I have been doing a lot of reading on all the new CDI technologies and models Daimler/ Chrysler has been introducing in Europe. I sure would like to get my hands on one over here in the USA. I wonder if they will ever import the Diesel models to the USA again.

I suspect, in the next couple years, that you will see a Daimler-Chrysler direct injected diesel in the Dodge pick up trucks. I read somewhere that the Cummins contract with Dodge runs out over the next year or so. Hopefully, the engine will have alot of MB engineering behind it.

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Jim

IMHO - I believe that MBUSA wishes to keep their US product line such that they can maximize profit rather than give their customers what they want.

To do this, their standard story is that it costs a particular amount of money to have a particular drivetrain combination certified by the EPA. This was the BS reason they gave for refusing to give us manual transmission cars for so many years. I believe that it is the same BS reason for refusing us the CDI. It would probably not be convenient for them to certify the CDI for 50 states.

I have emailed MBUSA via their website a number of times about this and other issues and have even CHALLENGED them to call and talk to me about particular issues, and I have NEVER received a phone call from them. I suppose they just view me as a bald headed redneck that has never bought anything new from them that was more expensive than an E class diesel, so the heck with him.

I have said before and even though people say that I will give in later on, I will NEVER buy another new car from them again until they pay me the common courtesy of giving me a phone call.

I will never begrudge anyone a profit. If they cannot make a profit on the CDI's, I have no problem with them not importing them. But I believe it's just inconvenient for them. They have proven to me time and time again that treating their customers with respect and bringing to this country what the customers want means nothing to them.

They don't even have the nerve or common decency to give me a simple phone call.

Have a great day,

Well said Larry ! I started this thread to see if other MB Diesel owners had some of the same interest in this new tech as I do. I guess they really don't care what we the consumers think if they want even make a simple phone call or write you a letter with there views on the subject.

Check out this thread:

www.peachparts.com/shopforum/showthread.php?s=&threadid=17307&highlight=sprinter

The Sprinter comes with a CDI engine, and FedEx has about 3000 on order from Freightliner. I was told by a Freightliner rep that the vehicle combination that I want (short wheelbase, low roof) will only cost me about $27,000, but I would have to buy, license, and register it in Nevada, or Arizona, as it will not be able to meet California CARB emmissions regulations until model year 2004...

As for Dodge RAM trucks, remember that Daimler-Chrysler owns Detroit Diesel now.

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Scott Longston
Northern California Wine Country...
"Turbos whistle, grapes wine..."

I have a '99 E300 Turbodiesel. My first MB diesel was a 1991 300D 2.5 turbo. I will buy another when the time comes assuming they are available. My wife likes my E300 so much she would like to replace her ML320 with one of the ML270CDIs that are now all over Europe.

I wonder how Volkswagen can sell Jetta and Beetle TDIs in the U.S. and apparently make money. Seems MBUSA has chosen to ignore the demand. If we could pool the buying power of the diesel fraternity and place an order for significant volume of new vehicles we would get attention. Where is the "Amazon.com" of automobile purchasing.

Ken

P.S. The environmental argument is bogus at least out east. If we abolished all of the toll booths in this region along with the related traffic delays we would cut emissions dramatically.

I just bought a 99 E300 turbodiesel. After 20 minutes in the car I realized that this is the best all around car I have ever bought. Too bad I was unable to buy a new one from Mercedes-Benz. I think that VW offers a diesel in part due to a massive letter campaign from ex diesel Rabbit owners. Perhaps we who wish to get the CDI technology in the U.S. should mount a two prong approach: one to MBUSA and the other to our Federal regulators.
MBUSA may be unresponsive to its customers on an individual basis ( I've found that to be the case with many European companies), but I doubt that they could ignore an enmasse mailing.
Interesting post on the Sprinter. Maybe one will turn up in a wrecking yard someday and I'll be able to retro my '87 wagon!

Steve

I agree with many of your posts on this diesel importation subject......MB is probably most interested in the people that are buying brand new cars....it is my impression in this discussion group that the the majority of owners,like myself,..have cars that are 8-10(or more) years old......I think in many ways we have become a "throw away" society....if a car last for 4-5 years and then you have to buy another(provided the price is low enough) ...that tends to be more profitable than building a car that is built to last 10-15 years...I have heard complaints about newer MB quality.......well if everyone here on the list went to their dealer and said there were willing to pay 10-15K more per car for quality...I am sure MB would listen.......PROFIT....its the name of the game......I think Lexus took quite a chunk of MB business...they had to change....just my .002

Warren
1992 300SD 120K
Columbus Ohio
turner@greif.com

[QUOTE]Originally posted by longston
[B]Check out this thread:

www.peachparts.com/shopforum/showthread.php?s=&threadid=17307&highlight=sprinter

I was told by a Freightliner rep that the vehicle combination that I want (short wheelbase, low roof) will only cost me about $27,000, but I would have to buy, license, and register it in Nevada, or Arizona, as it will not be able to meet California CARB emmissions regulations until model year 2004...

Longston..............

If you need an address to register it to, I live in Las Vegas, NV., and you are welcome to use mine.

Steve A

It looks like the Passat diesel isn't available here for 2002. Here's a couple relavent sites found on "www.google.com"

http://www.transportation.anl.gov/ttrdc/publications/transforum/v3n2/ethanol-additive.html
http://www3.vw.com/owners/faq.htm#3

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When I close my eyes, and inhale, I can smell No. 2.

What I would do is buy it from a Freightliner dealer in Reno, Carson City, or Elko, and use a P.O. Box in Reno for registration. But I'll keep your offer in mind for future reference if my plan won't work, or if I need a Nevada street address for insurance coverage...

My current minivan will be paid off in a month or two, so I was looking into a replacement. I have driven both the Grand Caravan, and the Windstar for a month each. I saw things I liked about both, and things I hated about both. Bottom line, not sure which one I'd buy. Not Good. I drove a Toyota Sienna for a week recently back in June, and I loved it! The only drawback was the interior space wasn't as large as I would like to have.

Enter the Sprinter. Freightliner quality, solid construction, Mercedes diesel engine, and just weird enough to attract attention like a Hummer. And at only $27,000 base price about what I'd have to pay for any of the other brands without the Mercedes diesel engine...

Drawback: Steve Krabbenborg (MBenz) says from his experiences with the CDI engines in Europe, they suck. So, I'm still undecided until I drive a Sprinter, and get some more data.

Hey, Steve, are there any available at your local Freightliner dealer in Las Vegas? Maybe you could check one out and report back to us?

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Scott Longston
Northern California Wine Country...
"Turbos whistle, grapes wine..."

longston.......

I am leaving town for a few days, but when I get back I will look up the local freightliner dealer and get the story.

If you are looking for a "mini-van" I would highly recommend the Honda Oddessy.

Steve A

Diesel Dan...... Have you ever driven the Diesel 6?

I just purchased a couple of diesels after not having driven one for many years (85 300CD & 87 300TD). I would be interested in comments and comparisons from any of the forum who have had experience with both.

I found the CD when I was actually looking for the TD or an SDL, but it looked so cute parked on the side of the road I could not abandon it.

Thanks,

Steve

I have been looking at them from a distance, but this is what I really want, A Mercedes-Benz Vito:







But I would prefer it in Blue or Green...

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Scott Longston
Northern California Wine Country...
"Turbos whistle, grapes wine..."

Where in the world did you see that Scott? It must have been in the civilized (or could have been uncivilized based on how you look at it) because of the golden arches in the background. I would seriously consider one of those vans - especially if it came with the turbo diesel 5 or 6 cyl.

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Jim