a diesel before yet love being a little unique in what I drive. Just trying to learn as much about the car (fairly easy) as well as others' experiences (not as easy) as possible.

instantfob

Diesel engine will never win any stop light challenge due to the lack of horsepower and revs.

However when you are pulling uphill or perform 50-80mph acceleration (passing power) the 400lbs torque will put a smile on your face.

lbgottlieb

Many thanks - this is the type of reply I was looking forward to reading.....

ImInPA

I had an E350 Bluetec, and I can tell you that I always found the E350 gassers that I would get as loaners to feel weak. They were actually faster 0-60, but, I rarely rev any engine above 4000 RPM. For my type of driving, a diesel is actually better suited to me than a gas engine.

YYZ-E55

The 350 diesel turbo lag sucks when you're waiting to make a left turn in an intersection... you stomp the gas and count to three - then all hell breaks loose!

Other than that, MBs diesel engines are great. You quickly adapt to the lag and the quirks of a lower-revving engine.

ImInPA

I never had the lag with my E350 Bluetec. Nothing like what has been describe in these threads. I do not have the lag with my S350 Bluetec either. I love my diesels.

instantfob

Gears work harder on my new 2014 E350 gasoline car now.

I miss the lazy torque of my BTC

mikemargolis

I have an 11 diesel and rent the e class gas car all the time.

As people have said, the diesel won't win any stoplight challenges, although I find it plenty fast enough for this 53 year old man. My days of stoplight racing are long over.

I read a review that said that the bluetec is not like a dragster, it is a 747 going down the runway.

Where I really need power is when I'm going 60 down the highway and need to move over and pass someone quickly, and the diesel KILLS anything else out there.

Plus I get over 30 mpg overall, and that is huge for me, since I drive a lot, and a lot of highway.

Pntblnk

test drove the 2011 BT vs Gaser and actually thought the BT felt stronger in around town and freeway on ramp driving. The acceleration felt effortless (although not neck snapping fast) as I merged on the highway or sipping through traffic. The power did seem to fall off after ~75mph but up to that point the BT "felt" faster than the gaser. The gas version is no doubt faster but takes much higher revs to generate the speed. It felt like the car was working hard to provide that performance and was a little annoying as the engine buzzed up. The wife's 13' ML350 gas feels the same way compared the the BT but I couldn't talk her into the BT at the time.

If you are looking for speed....go with the 550. Now we are talking effortless acceleration at any speed with minimal effort. I still get surprised from time to time when I catch the RPM's / gear selection just right when stomping the pedal through a yellow light. The car almost feels like it raises up off of the ground to rocket through the light before changing to red. Makes me smile every time!

If only choice is BT vs Gas - check availability and prices of diesel in your area and decide what is most important to you. Gas is lower purchase price, wider availability and quicker depreciation. BT has a little higher initial purchase price, availability with desired options can be tricky, lower long term cost of ownership, and carries higher residual value. Both are a joy to own....need to decide whats important to you.

dovieboy1955

Stay away from the Diesel like a Plague. There are so many reliability Issues it is not even funny.
MB admits that every Adblue Tank will FAIL. It is a $3000 job.
MB wouldnt tell you that the Particle filter gets clogged if you use the car for short trips as it has no time to enter and finish convection mode to burn the trapped carbon.
This issue is solved by connecting diagnostic computer to trigger convection and let the car sit and run for about an hour.
This engine has the Turbo on top between the cylinder banks. It weep or leaks superheated oil that falls on intake runner servos. The fix for that is $4500 and the list goes on. This same engine is used by Sprinters so google up the Sprinter Issues and see why sprinter Owners are switching to the new Ford or Chrysler Vans.
I just pulled the plug on my 2010 ML350 Bluetec with 62K Miles trading it at a tremendous loss for a Gasoline ML350