How did they manage that? I bet the cars were stripped of the interior and had the drivers sit on a lawn chair with the windows up, no radio, no climate control with the cruise control set at 51mph

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1974 240D 3.0L 4(M) - 250K -OM617.910 + 300D FW + Rajay turbo power!
1977 6.9 3(A) - 84k

Mercedes has a video of the event on their website.

http://www.mbusa.com/microsite/leadership/media/richmedia/video/laredo.mov

Perhaps, but demonstration of diesel performance would make a big impression on the tainted US view of diesels (thanks to the GM 70s fiasco) In reality, the fuel used would be offset many times should the US embrace diesel technology.

As to the real world, their demonstration was not 'real world' but at an average of close to 140 MPH was a severe workout.

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87 300SDL - 215K Miles !!
99 F-350CC Dually PSD - 190K
86 300SDL - 189K
All on B-100

I wonder what the top sustained speed was? including pit stops 139mph average HAD to be really cranking it!

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John HAUL AWAY, OR CRUSHED CARS!!! HELP ME keep the cars out of the crusher! A/C Thread
"as I ride with my a/c on... I have fond memories of sweaty oily saturdays and spewing R12 into the air. THANKS for all you do!

My drivers:
1987 190D 2.5Turbo
1987 190D 2.5Turbo
1987 190D 2.5-5SPEED!!!

1987 300TD
1987 300TD
1994GMC 2500 6.5Turbo truck... I had to put the ladder somewhere!

I would imagine they had some oil changes.

Tom W

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[SIGPIC] Diesel loving autocrossing grandpa Architect. 08 Dodge 3/4 ton with Cummins & six speed; I have had about 35 benzes. I have a 39 Studebaker Coupe Express pickup in which I have had installed a 617 turbo and a five speed manual.[SIGPIC]

..I also have a 427 Cobra replica with an aluminum chassis.

I read an article by a reporter that participated in this record. He had some experience with road racing and approached Mercedes Benz about taking part in it on the conditions he write an article about it and have total control over his article. He assumed a standard shift, the same length and number of times as other drivers. As far as driving he said the biggest thing was combating bordem and staying focussed on keeping the car in a speed range. He said he listened to the radio and watched the same old desert roll by.

The cars were stock all except for the addition of a roll bar due to safety and insurance rules. The cars did receive unscheduled maintenance. Most were due to animal strikes in which birds took out mirrors and a windshield. About every 5 days they did scheduled maintenance, which included an oil change and tire inspection/replacement. Tires had their air pressure checked at every fuel stop and driver change.

It was a good article unfortunately I can't remember what magazine it was in.

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green 85 300SD 200K miles "Das Schlepper Frog" With a OM603 TBO360 turbo ( To be intercooled someday )( Kalifornistani emissons )
white 79 300SD 200K'ish miles "Farfegnugen" (RIP - cracked crank)
desert storm primer 63 T-bird "The Undead" (long term hibernation)

http://ecomodder.com/forum/fe-graphs/sig692a.png

If you remember please post it.

lets see,....five days at 140, about 17,500 miles on an oil change. Did they change tires at the same interval?

Tom W

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[SIGPIC] Diesel loving autocrossing grandpa Architect. 08 Dodge 3/4 ton with Cummins & six speed; I have had about 35 benzes. I have a 39 Studebaker Coupe Express pickup in which I have had installed a 617 turbo and a five speed manual.[SIGPIC]

..I also have a 427 Cobra replica with an aluminum chassis.

The MB Club magazine "The Star" had an article about this test run which ran a few months after the event.

Rgds,
Chris W.
'95 E300D, 241k, would not make 139 MPH, or even close