DaimlerChrysler to introduce new diesel

WJRT-TV ^ | 1/9/06 | Randy Conat

[B Knotts]

UNDATED (WJRT) - (01/09/06)-- DaimlerChrysler's chairman believes there's a place for diesels in the U.S. car market.

Dieter Zetsche says diesel vehicles will attract consumers because they combine performance with fuel efficiency.

BLUETEC diesel technology will arrive in the U.S. market this fall on the Mercedes E-320 sedan, which gets 35-miles-per-gallon.

Speaking to reporters at the North American International Auto Show, Zetsche said DaimlerChrysler plans to share its BLUETEC diesel technology with Chrysler Group. He says it's clean enough to potentially be used in all 50 states -- including California and four other states where diesels don't currently meet emissions standards.

[B Knotts]

There have been some naysayers here recently claiming that diesels "cannot meet new emission standards." So much for that argument.

More info here:

DETROIT SHOW: DaimlerChrysler plans big diesel boost

and here:

Detroit Auto Show: Mercedes-Benz launches clean diesels for the U.S.

"BLUETEC is the new blueprint for the cleanest diesels in the world," says Dr. Dieter Zetsche, Chairman of DaimlerChrysler and Head of the Mercedes Car Group. "And while BLUETEC was developed by Mercedes-Benz, it won't be exclusive to Mercedes-Benz. Of course, we'll share this technology with the Chrysler Group."

No, I don't own DCX stock. I just think this is a good move.

[ncountylee]

" I just think this is a good move."

I do too, my 1988 300TD with 365,000 miles is still going strong.

[Boundless]

> There have been some naysayers here recently claiming
> that diesels "cannot meet new emission standards."
> So much for that argument.

From one of the stories:
"BLUETEC can only achieve its full effect in passenger
cars when it is used with diesel fuel that has a
sulfur content of less than 15 ppm. Such fuel will
further reduce the emissions of diesel vehicles
already on the market in the U.S. This low-sulfur
diesel has already been introduced throughout Europe
and is expected to become available in the U.S. in
the fall of 2006."

Is this EPA Tier II diesel fuel?
Is that still going to happen this year?

(And if so, what does it mean, if anything for
existing diesel owners?)

[B Knotts]

It's encouraging that they are planning on using this on the Chrysler side, too. And this was said in the context of a U.S. auto show.

[B Knotts]

Yes, it's coming this year, and I don't know if anyone really knows what effect this will have on existing diesel engines. I would assume it would mean less lubricity, so maybe there will be additives.

There is a station near me that sells low sulfur diesel (but not ULSD), and they have a lubricity additive in there.

[MarkeyD]

I'd like to see the Magnum and 300 with this engine.

[B Knotts]

And the Charger. :-)

[meandog]

No-o-o-o-o thank you! I had a Buick Regal Diesel back in the 80s that lasted exactly 45,000 miles before the main bearings went and the engine with it. I religiously kept took it to the dealer for every scheduled maintenance, used diesel fuel treatment every fill up, and scrupously cleaned the engine each time I washed it...the only satisfaction I got was the ex-wife won it in our divorce settlement and her boyfriend got to drive it only 4,000 miles before it collapsed.

[B Knotts]

That wasn't a diesel.

It was a gasoline engine masquerading as a diesel.

Seriously. That is what was wrong with those things.

Mercedes diesels regularly go 350K+.

[Rudder]

Back in 1980 I got a diesel chevette, thinking that the good fuel mileage would serve me well. It took about 60 seconds to get it up 60 mph when going downhill. The damn thing wouldn't get out of its own way. Then the starter went out. I was told it needed a high-speed starter that cost a mere $400.00.

[B Knotts]

I had a Nissan diesel years ago. It was a little slow up hills, but otherwise fine. It got nearly 50 mpg, and went almost 300K before the head cracked. The main problem with that car was it went through several sets of CV joints, due to very brittle boots that cracked and let in grit.

Now I drive an old Mercedes diesel daily. It has 187K, and I'm hoping to get at least another 100K out of it.

[Eric in the Ozarks]

15 ppm starts April, 2006.

[Eric in the Ozarks]

My stepdad had a 1980 or 81 Silverado with the 379 diesel engine. I pulled it out of the mud a dozen times with my F-150 300 cu in six.

[B Knotts]

BTW, the new Mercedes V-6 diesel engine puts out 224 hp, and 376 ft-lbs. torque. 0-62 in 6.9 seconds.

And they have a V-8 with 306 hp/516 ft-lbs.

[Rudder]

And they have a V-8 with 306 hp/516 ft-lbs.

Now you're talking.

[RichardW]

I'm one of those naysayers. I'll believe it when I see it and not before then. Add the turbochargers to further compound the problem and which are necessary to make them even remotely acceptable to the market.

It makes no sense. Diesels will provide about 35% increase in efficiency; but are heavier, more complex and suitable for trucks; not in cars. This technology will be dead on arrival.

[B Knotts]

I'll believe it when I see it and not before then.

Well, believe it this fall, because they will be on sale at that time.

And, what is the problem with turbochargers? Remember, we're talking about diesels here...turbochargers aren't difficult or problematic on diesels as they can be on gassers.

Also, aren't you a hybrid advocate? If so, how can you argue with a straight face that diesels are "heavier and more complex?" Diesels are simpler than gas engines, as they don't have an ignition system. And, while diesel engines are marginally heavier than gas engines, all those batteries in a hybrid are almost certainly heavier by comparison.

In case you hadn't noticed, Mercedes-Benz has been making diesel cars for a while. Since 1936, in fact. This isn't some kind of novelty. They are "suitable" for trucks and cars. And the U.S. military now has diesel motorcycles, so they don't have to truck (more volatile and vulnerable) gasoline around.

As I mentioned above, I have an old Mercedes diesel. A heck of a lot of these things are still on the road after 20+ years, and 300-400k miles without a rebuild. Can't say the same about many gasoline engine cars.

[kaktuskid]

I'm one of those naysayers. I'll believe it when I see it and not before then. Add the turbochargers to further compound the problem and which are necessary to make them even remotely acceptable to the market.

It makes no sense. Diesels will provide about 35% increase in efficiency; but are heavier, more complex and suitable for trucks; not in cars. This technology will be dead on arrival.



Tell that to VW with their TDI System.

[LibertarianCandidate]

Aren't diesel engines kind of noisy? Is the noise compatible with a "luxury" car that is supposed to be quiet riding?

[B Knotts]

Not these new ones. From what I've read, at idle, you can just barely detect the characteristic diesel clatter, but once you get going, you can't even tell.

My old Mercedes is a little noisier, but still not bad, considering.