Posted on 12/17/2009 5:56:08 AM PST by Red Badger
According to an unnamed senior company source quoted in Autocar, Mercedes-Benz is currently deciding if it will launch a new range of three-cylinder engines. According to the source, if the German automaker chooses to go the three-cylinder route, the engine may be one cylinder bank of the company's well-regarded V6 line.
If MB does go with an inline three, it will join fellow German automaker BMW in lowering its cylinder count. Apparently, though, taking this route is thought to be an expensive proposition that would require extra engineering in the form of a strengthened bodyshell, additional sound deadening and redesigned engine mounts.
Alternatively, Mercedes could choose to source a downsized four-cylinder engine from another automaker. If it does this, MB would likely develop its own turbocharging system and adopt direct injection. In any case, the 1.4-1.6 liter engines would surely show up in the A- and B-Class, and may even be offered in the popular C-Class.
![](http://images.google.com/images?q=tbn:R8sR7daexSBGmM:www.ted-kyte.com/3D/Pictures/Spark%2520Plug.jpg";)
Rest In Peace, old friend, your work is finished.....
If you want ON or OFF the DIESEL ”KnOcK” LIST just FReepmail me.....
This is a fairly HIGH VOLUME ping list on some days.....
M-B Knock!............
Saab did it.
Do we get to keep the mowing deck????
Since MBZ owns SMART, they already know about 3 cylinder engine cars.
As an option............
so did Suzuki..............
Chuckling softly to self. :)
Yes, but diesels are a whole ‘nother matter. NOISE is a bigger problem............
Noisy Diesel engines? It’s not the 80’s any more. They are quiet for the most part now. You should know that. Unless there is a particular problem with 3 cylinders that I am not aware of. Besides, some noise is fine with me. We are now passing laws requiring silent hybrids to make noise because people can’t hear them!
The basic engines are still noisy, it’s just the way they are. The mfrs have added sound deadening stuff all around the eng compartment and pass cabin, plus better exhaust systems. When you have 3 cylinders you have an odd firing order and a bit more shake unless you get the balancing just right. A smaller car would have to add all kinds of the previously mentioned stuff, thus defeating the purpose of a small car in the first place. Unless they can come up with new technology to kill the noise it may not happen...........
I can’t see what the advantage of a three cylinder would be. The common logic is that ideally you would have a multiple of four cylinders - one for each engine cycle. One of the problems we had with six cylinder racing engines was a natural imbalance point in the RPM range where the odd number of cylinders were working against each other.
That’s why MB is taking a hard look at the situation. They don’t want a noisy vibration prone car with their badge on it............
I have a Mercedes 5 cylinder turbodiesel that is very quiet.
I pulled into a campground and was followed to the site by a man wanting to be sure what he saw. It was truly a van with a Dodge label and a noiseless diesel.
He had a big iron Dodge diesel to pull his trailer that could be heard halfmile away. Some really know how and others really don’t. Mercedes knows how
Threes have a neat sound if done properly (see: Triumph Speed Triple). That said, Subaru, Suzuki, and many others use(d) three-cylinder engines with varying degrees of success. Best would be to pair it with a large-rotor electric motor a la the Prius. Power supply notwithstanding, electric motors have tremendous potential (heh) for performance, generating their highest torque at 0rpm. Regenerative braking makes them that much more useful.
Ah heck, who am I kidding, I’m really just waiting for Car Wars to become reality. Got Plat Cat?
Oh, geez. I dated a girl in college that drove one of those. I think it burned more oil than gas.....
I still have my '97 Powerstroke. Folks can damn sure hear me coming......three counties away. The new ones are really quiet, though.
Ping
Disclaimer: Opinions posted on Free Republic are those of the individual posters and do not necessarily represent the opinion of Free Republic or its management. All materials posted herein are protected by copyright law and the exemption for fair use of copyrighted works.