Quote:
Originally posted by Bigdaddybenz
My research has also shown that I probably should have opted for a later model E320 as they are equppied with the so called "bulletproof V-6
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I don't know what gave you the impression that the new M113 V6's are "bulletproof". They have never been described as such.
One of the main reason for developing the V6 is cost. It can use the same tooling as the V8. They just cut off two of the cylinders.
The problem is that a 90 degree V6 is inherently unbalanced, and requires the use of counter-rotating balancing shafts to make it smooth. The V6 is definitely lighter because it is an all aluminum engine. It is also cleaner burning, due to not only better engine control management, and improvements in fuel injection, but mainly due the single overhead cam design with two spark plugs / 3 valves per cylinder. And this, I have read, is the other primary reason for developing this engine - having one cam, instead of two, produces significantly less smog emissions at start-up.
Another imortant reason why MB went to a V-6 over the I-6 is to lower the hoodline and shorten the engine for better packaging, both for safety reasons and aero reasons. The latter engines take up a lot less space in the engine bay, which makes service easier.
It is a shame that reduced cost and lower emissions were the primary reasons for developing this engine, instead of things like more hp or greater longevity.