carpersn

Well, I sold my 05 Tahoe about a month ago, and I am prepared to wait until October to buy something, figuring that MB will wait for low-sulfur fuel to be available before actually selling diesels...

my dealer, whom i really do like, has told me they will be able to order ML diesels end of this month (but cannot tell me when they will be delivered)...and they have been told the R will be orderable soon (no delivery date there either)...but no firm info on the GL diesel.

MB has certainly walked all around the issue but won't comment firmly. now that oil is skirting $75 and gas here (in NC) is skirting $3, looks like they would want to give us some concrete info. As many of you know from my previous posts, I will simply not buy another vehicle that doesn't get above 20 around town and better on the highway...out of principle (no other reason, not money or tree-hugging, etc.)

Anyone around here, insider or other, know any more (or will say any more, than my dealer, at this point?

Not that i am not glad to be rid of the Tahoe, but a truly indefinite period of time to be driving what is supposed to be a 3rd car (95 E cabrio) is beginning to bug me...

AutoSaurus

I am certainly in the same boat as you and agree with you 100%. I definately want a diesel but wish I had more info to help indicate how long the wait will be.

Unfortunately, I have no more info than what you already know.

Baloo588

Check out this link and scroll down to the second paragraph stating OCTOBER 2006. THE ML,GL, and R Class CDI will start being sold on October of this year. It is a very very accurate factual information.

http://www.whnet.com/4x4/diesel.html

carpersn

Also, if the V8 is going for $54,9, what're the chances a V6 diesel would sell for less, a-la E-class pricing scheme? Thoughts, anyone?

AutoSaurus

I hope this info is correct versus some of the print media's latest which says early '07.

Roch207

I too am waiting for the diesels, but the only 50 state vehicle available will be the E class Bluetec. The R, ML and GL will not be 50 state until 2008 model year.

I do hear that the new Tahoe with the variable cylinder engine management system does get slightly over 20 mpg. I know, not the same thing...that is why I am waiting.

2mbusa

I'm getting confused, is the is the Bluetec diesel a different engine from the CDI? It sounds to me like the CDI will soon be old technology to the new Bluetec diesel. Am I wrong??????

Mean-Benz

let me help you:

don't worry, CDI is still up to date technology. Bluetec, say AdBlue and the SCR-cat, is an addition for the CDI to meet the emission standards to come in the next years. all in all it's a nice feature.

Wolfgang

These articles were published today. Looks like the GL320 CDI is planned for early 2007.

In Wake of High Gas Prices, Demand for Diesel Cars and SUVs Jumped 31 Percent in 2005
http://www.prnewswire.com/cgi-bin/st...4349284&EDATE=

Mercedes-Benz Diesel May Cure Sticker Shock at the Pump
http://www.prnewswire.com/cgi-bin/st...4349780&EDATE=

carpersn

I need a stop-gap...

Germancar1

I'll be really glad when they official annouce that the Bluetec models are going on sale in all 50 states. Watching the sales numbers is going to be fun. I suspect that if people give diesel a chance the GL320 will be more popular than even the ML320 because of its size and the MPG/range you can get out of it. I can't wait for a comparo between the E320 and the Lexus GS450h to see who can get more out of a gallon of fuel.

M

AutoSaurus

Looks like eMB picked up the story too. Article

AutoSaurus

Catching up on some readiing tonight....seeing three new GL's at the dealership....MY GOD THIS IS GOING TO BE A LONG SUMMER! Guys I may not make it that long. Gotta get one of these beasts, and soon.

Seven and half months till the end of the year.

carpersn

What an awesome vehicle. It delivers car-like ride and handling, but yet the space and hauling specs of the big guys. I too am going to have a long summer, fall, and probably 1/2 the winter ahead waiting on the diesel, but i'm going to try and stick it out.

My dealer and i went onto Netstar today and we could see the 07 R320CDI and ML320CDI, although could not fully spec or price (grey'd out)...but at least this is progress).

Again, with gas staying high, maybe they'll break early and let us have it. Of course, i'm still wondering whether it will be priced below the 450 or not???

AutoSaurus

Very dangerous thing you did there. Once you're at the dealership its hard to leave.

Thanks for the update. I guess once I know I can order it will make the wait easier.

JoeDiesel

I can understand the frustration over Mercedes' glacial speed in bringing Diesels to the U.S.

But as a stopgap have you considered a V10 TDI Touareg (lots of power and great fuel economy) or if you really need the space go for a Cummins Dodge RAM truck (It too is a DiamlerChrysler product!).