Is the engine of the S400 CDI a direct injection engine ?
 

And is it 4.0 liters or 4.5 liters ?

Why won't they bring it overhere? Why does M-B prevent these models from being sold here. I mean dealers don't have to stock these cars however they should be able to be ordered by customers. :) My father has had his 1979 300Sd since new, and loves it. The car is mint, and he really wants a replacement for it though. He looked a the diesel w140's however they had a engine prob. So now his is settling for a late 90's Eclass turbo diesel. Even though he wants a S Class. Maybe they'll come here ? :)

I agreee, sounds like a really cool car. :cool:

Unfortunately, it would not have mass appeal. The S430 is probably be easier to sell, because more people "understand" gasoline-powered cars, like Cadillacs. :rolleyes: The S500 and S600 command a "damn the accountants, full speed ahead" level of spending that almost no diesel enthusiasts can achieve.

MB could import it anyway, for us enthusiasts, but they would have to jump through all of the flaming hoops set out by Federal standards; crash testing, etc. The fact that it's the same chassis doesn't matter, MB would have to sacrifice cars and $$$$ just to be permitted to import it.

Then, diesel enthusiasts like my wife and I would just have to sigh and wait 4-6 years to buy it used. :D

I love my country, but I fear my government!

BCingU, Jim

Personally I am not a diesel enthusist. My fahter is, I hate the sluggish response of the diesel engines. However they run on spit and nerver die. Even though the market for then is not that great MBZ should still be able to make a healthy profit.

this is the reply from MB
 

the only editing I have done is to remove my last name and email address - personally, I think they are blowing "smoke" - if VW can do it why can't MD?

Date: Wed, 04 Oct 2000 21:08:20 -0400
From: "MB MAILMASTER" <MAILMASTER@mbusa.com> | Block address

Subject: Re: Mercedes-Benz -- New C-Class Update!
Add Addresses

No, due to stringent regulations that the EPA is putting into effect,,
Mercedes will not be offering any diesel models.

Thank you,
Consumer Promotions Dept.

10/01/00 7:49:04
Will the C270 diesel be available anytime soon in the
US?
thanks,
Jim

I read in a magazine or saw on Car & Driver TV that the C270 has better performance then the C320
I could not believe it either.

Ah here I found it.
In Automobile January 2001 pg. 65 it says...

"The engineers at Mercedes-Benz have made the new C-class bothe more youthful and more beautiful. Furthermore the C-class in sport guise, at least exhibits the Germanic solidity missing from some fo the company's recent efforts. The 3.2 liter is unassailable (althought the European 2.7 liter turbo-diesel torque monster is even better, if you can believe it), but a manual transmission is only offered with the C240's 2.6 liter engine. The C320 sport will cover ground as quickly as the 330i but at a cost of a slightly firmer ride. And, not insignificantly, the Mercedes is the most expensive car here"

They are comparing the C320 to the 330i and IS300

WOW

[Edited by Subman on 12-31-2000 at 12:52 AM]

I read somewhere online that the C270 CDI is offered with the 6-speed manual.