If you are planning on getting the 09 GL or ML, keep this in mind when you do your federal tax...

clean diesel tax credit

The way I read it, GL weighing 5500lb at 18mpg comes to $400... Is that right?


Edit:

What gets me is that Tahoe Hybrid gets $2200 tax credit...

hybrid tax credit

 

Nice find!

 

Finally the Government is getting some sense. Makes me feel less guilt about looking at the 08' E320 CDI

 

I emailed the dealer today. No vehicle currently sold in the U.S. today qualifies for the credit. Neither the '08 or '09 (with bluetec) qualify for the credit.

 

Did they explain how so? From the article they meet all the requirements. Tier 10 emissions, more air than needed, direct injection(CDI) and 25% or better economy over 2002 model year. Also don't forget our VW counterparts with their TDI's.
On the surface, it looks like diesel drivers are in for some cash!

 

None of the Mercedes diesel vehicles currently sold in the U.S., even with bluetec, will meet the Tier 2 Bin 5 emissions standard according to Annapolis Mercedes. We also own two Priuses and received the hybrid tax credits - to get any auto credit, you must have a certificate from the dealer/auto manufacturer. Ain't gonna happen with our GL's.

 

Your dealer is mis-informed. No light duty vehicles after '08 will be allowed for sale after the model year ends in the US that dont conform to T2B5. Blutec is bringing the GL from Tier 2 Bin 10 to Tier 2 Bin 5, that's the whole reason for the system.

PS: don't be confused by old news that Bluetech fails, that is without the selective absorbing cat that the '09 will have. There are basicly 3 versions of bluetec, and the '09 must T2B5, or it can't be offered for sale. That simple.

 

From MBUSA's web site, GL 320 CDI
Emission certification ULEV of LEV II

From "Hybridcars.com" quote on the Federal standards for Emissions ( Bold text added by me)


The Federal Standards

The rule of thumb on the federal standards is this: the lower the bin number, the cleaner the vehicle. The Toyota Prius is a very clean Bin 3, while the Hummer H2 is a dirty Bin 11.

* Tier 2 bin 1: The cleanest Federal Tier 2 standard. A zero-emission vehicle (ZEV)
* Tier 2 bins 4 – 2: Cleaner than the average standard
* Tier 2 bin 5: "Average" of new Tier 2 standards, roughly equivalent to a LEVII vehicle
* Tier 2 bins 9 – 6: Not as clean as the average requirement for a Tier 2 vehicle
* Tier 2 bin 10: Least-clean Tier 2 bin applicable to cars
* Tier 1: The former Federal standard; carried over to model year 2004 for those vehicles not yet subject to the phase-in.

The California Standards

A vehicle on the cutting edge of cleanliness for the California standards is a Partial Zero Emission Vehicle, like the Prius or Honda Civic Hybrid (1.3L 4, auto). Electric cars have no emissions and are therefore Zero Emission Vehicles (ZEVs). Meanwhile, the Ford Excursion is a LEV 1; despite the literal translation as “Low Emission Vehicle,” it’s on the dirty side of the spectrum.

* ZEV: Zero Emission Vehicle, a California standard prohibiting any tailpipe emissions.
* PZEV: Partial Zero-Emission Vehicle, compliant with the SULEV standard; additionally has near-zero evaporative emissions and a 15-year/150,000-mile warranty on its emission control equipment.
* SULEV: Super-Ultra-Low-Emission Vehicle, a California standard even tighter than ULEV, including much lower NOx emissions. Roughly equivalent to a Tier 2 bin 2 vehicle.
* ULEV II: Ultra-Low-Emission Vehicle, a cleaner than average vehicle certified under the Phase II LEV standard. Hydrocarbon and carbon monoxide emissions levels are nearly 50% lower than those of a LEV II-certified vehicle.
* LEV II: Low-Emission Vehicle, the least stringent of the new, Phase II LEV standards. Equivalent to a Tier 2 bin 5 vehicle. NOx emissions are one-quarter the level of a LEV I-certified vehicle.
* LEV (a.k.a. LEV I): Low Emission Vehicle, an intermediate California standard about twice as stringent as Tier 1.
* ULEV (a.k.a. ULEV I): Ultra Low Emission Vehicle, a stronger California standard emphasizing very low HC emissions.

Looks like it should meet the requirements for the credit. We will find out.

 

Your dealer is correct... But the key word is "currently". The current model E class bluetec does not have the urea injection thus it does not meet Bin 5.

 

Now recently a new i-DTEC Engine in 2009 as going to be introducing into the market by Honda company. The i-DTEC engine reduces noxious exhaust emissions while boosting power and fuel efficiency. A combination of optimized combustion chamber design and reduced injection time results in a clean, quiet engine that delivers excellent performance for an enjoyable driving experience.

Here is a link that might be useful: http://www.lincenergy.us

 

Not true; your dealer is mistaken.

The VW Jetta TDI for '09 qualifies for a $1300 tax credit.

Bish

 

The new 2009 GL320 BlueTEC actually qualifies for a tax credit up to $1800.

http://trucktrend.automotive.com/921...dit/index.html

 

How bout the 09 GL550?? Does that qualify???

 

If uncle sam wants to push Diesel, they better crank that 1800 up by about 5-7K IMO as there is NO financial reason to buy a diesel over a std engine in this country with diesel avg 30% more than premium.

Aceman

 

Err, not quite. I'm getting ~30% greater efficiency for as little as 10% greater cost over regular unleaded and often less than premium unleaded which, if I'm not mistaken, is wht is required by both the 450 and 550.

 

10% greater cost than regular would put you at or below premium pricing here. Diesel is appx 30% higher than premium here in NJ so you're saying you can buy diesel in arizona for less than premium? That's great if you can...

Aceman

 

Yup.

 

I emailed the dealer today. No vehicle currently sold in the U.S. today qualifies for the credit.
sonnerie portable gratuite

 

Funny how things change so rapidly. Diesel has been at or below regular unleaded here for the last 3 months.

 

Yes, there's a credit http://www.fueleconomy.gov/feg/taxLeanBurn.shtml