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  #1  
Old 05-08-2002, 11:30 AM
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new euro cars

When we hear about euro cars, we only really hear about 80s models, but never anything newer. So what are the differences between modern US/Euro cars such as an MB? Do they still have better headlights and higher HP motors? Do they still have more gadgets available such as the transmission E/S switch in older cars? I know that in the new euro BMW M3 with the sequential paddle shift, they have an extra shift program they don't have over here...an electronic stall speed drag race program!!!

What I like about euro cars today is that you can equip them however you want...I think you can check off all the options individually to get exactly what you want. You can have a stripped E-Class with cloth seats and a four cylinder, or you can have a fully decked out E430...but with more "stuff" than a US E430. If I am not mistaken, I think you can even order a new S-Class in Europe with cloth. Over here they seem to be stuck on fully loaded with all these "packages". I'm guessing it has to do with market, cost saving, BS gov't regulations and the wonderful sue-happy United States. Am I right? Anyone have a take on this?

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  #2  
Old 05-09-2002, 04:13 AM
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Dealing with MB only, you're right, there are smaller engines and simpler specifications available in Europe, although the specs of even the base models are increasing these days.

You can have a C180 Classic, for instance, which is pretty bare: air con and front electric windows, cloth seats, manual transmission, steel wheels.

Or an E200k Classic with cloth seats. It would come with air con and electric windows, but not much more than that. It would be a manual transmission, too.

The smallest S-Class is the S280. These cars have a fairly full specification, though. I think leather is standard but you can have velour as a no cost option.

We have a SLK200k (and some countries have a SLK200), which has cloth seats, no air con (!!), manual transmission, simple wheels.

I think that the engines now have the same output the world over: the new Euro 4 emissions standard is about as strict as it gets, whereas in the past some US states had far stricter standards which crippled output.

All cars are available with "optional extras": sat nav, sunroof, bigger wheels, leather upholstery, sports suspension, tow bar, all of that sort of thing. I just assumed US cars were the same.
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  #3  
Old 05-13-2002, 08:10 AM
Matt Crooke
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Iva just had all the glossy literature delivered for the new BMW 7 Series.....fantastic looking car, but an electronic nightmare. There is no handbrake or gearstick, all button operated, plus all the major controls are operated by a single silver dial on the front of the centre armrest, heating, sat nav, radio, phone the lot...all very nice till it goes wrong!!.

Where in the past you could get a 728, 730, 735, 740 and 750, now you can only have a choice of 2 V8's 735 and 745 (i think thats the 2 sizes) But the lovely V12 has vanished off the line.....mind you, what average person can afford to run a V12 in the UK anymore!!

As for the optional extra list.......you could fill the British Library with the checklist!!!

Even down to silly things, like you can choose a slightly bigger info screen, (1.1 inch bigger to be precise) for an extra £300 or something.

Due to the amount of electronics in these beasts, give it a few years, and you will be able to own one of these, 4th hand for pocket change.
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Old 05-13-2002, 08:12 AM
Matt Crooke
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MBJC, when you mentioned about higher HP motors, i think the basic engines are the same, but UK spec models arent strangled with emmission reduction equipment.
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  #5  
Old 05-13-2002, 09:35 AM
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BMW 745i

Out of interest, the very first 7 series was available as a 745i in continental Europe (and the US??). It was a turbo-charged 3.5 litre straight six. The 745i designation was chosen because in motorsport classifiaction, the engine capacity of turbo-charged cars was increased by a factor of 1.3.

Also, there will be a V-12 in the new 7 series: the 760i.
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  #6  
Old 05-13-2002, 09:45 AM
Matt Crooke
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JJ

I didnt know that about the 760i...all the way through the glossy stuff they waffle on about the new V8's with Valvetronic etc etc, but not a whiff of 12 cylinders mentioned....mind you though a 760...i bet that moves pretty well......but alas no doubt it will be limited to 150 mph, as they always seem to be!

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