I stand corrected on my 0-60 numbers, I misread the fact sheet.
On the other hand I absolutely love my little 91 300D. As a bounus I have every single record for the car. I mean EVERY (anytime a bulb burnt out, oil chnage, check-ups, complaints about a strange noise, and of course the books). The guy I bought the car from, his brother owns the local dealership. I call the 3 ring binder of receipts my cars medical chart!!!

Well Larry...you were right...we have had just over 30 posts so far.

Mike Murrell

I just could resist adding my 2 cent$, but If the diesels last this long, why doesn't MB continue selling diesels in all their line ups. Are that really that many people who wouldn't buy a new MB diesel? With the advancements in diesels lately, I am suprised MB hasn't brought them back to the US.

------------------
Chirag (Charlie) Patel

99 Mercedes-Benx ML 430 V8 w/custom TV, Video, UHF, speaker system
93 190E 2.6 w/ an amp, equalizer, and CD-changer, integrated w. stock stereo for integrated cellular phone speaker system
2001 C-Class - Maybe

ChiragP,

In the early eighties about 80% of the cars MB sent to the US were diesels. Remember, this was shortly after the gas lines of the seventies.

Diesels lost favor with the American public after the GM gas engine converted to diesel fiasco. Many people thought that ALL diesels must be bad.

Coupled with that is the Trap Oxidizer problem which indirectly was due to tightening emissions regulations. Of course, I believe it was '88 and '89 that there were no diesels sent to the US by MB.

In '90 when they started bringing them here again, they just never seemed to catch on. I have heard that MB is developing a diesel V8 that will make it to the US in a year or two installed in the E class.

If the fuel prices continue to rise, or even more drastically, if we experience lines at the service station again, who knows what will happen.

But still, you either love 'em or hate 'em.

Best regards,

------------------
Larry Bible
'84 Euro 240D, 516K miles
'88 300E 5 Speed
'81 300D Daughter's Car
Over 800,000 miles in
Mercedes automobiles

From what I have read and heard, MB will be back in the US mkt with the new V8 Diesels next year or 2002 for certain. Emissions is the bugaboo, although they gave as a reason that the hoodline of the current E class wouldn't clear. As to the emissions thing, whereas some mfgrs would just turn tail and leave, MB takes these more stringent rules as a challenge to their engineering prowess.
I would only question their not putting the diesel in the C class, as this is IMO, their natural market. In addition, there is some experimentation with BIO DIESEL fuel, i.e. fuels based on vegetable oil rather than petroleum. The jury is still out, but this product burns just as well as petro and w/o the nasty bi products. At any rate, this new generation of diesels will be awsome. 0 to 60 in the 8 second range, 125 mph top end and clean burning to boot.

------------------
66 220S
67 250S
74 280C
77 300D
82 280SE 4.5
82 240D
85 190E 2.3
86 300E (current)
85 300SD
92 300D 2.5 (current)
Over 1,000,000 miles in Benzes, Since66

[This message has been edited by Since66 (edited 04-06-2000).]

I did find deisel for $1.49, you just have to look around. Everytown is different.



------------------
'89 420 SEL
'90 300 SEL
'84 300 SD (sold it)

The best Mercedes Diesel is currently the E320 CDi Avantgarde Sedan. I just bought one - silver, black leather, BOSE CD etc. - that is, of course, until the new S400 Cdi and E400 CDi are released. On the move over 30 MPH you cannot hear the difference between it and a smooth gas engine - however, at idling speed you are aware that the engine is diesel. Performance is excellent - 0-60 in 8 secs, 145 MPH, huge low end torque - better than E320 gas. Diesel is the fuel of the future - they just haven't perfectd engines for it yet. Also excellent fuel economy - I am getting 35-40 MPG. Sean.

------------------
Sean McGrath

seanjmcgrath@yahoo.com

I've had my wife's '00 New Beetle TDI (turbodiesel, rated at 90HP) up to 103 on the Florida Turnpike (ssshhh, don't tell anyone).

That was at about 3100 RPMs, IIRC, and since it redlines at 4000 and tops at 5000, I'm certain it could have gone faster. The ride was pretty smooth and quiet except for wind noise.

I don't know if it could have gone SAFELY faster, though - not with that body shape anyway.

This ain't the same diesel technology as in my 240D, that's for sure!

- Nathan
'83 240D, 250k miles
'00 New Beetle TDI, 2200 miles

I LOVE my diesel. (1985 300D). Travis is reliable,rust free and is a head turner. So far I've converted 3 friends to diesel Mercedes.(One borrowed Travis the Turbodiesel for a weekend while I went out of town. When I came back she had bought one.) The only thng I have to ask is,"Is there a site for diesels only?"

------------------
Travis the Turbodiesel

I owned a 1973 220d. I sold it about 5 years ago. I regret selling it to this day.
Sure it was slow, but it was roommy on the inside.
The guy who purchased the car shipped it back to Germany. He restores them with rebuilt engines then resells them. He said there is a strong market for the old Diesels in Europe.
Since I purchased a 1975 230. I was looking for a diesel but ran across a super original owner 230, the Original paint still shines great.
My wife has a 1997 Passat diesel. 45 miles per gallon 0-60 in about 9 seconds. the engine is built by Audi and has won many awards. Still does not drive like a benz. My 75 230 is much smoother but slower.
I cannot see why people spend 15,000 on a new junk car when for half that they can buy a used Benz with many years service still on it.
The new car smell goes away and once you leave the lot it is not new anymore. I guess
its just to compete with the Jones next store.

Did want to add one more aside. It is my understanding that the 350SD is a car to avoid like the plague. A friend of mine has one and it's on its second engine in 75K. Evidently, MB decided to increase the size of the cylinders and after being bored out there was a temperature problem. Out of round cylinders, bent piston arms,a quart of oil every tank of fuel, etc, you get the picture. There was at one time I know talk of a class action lawsuit against MB, but I don't know whatever happened. So try to stay away from the 350!

------------------
Travis the Turbodiesel

Firstly, let me say I am new to this board, and as a newbie MB owner, it has been invaluable! In the past I have owned several Toyotas including a Supra and during recent years Ford Tauruses. Those cars just don't have that solid feel. And that smell! There is something intoxicating about the interior smell of an old Benz. I have had my 1979 240D for only a month now and I love it! Sure, it ain't the fastest from a red light, but it feels like I am driving a tank, has tons of interior and trunk room, and there is not a rattle to be heard. I live close to the downtown area of Memphis and the memories of finding diesel for the first time was a bummer, but I learn to love the car the more I drive it. I was fortunate to purchase mine from the original owner with all records, and this owner changed the oil every 1500 miles, which I will continue, since the old thing is used to it. Thanks for a great board!

------------------
W123 1979 240D 224K (Southern Sloth)

Welcome aboard, sloth!

I have both a diesel and a regular gashog (V8) and I love them both. I definitely believe the ol' saying "once you drive a Benz, you don't want to drive anything else!"

Good luck.

------------------
FrankieZ
84 500SEL EURO 87K
85 300D 267K (and still goin' strong)

with the price of gas not getting cheaper, diesel-powered vehicles are attracting attention.

question, are the fumes generated any friendlier to the environment? to people?

joel,

If they aren't better for us now, they soon will be, at least in the US. Emissions haven't had the impact of gas engines in the past and / or have been protected by lobbyists. The environmental protective agency bureocrats are both taking aim at the sulphur content of diesel fuel and setting new emission standards for engines. MB is waiting to see what these new standards are before they export the next generation of diesels to the US. And they promise to be spectacular -- as diesels go.

Roger