what you'd like to see in newer MBs
 

I have been doing surveys each month for MB over 5 years now.
Yesterday they asked what I would like to see in newer cars.I said.
To be able to have a car with less technology,I don't need internet,or navigation,I know the US as I've traveled it all. I'd like to see at least a 3 liter diesel with 6 cylinders,and cast iron block,instead of 4.I'd like to see floor mounted shifter availible back in S and E class,instead of funky old american colum shifter.
what would you like to see.

Me!

Oh yeah forgot, more discussion in their ads about their cars on materials used in the powertrain and suspension parts.Like I perfer aluminum intake manifolds over plastic,steel suspension parts over aluminum.Clutch packs over CVT trans.

This (they'll never do it though) and a six speed manual. My 013 vw tdi wagon is much like this...simpler and sort of a modern 240d but with massive power when the turbo spools up.;)

I have read that the multi million dollar sports cars are going automatic,because they communicate better with the computer.They shift faster than a man.

True, but boring.

Its like for instance I like the older inline nissan GTRs.The other V6 models are aluminum block with steel cylinders liners.Now Road an Track reported no liners this year,built like the Chevy Vega's.But Nissan's website does not list that,or what type of automatic.

Manual seats.

I'd like manual windows too,electric
regulators are toast in no time.

True manuals, aux inputs, and free EPC subscriptions (that one still burns me up :mad:)

Edit: Oh, and bring back diesel engines!

My 84 500sec had all aluminum block. If the silicone impregnated aluminum is of sufficiently high quality they last a very long time. Chevy used second hand oatmeal in their aluminum in the vega blocks!;)

I had the vega gt station wagon at one time. Strange that the only thing that really did not have issues was the engine. Even though they were notorious for engine problems with their cylinder bores. I think this also was about the time they introduced chassis that were not strong enough to even hold alignment. Pathetic example of a product from a well experienced company.

Gm had been in business far too long to release the amount of junk car models they did over the years. The little Chevette such as it was . Was a better car than the vega although that is not saying much.

I really think the big three thought the consuming public would buy anything. Time has proven them wrong in a massive way.

I have also thought for the past few years that the most reliable brands will own the future. When driving behind a new big three car owner I almost feel sorry for them today. For the same money or less they could have gotten far better cars. Most of the big three models seem to sit dead as used cars on the lots now as well. Both hard to sell and little retained value locally.

When I occasionally rent one of them you learn fast that they still have little interest in their customers and repeat business. Word is reciently that many have thinned out their block castings and there are major troubles now with them as well.

As for Mercedes far better overall reliability would be nice. Especially over the long term. It is not pie in the sky because some car companies are and have been doing it for quite awhile.

you may have had either the cosworth,or dura built engine.what I remember from milling aluminum is you didn't need coolant.

In the line of what everyone has been saying, I'd suggest diesel-powered "Professional Versions" for the entire lineup. They do it in Europe, why shouldn't they do it in the US?
I am sure that more than one taxi fleet will be glad to put a few Mercedes to the task!

Was the Cosworth block different? I always thought they were the same as the others.

Do you mean not needing coolant for the milling?

Back to OP: Options for less tech stuff.

yes cosworth was a built engine.I used to run a milling machine alot,with aluminum never used coolant cause tool wear was good,like brass.Now iron and steel was another thing.

Naturally aspirated inline 6, and turbo inline 4's with manual transmissions, modest dimensions (less width, less height, less bulk). Don't make them look like fat old people. Greater visibility all around looking out, analog gauges, oil pressure gauge...For the diesels...Inline 6 engine...Single turbo VNT (dual at most with low pressure/high pressure variance) with CGI cylinder block, or simply regular cast iron if necessary. High pressure common rail...But with high redline...If not possible, go back to IDI, and refine that. I don't know how just do it. Make it work for fun. GET RID OF PARTICULATE FILTERS! REFINE PCV SYSTEMS. Improve build quality. Charge more, give more. Throw out all the useless junk. Lose weight and get closer to 3100 lbs for the C-Class and 3400 lbs for the E-Class. Make them handle. More aluminum suspension bits. Keep that heavy electrical junky stuff for the S-Class.

I'm with most of the above, except that I'd be ok with four or five cylinders in a diesel. And leave the particulate filter. It's easy to get rid of once you buy the car.

Less electronic crap and keep that smooth glide-ride on the older S-Class...

A real EV that that can compete directly with Tesla in terms are range, power, self driving and price. I really don't care for ICEs going forward especially ones covered in plastic components that only a dealer can maintain. I've owned my fair share of diesel and gasoline powered vehicles in my life, I'm moving on.

I'm not a fan of EVs.I have seen where cities go thry blackouts do to peak demand.The owners of these utilities reap the profitts and hardly never invest on making things better for expanding populations.We need under ground utilties to save money on storm repair,and CME's from the sun.We even need more resevoirs to hold more water for expanding towns.No one is doing anything.Garbage which is filling landfills can be converted to a different alcohol that cars can burn without conversion.Diesel can be grown in high yeilds.But as long as powerful rich men think of todays pleasures,and not the future.No progress will be made.Remember May 2015? Audi made diesel fuel from Carbon dioxide and water? What happened they were making 50 gals a day with small process.No news since.

Guess what powers the fuel pumps at your local gas station? Electricity

Guess how much electricity is used to refine a gallon of crude oil into fuel? 6kwh. On a per mile basis its about the same as an EV, except you're not burning gasoline.
The 6 kWh electricity to refine gasoline would drive an electric car the same distance as a gasser? | The Long Tail Pipe

Guess what powers Audi's CO2 to diesel plant? A LOT of electricity.
https://fortunedotcom.files.wordpress.com/2015/04/audi-e-diesel-production-graphic.jpg?quality=80

Drive an EV and skip the middle man.

SirNik purchased my 05 C230k which has a 6 speed!

It's a lovely transmission, as well as a lovely car to drive.

I think when you buy a German expensive brand,it should be all German.No Mexico,China,or India made.

Even older MBs has parts sourced from other countries.

I actually really like the OM642 that's in my ML320 CDI - silky smooth with a butt-load of power! I also really like the column mounted shifter as well. Having the center console open for stuff is actually really convenient. The 7 speed auto is pretty nifty too - cruising down the freeway with very little NVH from that diesel is awesome.

Talk about the 642 brings something else to mind--inline engines, gas and diesel. Has there been any more info about the rumored gasser I6 I read about here a while ago?

Chevy built the block and Cosworth provided the heads. I think that the displacement of the Cosworth was a little smaller than the standard Vega engine.

Yeah not needing coolant for milling.I thought the cosworth's had cylinder liners.

Something that looks at least remotely like a Mercedes Benz.

- Peter.

Good point as all too many cars are are tending to look all too similar today. Mercedes design was pretty much quite distinguishable at one time.

The New Ford,and GM trucks look alike with big ugly grilles.

I like my silver Korean looking SUV!

Blends in with the rest of the pack when I'm speeding. lol

This is all 1% stuff. Options for less BS gadgetry just means that the next point is why pay a premium for a premium car without all that crap? Mercedes will never do it, they will sell almost no of these simpler versions, and have to charge less for them while adding the option.

having said all that I would like that as well, less nonsense you don't need that distracts from driving the car.

We will see how the metris does, if they can get more of the service vehicle market maybe they can introduce some more of their pedestrian variants available in other countries.

They have an opportunity with the stumble of the transit and other FWD cargo vehicles