Looking at the German MB website I can see all these smaller diesels including the C class with different size engines, auto & manual transmissions.
Ok, now I am just dreaming of grey market cars, is it possible to import one of these C class diesels with manual transmission to US? that would be a logical replacement for the 240D cars.
If Mercedes ever decides to bring back the diesels to US, and I understand that one is on its way for 2005 year, but the darn thing is a E class top of the line diesel in 50K price range, definitely not for 240D owners.

Thanks,
Vahe


1977 240D +/-350K

I hope it doesn't happen, but there has been a prediction of $2.70 gasoline this summer in the US. If that happens, stand back and get ready to buy your "C240D," US equipped.

I hope this doesn't come to pass. Cheap fuel is very good for the US. The last time I was in Europe, which was 2002, I was paying about $6 a gallon ($1.50 liter.) That's why Europe is absolutely covered with diesel cars and some really good ones too.

Diesels have come much further than the old 616/617. When you rent a car in Europe and use up all the fuel, you have to start investigating whether you have to pump diesel or gas into it. The diesel technology they have there now is THAT good.

They're quiet and powerful.

Have a great day,

I thought the new 2.7 CDI was a straight 6. If it is I'm not sure it would fix into the new C-class. It might be too long.

If they could fit the CDI in under the hood of a C-class and it you could get it with a 6 speed I'd order one right now.

Can you imagine that combo? I bet it would run 0-60's in the mid six second range and it would get 40+ mpg on the road!!!

Tim

MB offers several different CDI engines in the European C-Class; I'd love to see any of them over here. Mercedes Enthusiast (Brit magazine) did a comparison last spring between a C-Class gasser and one of the diesels (I forget which one, but smaller than the 270). It had 143 hp and torque in the mid to low 200's - fairly similar to the numbers on the engine VW will offer here in the Passat. With an automatic it did 0-60 in the 9 second range, iirc.

I think the 2.7 Liter is a 5 cylinder... same as the one used in the new Sprinter vans.

My mom rented a C200 CDI the last time she was in Italy, and she said it was a wonderful car. Plenty of power for the highway, and very economical at the same time. She only had to fill it up once during her week and a half stay.

"If they could fit the CDI in under the hood of a C-class and it you could get it with a 6 speed I'd order one right now."

Well, believe it or not such a beast exist, a while back I came across an article, printed the darn thing but at this moment can not locate it.
The car in quesetion is a C class AMG diesel, available in Europe, 0 to 60 in 6 seconds, obviously a little faster than my 240D.
I will try to find the article and post the link here.

Thanks,
Vahe


1977 240D 0 to 60 in 28 seconds!!!!!!

vahe,

Are you referring to the C 32 AMG (coupe)? 3.2 liter CDI, AMG tuned ECU and suspension, 6 speed manual transmission. YUM!

That is the C30 AMG CDI, not 32... I am floored about that car. AMG's first diesel.

The CDIs are not mistakeable for a gas engine, IMO. They are nice a quiet, but still sound diesel. But god do they have speeeed.

Why doesn't MB bring the full line of diesels over??? If someone wants one they should be able to order one.

__________________
1984 190D 2.2 Auto 220k
2001 Jeep Cherokee Sport 70K
2004 Lexus RX-330 ??K
2005 Chrylser Crossfire LTD 6K

Play guitar? Go to www.cyberfret.com for free online lessons!

Ok, here it is:

http://www.imakenews.com/autospies/e_article000073877.cfm

Thanks,
Vahe

Vahe, are you ARMO?

__________________
2002 S500
2000 C230 Sport Kompressor
1996 S600
1980 240D Diesel
1977 300D Diesel

"Vahe, are you ARMO?"

You have to help me with this, as you can see I am a little slow just like my 240D, what exactly is the question? Be glad to answer once you explain.

Thanks,
Vahe

The 6 Cylinder CDI is certainly not the only diesel engine MB has in their arsenal. We see only a handful of their engines here in the US. Additionally the 203 C Class has room for a very long engine. There is a ton of room between the front of the V6 and the radiator. I doubt that an inline six would fit, but as I say, they have lots of diesels in Europe and MB makes lots of them.

Have a great day,