362hp OR 355hp OR both for North America?
Anyway, it's the same car. If you compare the technical details on the 362 versus 355, you see it's measured differently.
In Germany, the official rating for the SLK55 AMG is 265 kW, which is about 360 Horsepowers.
D
Anyway, it's the same car. If you compare the technical details on the 362 versus 355, you see it's measured differently.
In Germany, the official rating for the SLK55 AMG is 265 kW, which is about 360 Horsepowers.
D
You actually can buy higher octane gas here in Cali. I get 100 octane from a 76 station about 5 miles from my house for my '93 RX-7. Its not as prevalent/common as the other lower octanes, but you "can" buy it from a few stations in your area. I "mix" & run about 95 or so.
See ya,
-Matt
Not doubting you - you obviously know what you're putting in your car, but that is pretty wild - and something I hadn't seen before.
Cheers,
d
I thought stricter emission control was the reason for the difference. Like BMW M3 has 12 or so more horsepower in EU than here in North America.
Anyway, it's the same car. If you compare the technical details on the 362 versus 355, you see it's measured differently.
In Germany, the official rating for the SLK55 AMG is 265 kW, which is about 360 Horsepowers.
D
(Always within range of the tip of the fall-off though).
It's true that the Octane # doesn't help you / do anything if you go over what the car is rated (i.e. the combustion momentum doesn't change). Vice versa though, if your Octane is too low, earlier combusterion occurs which in theory could get you nominally less output (and efficiency / knocking). Either way, this is only 1/3 of the equasion. I will try to find the formula DIN is using and see if we can compare it to the US spec in bhp. Today's cars make up for lower Octane / combustion times so as to not damage engines anymore (as could have happend in the good old days). A SLK55 will run fine on unleaded normal (vs Premium which is required), but it's output will be reduced.
Emission control is actually stricter in the EU (EU Norm 4) than in the US, but CA is stricter than the EU - the car's aren't modified though. CA models for a while (90s) needed modification (several hundred $ surcharge for CA cars), though most modern cars are inline with regulations everywhere from the get-go (the SLK included).
So, to bring light into this, as I said, let's see if I /we can find the formula for DIN Euro versus US to rate bhp, and I think we'll all be smarter :-)
I thought stricter emission control was the reason for the difference. Like BMW M3 has 12 or so more horsepower in EU than here in North America.
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why are you getting 100 for your car ? Did you make any modifications on it ? Otherwise, I am not sure what the high-octane gives you?
Cheers,
Dan
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Not doubting you - you obviously know what you're putting in your car, but that is pretty wild - and something I hadn't seen before.
Cheers,
d
Yes, you can get 100 unleaded & pull right up to the pump. Do a search on the Net (go to Union 76 web site) for 100 octane. You can find one closest to your house (by zip code :o)
CA can't make it illegal to sell higher octane fuels - especially for older muscle cars that had min octane ratings of 95 (that would be discrimination & the ACLU will actually fight it - can you believe that?
).Higher octane is a requirment for certain older high compression motors (ie late 60's L-88 Corvettes) and people like myself that run higher boost levels for turbocharging applications. Too low an octane rating and KABOOM...detonation (it will blow my rotary engine up as it becomes too lean at higher boost levels). When I install my bigger single turbo, I'll need 100 octane for anything over 15 lbs (keeps it rich enough & adds a safety margin - especially when its cold outside). Hope this helps?
PS - if you want to get real crazy, you can go to a race track & fuel up on 110 :v
See ya!
-Matt
why are you getting 100 for your car ? Did you make any modifications on it ? Otherwise, I am not sure what the high-octane gives you?
Cheers,
Dan
My car runs a mid 11 sec quarter. After I install my single, it will be in the low 10s (2,600 lbs & about 450 - 500 RWHP - depending on boost/octane I wish to run......pretty sprite :v )
See ya,
-Matt
Euro version? same motor "dude"
ie same power output
nope, it's a longstanding myth, but putting gas of a higher octane into your (stock!) car than it's rated for, doesn't do anything at all, ever. There is no output increase, no 'delayed combustion', no better fuel efficiency. Fuel companies often try to get you with these Hi-Power slogans and 'cleaner fuel' (in reality, all fuels have additives that 'clean' your engine). Shell for example thinks' 'V-Power' sounds better than premium.
It IS however, not reccomended to get gas below your engines' rating. While no longer harmful (knocking) in new cars these days (sensor check the timing), you will get a (temporary) fall-off of performance as the fuel-mixture combusts 'early' and thus doesn't develop it's full power.
BTW - there is not difference, at all, between the 'EURO' or the US spec engine. THey are both regulated (i.e. software cut-off at 150miles or 250km/h). They both have the same output power IF measured under the same guidelines (which US and EU aren't). Only a few cars have different engines anylonger - lately, the Z3 M Roadster comes to mind - it had a completely different (and puny) engine for the US version, versus the very powerful EU spec.
All the best,
Dan.
268hp / 3.5L = 77hp per L
5.5L x 77hp per L = 420hp
On a litre per litre basis the AMG Tuned V8 is 65hp short of what a standard MB engine would be at 5.5L. If it was really "tuned" you would expect it to be running at 15%+ what a stock MB does, not 15%-.
MB new generation 4 valve 5.5L V8 is meant to have 408hp this would put it slightly behind the hp per L of the standard V6 so hopefully the AMG tuned version will have 450hp or so.
And of course, the AMG car has a slew of other enhancements technologically.
Frankly, the V6 is just a very good and efficient engine - the AMG engine is no different, in design than what's used on all other Mercedes currently - the SL included.
Yes, Mercedes will replace all it's engines with the 4 valve type but this will happen over the next 1 1/2 years, has not been officially announced for the SLK55 and the number of 408bhp for 'the new engine' is a complete guess at this time - based on a statement that MB made on the new engine - but in regards to the CLS and another class (SL AMG I want to say, but might be wrong). WHen and how and it what shape they will trickle down is anyone's MY06/MY07 guess.
Cheers,
Daniel
268hp / 3.5L = 77hp per L
5.5L x 77hp per L = 420hp
On a litre per litre basis the AMG Tuned V8 is 65hp short of what a standard MB engine would be at 5.5L. If it was really "tuned" you would expect it to be running at 15%+ what a stock MB does, not 15%-.
MB new generation 4 valve 5.5L V8 is meant to have 408hp this would put it slightly behind the hp per L of the standard V6 so hopefully the AMG tuned version will have 450hp or so.
How complicated is changing that cut-off? Will warranty be voided? Who does the programming? Mail order programming device? Sudden crash at 300 km/h due to?
I used to live in Germany and I still go there frequently. I rent cars and drive them at around 250 km/h. It is a lot of fun and a huge rush for me because I am use to driving around only 120 km/h in Vancouver. So, I was thinking may be I could drive my SLK55 at around 300km/h? at the race track here in Vancouver. OR NOT!? Or just rent a Porsche Turbo and go to the race track and hope really hard that nothing happens (insurance doesn't cover this)!?
nope, it's a longstanding myth, but putting gas of a higher octane into your (stock!) car than it's rated for, doesn't do anything at all, ever. There is no output increase, no 'delayed combustion', no better fuel efficiency. Fuel companies often try to get you with these Hi-Power slogans and 'cleaner fuel' (in reality, all fuels have additives that 'clean' your engine). Shell for example thinks' 'V-Power' sounds better than premium.
It IS however, not reccomended to get gas below your engines' rating. While no longer harmful (knocking) in new cars these days (sensor check the timing), you will get a (temporary) fall-off of performance as the fuel-mixture combusts 'early' and thus doesn't develop it's full power.
BTW - there is not difference, at all, between the 'EURO' or the US spec engine. THey are both regulated (i.e. software cut-off at 150miles or 250km/h). They both have the same output power IF measured under the same guidelines (which US and EU aren't). Only a few cars have different engines anylonger - lately, the Z3 M Roadster comes to mind - it had a completely different (and puny) engine for the US version, versus the very powerful EU spec.
All the best,
Dan.
TO my knowledge, MB doesn't touch the limiter in the US or CAN - so any change would have to be after-market, and, yes, I suppose would void the warranty (it's more than a quick software hack in any case!) I can get some more details on it from my dealer in Berlin - but again, this won't really apply to the US / CAN models we have ordered, so it'll only be of intrinsic help....
Sure, in Germany you could go as fast as you wanted with these - unless you hit traffic which even the Autobahn isn't immune against ;-) There are several places that rent Exotic cars (avis deutschland has a fun cars line and you can get SL500 or Porsche 911 etc. or Cayennes for 150-200 EUro a day, insurance and 250-500km included). Haven't heard of anyone renting AMGs - I don't think there is a european delivery program for US spec AMGs (though if you live in Germany, you can pick an AMG up same as any other Mercedes).
Then again, I wonder if the difference is really that huge - going 250 or 306 on the racetrack ;-).
Best,
Dan
How complicated is changing that cut-off? Will warranty be voided? Who does the programming? Mail order programming device? Sudden crash at 300 km/h due to?
I used to live in Germany and I still go there frequently. I rent cars and drive them at around 250 km/h. It is a lot of fun and a huge rush for me because I am use to driving around only 120 km/h in Vancouver. So, I was thinking may be I could drive my SLK55 at around 300km/h? at the race track here in Vancouver. OR NOT!? Or just rent a Porsche Turbo and go to the race track and hope really hard that nothing happens (insurance doesn't cover this)!?
Frankly, the V6 is just a very good and efficient engine - the AMG engine is no different, in design than what's used on all other Mercedes currently - the SL included.
Daniel
The fact that this engine has the same block as the engine in the SL does not mean that it is not a dinosaur and MB it's selling it's customer a far from premium product... at a very premium price.
I do agree that the new V6 is a good engine and it is nice to see MB catching up to BMW, Honda, Toyota, etc. in terms of modern engine techology such a variable timing for camshafts.
The fact that this engine has the same block as the engine in the SL does not mean that it is not a dinosaur and MB it's selling it's customer a far from premium product... at a very premium price.
I do agree that the new V6 is a good engine and it is nice to see MB catching up to BMW, Honda, Toyota, etc. in terms of modern engine techology such a variable timing for camshafts.
The car is reported to run 4.7 sec 0-60 sprints. (the same as a C5 but with an obvious build quality edge). Its hardly an anemic powerplant.
-Matt
Sorry to say but anyway way you slice it the "AMG" tuned na 5.5L engine is just not special and produces comparable or less HP and Torque when you compare it to the Chev V8 or what many other manufactures are offering.
Yellow R1 wasn't comparing body styles at all, but he engine specifically. Fact is, the AMG tuned 5.5l is a very good, high-end, and proven engine. Would it be 'more exciting' if it had 4 valves per cylinder ? Sure. But you can't equate that automatically to a dinosaur of an engine ?! Where's the logic in that ? Don't get me wrong - do I thin this engine is the most technologically advanced block ever ? Of course not. But you can't compare engines by simply looking at kw (or HP) and Torque. A Mustang GT will have more 'power' than the 350SLK V6 - you don't mean to say that the Mustang's engine is 'better' than the 350 by that equasion, do you (both being in roughly the same size-range.).
And remember, you are buying an engine that has a proven track record (even though it's current incarnation is actually only a year old!) - people are always complaining about 1st MY issues with cars.
Cheers,
Dan
Sorry to say but anyway way you slice it the "AMG" tuned na 5.5L engine is just not special and produces comparable or less HP and Torque when you compare it to the Chev V8 or what many other manufactures are offering.
Sorry to say but anyway way you slice it the "AMG" tuned na 5.5L engine is just not special and produces comparable or less HP and Torque when you compare it to the Chev V8 or what many other manufactures are offering.
If we want more power, we'll buy a different Benz with the blown 5.5L powerplant, OR, install the blower ourselves. In any case, the production AMG powerplants are putting out more than "Chevy".
People don't buy an AMG Benz because its engine has more or less power than a "Chevy"
. People procure high end cars over Camaros & the like because they have superior build quality. the TOTAL PACKAGE is more appealing than Luke Duke's "General Lee" :p (that was a joke).If you want to compare power/displacement, my RX-7 (when stock) was putting out 196hp/liter. The big bad Z06 motor puts out 71hp/liter. The powerplants are just different & have different pros & cons. Its just not a big deal to get worked up over.
-Matt
A Mustang GT will have more 'power' than the 350SLK V6 - you don't mean to say that the Mustang's engine is 'better' than the 350 by that equasion, do you (both being in roughly the same size-range.).
Cheers,
Dan
If we want more power, we'll buy a different Benz with the blown 5.5L powerplant, OR, install the blower ourselves. In any case, the production AMG powerplants are putting out more than "Chevy".
Yes yes we can stick blowers on everything...
People procure high end cars over Camaros & the like because they have superior build quality.
I own an SLK and love the car but i am disappointed that the colour peeled of the interior trim, the headliner dropped down, the plastic peices that held the brake lights in the taillight housings melted (cost me $250 each to replace the whole housing), the engine idles roughly, one of the hydralic cylinders that lowers the roof failed after 3 years, etc. These are all common problems with the R170.
If you want to compare power/displacement, my RX-7 (when stock) was putting out 196hp/liter. The big bad Z06 motor puts out 71hp/liter. The powerplants are just different & have different pros & cons. Its just not a big deal to get worked up over.
-Matt
Justify things as you wish, if you are not looking for performance then buy a 4 or 6 cylinder SLK.
Last edited by JohnSLK; Sep 30, 2004 at 11:23 PM.



