Nevada Jack

This is a quote from Car and Driver about the introduction of the new ML in Detroit:

"For the first time in the U.S., Mercedes is offering diesel power in the M-class. Two V-6s that are part of a new diesel-engine family will be offered. The smaller is a 2.8-liter making 188 horsepower and 325 pound-feet of torque. That’s nearly as much torque as from the carry-over gasoline 5.0-liter V-8 that now makes 339 pound-feet of torque and 302 horsepower. The second diesel is a 3.2-liter that puts out a prodigious 376 pound-feet of torque and 221 horsepower. All engines will benefit from the efficiency of the seven-speed automatic and the..."

Can anyone confirm this? This new ML with the V6 CDI at 221HP would be a killer package.

GDawgC220

I heard that they were going to bring over the CDI engines for the ML but not sure when though. I'm pretty sure one or both of those CDI engines will make it over here.

moa4r

agreed

ml320

Yea, I've heard a rumor the M-Class may introduce the new OM 642 DE30 LA V6 turbodiesel to North America "by 2006".

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

saffrontiger

Hi all. I've ventured over to this board because I'm interested in the 2006 M CDI. I can hardly wait after driving the E320 CDI 05, I am a solid diesel convert. I am surprised that there is minimal buzz on this board regarding the upcoming CDI. In my opinion this would be the ideal mating of great torque, excellent fuel economy and of course MB's historical diesel engine longevity.
Jay

Nevada Jack

I agree Jay...I thought this would be a hot topic. I am an ex-diesel nut and hoped maybe the E wagon would be fitted with the 320CDI but there is no talk of that anywhere. I don't know when the 320 CDI is scheduled to be in the 2006 ML but when it comes I will be very tempted to get one.

Vos

According to a leading German magazin there will indeed be two V6 diesels available in the US ML. Too bad they won't bring the V8 diesel, that is a real stump puller!

Nevada Jack

That is good news indeed. Any mention of when they expect to offer them here? The V8 would be a great addition but the new V6 3.2 liter is fine with me.

GregW / Oregon

The diesel(s) will not be offered in initial US production, but I would guess by Fall. I would bet they only offer the more powerful one in the US, since they're both 3.0 liters and get same mileage.

I've never owned a diesel, but would consider it. It would certainly emphasize the "Utility" side of the vehicle, though maybe not quite the "Sport" (1 sec slower 0-62 than 350).

Power figures below are DIN:

ML 280 CDI / 190 hp / 440 Nm, 1400-2800 rpm / 0–62 10.4 s / max 124 / 25.0 mpg

ML 320 CDI / 224 hp /510 Nm, 1600-2800 rpm / 0-62 9.4 s/ max 130 / 25.0 mpg

ML 350 / 272 hp / 350 Nm, 2400-5000 rpm / 0-62 8.4 s / max 133 / 20.4 mpg

ML 500 / 306 hp / 460 Nm, 2700-4750 rpm / 0-62 6.9 s / max 146 / 17.9 mpg

mrkbbd

what do you estimate the 0-60 for the 63 ///amg to be?

ml320

Not quite as fast as the ML55 AMG Kleemann

http://www.whnet.com/4x4/performanceml.html#Kleemann

GregW / Oregon

With close to 500hp, it's got to be close to 5 sec.

amb9800

I was a bit surprised at the performance difference in the 350 gas vs. 320 CDI W164. In the 211 (E), the 320 CDI is actually faster 0-60 than than the 320 gas model. I guess something can be said for the higher output of the new 3.5 gas V6, and model-to-model differences, but a full second difference 0-60 is huge. I wonder why that's the case...

Messerchmidt

SUVs should be diesel, and ML 320CDI SUV @ the right price would be the SUV to get.

GregW / Oregon

While I've never owned a diesel, it makes sense for an SUV. However, low sulfur fuel is not mandated in the US until 2007, I believe, so my concerns are the first diesels we get here will not perform on par with those in Europe. Can anyone shed any light on this?

northbenz

Actually one of the seven new silver "wet look" diesel cars featured at Geneva this week is a wagon! Of course that does not necessarily mean that we will get it in the US. ON top of that reportedly the new diesel wagon can finally be had with 4Matic.

Nevada Jack

Most of those articles from DC pertain to the European market. I think a variety of diesels will be available in the US, but when is anybodies guess. Depends on whether they want to market them in 45 states or all 50. Based on the success of the E320 CDI, you would think they would put one in the wagon and maybe the new R Class.

With the new diesel V6, they can fit that engine with the 4matic so I would look for that in the near future also. I think the new ML and the wagon and the R will get the diesel engine but not in the initial introduction models. Perhaps in early or mid 2006.

Messerchmidt

a 315hp ML 400CDI would kick ***....

PHYBENZ

I am thinking of buying a benz in a year, and I have been deciding between the SLK, ML, or CLK, but if the ML is avaliable then in a deisel, then that is what I am getting. That would be excellent. You figure it would probably have about a thousand dollar higher base price?

GregW / Oregon

The 320CDI and possibly the forthcoming V8 will undoubtedly be offered, but when is the question. Probably not until at least 2006 calendar year, maybe 2007 if they wait for low sulfur fuel.