Bluetec coming to all 50 states

They did want to sell in the other 5 states because cali. is one of the biggest markets for alternate fuels. Thats why the E320cdi changed to E320 bluetec so it could meet the standards. I think they dont want to show they failed. Im not bashing, i love merc, i just wanted an E320 bluetec this fall.

Yeah, it does sound a little bit like they're trying to save face.

But for what?

The E320 CDI Bluetec is amazing. Such a clean diesel with impressive performance and fuel economy and low toxic emissions. This is just the beginning of something big. Kudos to MB for this.

gas prices of 0.82 is only for petro 87, many cars uses octane 91, and if your car uses 91, it will cost around the same price as diesel. Also, 1 litre of diesel gets u more milege than gasoline.

I don't think they'll sell as well as hybrids do. Even though they get better gas mileage, they emit more soot than hybrids and that's what the fad is now, "saving the earth".

lexuis350

With particulate filters diesels emit no more "soot" than gas engines. The only problem is NOx, that creates smog. However, in some studies the exact opposite has been shown.

But still, they won't sell well in this country for at least a couple of years. Introducing a new type of engine to a country takes a while to catch on.

lexusis350

Could sell well for Mercedes because they've been selling diesels since the 70s in USA.

I don't think they'll sell as well as hybrids do.
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Eh, how many diesel models are sold in the US as of now?

VW TDI and MB E320 CDI.

Hybrids?

Honda Civic Hybrid
Honda Accord Hybrid
Toyota Prius
Lexus RX400h
Lexus GS450h

A couple of Toyota SUV's and the Ford Escape Hybrid.

But still, they won't sell well in this country for at least a couple of years. Introducing a new type of engine to a country takes a while to catch on.
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MB has been selling diesels in the US since the 1950s, albeit in low volumes. I was growing up back then and saw them around sometimes. I'm talking about those Ponton 180D's or 190D's. During the 1970s, MB really began selling diesels in this country - very successfully too.

Yeah, but they're expensive with a smaller engine than comparable cars have. For example, $55k for a V6 when you could get a V8. The Lexus GSh has 337 horsepower with an engine that performs like a V8 for that price. My point is, people are going to want to buy the hybrids not the diesels.

I am not sure why they are soo strict on domestic car diesels when the standards are totally different for bigger trucks (pick ups which uses diesel), cargo trucks, freightliners etc. I wonder how many of those trucks actually meet the new standards? Probably none.

Also the grade of diesel in the states have always been extremely crude when compared to europe and asia.

Another fact which a lot of ppl have forgotten about diesel and gasoline is that during production, to refine diesel into gasoline, there is a huge amount of energy used and pollution created. While if it was left in the diesel stage, it would have been much more eco-frdly. Thus a lot of the polluting had already been done by the gasoline without the consumers knowing.

Even if you know that, diesel gas is more expensive than regular gas, another reason why the U.S. isn't ready for diesel.

So Diesel Fuel is more expensive, you’re forgetting that a Diesel Engine is far superior, you can get 1/4 Million miles out of the engine easily, perhaps 1/2 Million Miles if you change the oil evey 3K. So the longevity and Total cost of ownership is what is really paramount, Imagine driving the car for over a decade with less service than a gas engine. No spark plugs to change either.

Diesel engines are more expensive, because they contain more steel and aluminum, and are much heavier due to the higher compression ratios. The only drawback on Diesels, is that you have to change the fuel filters often, as a diesel likes clean fuel, if they have that, they will run forever, the combustion process keeps going, no sensors or electronics to stop it, so Diesels are very, very reliable, which again is paramount over the cost per gallon, or the difference of a few MPGs, but no one here seems to be aware of the true benefits, only the hype. Hybrids are like Nike sneakers, gota have it because everyone else has it. Why do you think they use Diesel engines in Ships? Reliability mainly and to a lesser degree Non explosive Fuel Vapors as opposed to gasoline.

The pump price on Diesel, although higher, is more stabilized, Gasoline is subject to huge fluctuations. They can't spike Diesel, because the Teamster's Union would do a drive on Washington, and sound the Air Horns like they did years ago. Gas Engine consumers are at the mercy of the Oil Companies Hungry for profits, and at the Mercy of the Fed and State Governments hungry for Gas Taxes and Increased Regulation. Just look at how difficult it is today to get an older gasoline car today to pass a New York Inspection. It will cost you dearly if you own a gas car more than a few years old to get it within compliance.

Yes, Gasoline is more refined, but there is more potential energy in 1 gallon of Diesel vs. 1 Gallon of Gas, the more you refine, the more energy that is taken away. Which is why diesel get higher MPG. you can go further on a gallon of diesel.