The Diesel ML is coming. - Page 2 - PeachParts Mercedes-Benz Forum

aklim · #16 03-18-2006, 02:14 AM

Didn't they have a bunch of problems with the MLs in 98 and 99? I'd wait for a few years before I make a judgement on how good they are.

Diesel Giant · #17 03-18-2006, 09:33 AM

I am glad that Mercedes has the guts to expand their diesel line in this country!

DR.DIESEL · #18 03-22-2006, 12:23 AM

Quote:

Didn't they have a bunch of problems with the MLs in 98 and 99? I'd wait for a few years before I make a judgement on how good they are.

Nah, The W164 ML has been out for almost a year and a half now.
It is one of the most trouble free vehicles we sell.
The Alabama boys at MBUSI have their act together. Thank god!
I wish 98 and 99 Ml's would vanish from the earth.

DR.D

Fuzzball · #19 03-22-2006, 06:03 PM

Make mine the R-Class with a diesel!!

That is one hummin vehicle, if you ask me!

DR.DIESEL · #20 03-23-2006, 03:28 AM

Maybe. If the ML sells well, ya never know.
They are the same chassis. Also same as new X164 GL class.
The new W221 S class is a real contender too.
The new low sulfer fuel may allow lots of new choices for us soon.
DR.D

PC Dave · #21 03-23-2006, 12:03 PM

I believe Zetsche announced at the Detroit show in January that the Bluetec diesel would be offered in the US in the R and the GL as well as the ML and the E. He also said that it would be used in the Jeep Grand Cherokee, which could be an interesting package for those of us not wanting to shell out for the ML.

There's a photo in the current edition of the star of him posing with a blue ML, GL and Grand Cherokee at the Bluetec stand.

DR.DIESEL · #22 05-15-2006, 10:37 PM

Well, I drove the new ML320 CDI last week at the ML factory in Alabama.
All I can say is wow.

What a vehicle!! 221hp and 398ft-lbs from a bi-turbo 3.0 v-6 diesel. Very very quiet and smooth. No smoke what so ever.
This was a 45 state version without the Urea injection system.
Still very nice truck. 26mpg.
There were also R320 and GL320 diesels as well.
I also rode in a GL420 Diesel V-8. What a monster, but sadly not for this
country. (yet)

These should be in our showrooms in Sept/Oct.
Come check them out.

DR.D

Veloce300DT · #23 05-15-2006, 11:39 PM

I think it is GREAT that MB is pushing diesel powerplants in the U.S. again. But what makes this time around even greater is that this will undoubtedly make more U.S. consumers aware of what modern diesel engines are like- barring any misconceptions that were formed back in the 80's thru early 90's. In addition, it is even WISER that MB is planting these cleaner & more efficient engines under the hoods of automobiles that are typically gas guzzlers and also typically more common than any other type of car on the road now; the SUV.

It will finally make a little more sense to see an 800 ton 5 door truck piloted by a 5ft2 housewife displaying a "Keep Tahoe BLUE" decal on the rear window.

I think MB may be back on the road to where it was 15-25 years ago. I hope.

NOW, I want a C-Class diesel; a subtle, versatile compact sedan comfortable in options, packing oodles of torque while sipping on fuel.

t walgamuth · #24 05-16-2006, 05:19 AM

yeah, how about a modern day version of the 190d or 240d. four cyl diesel with stick, crank windows and simple as possible.

prob never happen unless we go into full recession and none of the fancy cars will sell.

tom w

#25 05-16-2006, 08:23 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by t walgamuth

yeah, how about a modern day version of the 190d or 240d. four cyl diesel with stick, crank windows and simple as possible.

prob never happen unless we go into full recession and none of the fancy cars will sell.

tom w

It's not going to happen. Every-time an up-market company tries to compete with the low-end companies in the US they get their lunch eaten. What you are describing is a VW TDI. Besides, why would MB go down-market and compete with Chrysler?

t walgamuth · #26 05-16-2006, 08:40 AM

no doubt.

i can fantasize though., right?

or i would take my 240 with chrysler sheetmetal... as long as it wasnt dressed as a caliper...
shudder.

tom w

AF300E · #27 05-16-2006, 10:05 AM

In Oz, we have had the ML320cdi for a while now. Very nice. Smooth, quiet, not smokey. My mother bought one. Arrives in July.
And you are right Dr. Diesel, the MB workshop foreman I sued to work with said that the W164 is almost trouble free! Finally! My mother's last ML (a 430) had 2 pages of warranty work! And she's not even fussy!

DR.DIESEL · #28 05-16-2006, 11:27 PM

I have hopes that the internal rumors are true and we will have Diesel versions of most platforms by 2009.
Next gen C class should be ready by 2008 and the current W221 S320 CDI is ready. They just need to flip the switch. The W211 E classes will be switching over to the new V-6 diesel to go with the 2007 facelift. The M113 gas V-8s are done and most are being replaced by the new 4-cam M273 5.5l from the S550.
All vehicles will have new modern engines from the C to the S.
The exceptions are the SL55 keeps it old engine for now and the
600/65 cars keep their older V-12 setups.

Pretty amazing that they can swap out all powerplants for most of a
entire line in 1 1/2 model years.

More power and better fuel economy.....hmm... sounds like a win-win deal!
DR.D