Jim, thanks for writing all that down. But I must quibble with you on one point, especially since this is the Diesel Discussion forum.
When the names were all revamped for 1994, they dropped the D as well, so there is no E300D. (I'm speaking strictly of what is displayed on the trunk lids of U.S. models.) Cars since then have had either Diesel or Turbodiesel on the right side of the trunk lid for their engine designations. The new ones will have CDI if they ever make it here.

Rick,

You are correct. With a few years of sparse MB Diesels in the US, and the intermittent lack of any MB Diesels in US over the last decade, I believe the US models have added the words to the trunk lid as you have noted to be specific. Like a reminder to the gas station attendant that these vehicles take Diesel (or even the owners).

In Europe the trunklid designator "D" did continue until the CDI versions arrived, however, the trunk lid designators in general have become a means for customizing cars over there. So, many cars don't have one at all (as an added cost option for many years, from the factory).

Jim

Debadged cars really bug me. There was a really beautiful debadged W116 parked next to me at the hotel on Amelia Island over the weekend. I was dying to know what it had in there.

I'm with ya there Rick. I just say they want you to give them the benefit of the doubt. I saw an ML with no badges, most likely a 320... who'd de-badge a 430 or 55?! ;)

Just look at the tachometer and you can tell what is under the hood in a 116 car. By looking at the instrument cluster, you can tell what almost any MBZ has in it.

Of course, it is a little rude to be looking into someone's car, but I just can't help it sometimes. One must be discreet:cool:

"T" stands for tourenwagen (german for, well, touring wagon, or stationwagon as we call it here in the US). I tell everyone I drive a "wagon" - it seems kind of lame to own a "stationwagon"... at least if you're 19.

I like to throw people for a loop and tell them I drive a touring wagon.

Yeah, in US, I don't know about W116, but the W126 here goes.

The 300SD has a 125 mph speedometer(and blacked out 6K tachometer)

The 300SDL has a 140 mph speedometer(and blacked out 6K tachometer)

The 420SEL has a 160 mph speedometer(6K redline)

The 300SEL has a 6200 rpm redline
different shift dots than the V8

The 560SEL has a 170 mph speedometer

The D stands for Diesel the L for longer the S for suntaned snob seeking sucess.........

William Rogers.......

William Rogers.......

240D
81SD
81 SD
86 500 SE Euro Snob Wagon

Here in UK we also use the "DIESEL" designation. My '95 W124 is an "E300" with the word "DIESEL" on the right side of the tailgate.