Don't you wish they would sell this car in the US - PeachParts Mercedes-Benz Forum

alabbasi · #1 12-14-2006, 07:54 AM

From MB UK website.

Mercedes Benz E220 CDI

Design line Classic 0 GBP
Paint Black 0 GBP
Seats Fabric - black 0 GBP

Technical data

Doors / seats 4 / 5
Rims 16" alloy wheels (4) 7-spoke design 7J x 16
Transmission / gear box 6-speed manual transmission
Power / Cubic capacity 125 kW ( 170 HP ) / 2148 cm3
Number of cylinders 4/in-line
Fuel consumption
Urban 32.5 (mpg)
Extra Urban 56.5 (mpg)
Combined 44.8 (mpg)

CO2 emission (combined): 167 g/km

TimFreeh · #2 12-14-2006, 08:07 AM

I'd buy one tomorrow if they were available in the US.

It's frustrating to watch MBUSA spend money going through the federalization process with the half million dollar supercar Mclaren Mercedes (I'm guessing they sell a couple of hundred in the USA?) but then turn around and say they can't get enough sales volume to justify bringing the C-class Diesel to the USA.

#3 12-14-2006, 08:14 AM

I wonder how my 1999 E300 would be with a 4 cylinder turbo diesel. The 606 that is in it is 'tied back' by the computer so why does it need an engine that big?

alabbasi · #4 12-14-2006, 08:15 AM

There's also an A Class Diesel that would give Hybrids a good run for thier money.

Look at the A160 CDI

Technical data
Doors / seats 3 / 5
Rims 15" steel wheels (4) - 6Jx15 ET44
Transmission / gear box 5-speed manual transmission
Power / Cubic capacity 60 kW ( 82 HP ) / 1991 cm3
Number of cylinders 4/in-line
Fuel consumption
Urban 45.6 (mpg)
Extra Urban 65.7 (mpg)
Combined 57.6 (mpg)

CO2 emission (combined): 128 g/km

Matt L · #5 12-14-2006, 10:12 AM

What are those MPG figures when translated to US gallons?

cscmc1 · #6 12-14-2006, 10:22 AM

We rented an Audi A3 TDI while in Germany last month. Amazing car... I can't figure out why Audi and MB aren't importing more of these. Are diesels that poorly regarded here?

Benzadmiral · #7 12-14-2006, 02:31 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Matt L

What are those MPG figures when translated to US gallons?

According to this site (http://www.markporthouse.net/rangie/fuelconsumptionconversion.htm#), the 44.8 UK mpg of the E220 CDI would be ~ 37.3 US mpg. About 17% less. Still pretty darn respectable.

I always thought those mpg figures given in "Mercedes Enthusiast" magazine sounded high. . . .

MTI · #8 12-14-2006, 02:44 PM

The impediment to diesel sales in the US is from the varying state laws concerning emissions and fuel formulations. The large California market was a no-go for diesel, hence no incentive to bring the cars over, train and stock dealerships, etc.

cscmc1 · #9 12-14-2006, 02:52 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by MTI

The impediment to diesel sales in the US is from the varying state laws concerning emissions and fuel formulations. The large California market was a no-go for diesel, hence no incentive to bring the cars over, train and stock dealerships, etc.

Yeah, gotta love that CA market. Amazing... H2's, Escalades, etc... are fine, but better surpress the TDI sales! Mind-boggling.

TimFreeh · #10 12-15-2006, 08:04 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by MTI

The impediment to diesel sales in the US is from the varying state laws concerning emissions and fuel formulations. The large California market was a no-go for diesel, hence no incentive to bring the cars over, train and stock dealerships, etc.

The currently available CDI's are 45 state cars and MB is hoping the next round of emission reduction Diesel technology will be available in all 50 states. MB is currently selling Diesel powered cars so it has apparently made the decision to face the infrastructure costs associated with Diesel deployment in the USA.

What I can't understand is that if a particular powerplant passes EPA emissions testing on one vehicle why can't the the emissions certification be extended to ANY passenger car that contains the same engine? As I understand it EVERY vehicle/engine combination has to be separately certified by the EPA. This process is supposed to be very expensive hence MB's reluctance to go through the process for C-class Diesels.

I think an inexpensive C-class Diesel with a minimum of electronic do-dads would be a hit here in the USA - kind of a modern version of the 240D.

Ara T. · #11 12-15-2006, 08:29 AM

Diesels really make sense for the average driver. High mpg, high torque at low RPM. These modern passenger car diesels seem to make their torque at 1600-1800 rpm! The 617 and 603 you have to rev to at least 2300 RPM to get to the torque peak. Anywho, it means it's extremely relaxing and easy to drive it around, and lets face it, not many people like to rev their engines that much (I do though) which is where diesels get their asses kicked by gas engines. But I know most people don't care about how their engine revs since most people with their modern engines never exceed 3000 RPM i bet.

Modern turbos have very minimal turbo lag as well, so even better drivability there.

aklim · #12 12-15-2006, 09:10 AM

Yes but you have to worry about the gelling if you are in cold climate, pumps are often dirty from diesel fuel, same with floor, etc, etc. Hell, I have to wash my hands every time I fillup unless I wear disposable gloves. Plus diesel is now more expensive than gas so whatever savings I get may be eaten up plus the inconvenience. Diesels have a harder time starting cold than gas. So diesel is not all roses and honey.

Modern as in how modern till they get rid of the turbo lag? My 99 E300 was a dog till I had it chipped and now it is acceptable. Now the new CDIs are a little different but that is how modern you are going to have to get in the MB line. Personally, I have yet to see a diesel car vs a similarly equipped gas be less poochy. Now, granted we are talking sticking a turbo or a supercharger on the gas motor since the diesel is a turbo to be equal otherwise we are comparing a NA gas vs a turbodiesel which is apples and oranges.

As to the question, not intersted in a 4 banger so if they imported it, I would not be in the market for one.

t walgamuth · #13 12-15-2006, 11:21 AM

i drove the 320cdi. it is not wanting for performance. torque like niagara falls. there is no lag on the new ones. almost none on my dodge cummins either (03). the turbo kicks in but you arent lacking for go when you take off.

i would want a modern 4 cyl 240 with a six manual and turbo. i would consider a new one if the price was right. under 30 i think would do it.

my magnum is 240 simple inside with no doo dads at all except radio ac and power seat on the drivers side.

tom w

aklim · #14 12-15-2006, 11:24 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by t walgamuth

i drove the 320cdi. it is not wanting for performance. torque like niagara falls. there is no lag on the new ones. almost none on my dodge cummins either (03). the turbo kicks in but you arent lacking for go when you take off.

i would want a modern 4 cyl 240 with a six manual and turbo. i would consider a new one if the price was right. under 30 i think would do it.

my magnum is 240 simple inside with no doo dads at all except radio ac and power seat on the drivers side.

tom w

Drove that too but just wondering how it would stack up against another E class that is about the same displacement with a blower on it too. With the older models, they seem to be pretty much of a dog without the turbo. Unless the price was so discounted that I could not pass it up, I wouldn't get an E300 that was pre 98 that was NA. I tried it and it was poochy even compared to my E300 that has a turbo.

soypwrd · #15 12-16-2006, 06:05 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by TimFreeh

... I think an inexpensive C-class Diesel with a minimum of electronic do-dads would be a hit here in the USA...

Offer a wagon and I'm all over it.