Mercedes S550 Diesel Sedan
11-03-2011, 11:43 PM
#1
Three Wheelin'
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Mercedes S550 Diesel Sedan
Has anybody had any experience with these cars? Just like the gas model only in a diesel. I have a friend who is asking whether a diesel is a good idea in a big sedan.
Last edited by sclemmons; 11-04-2011 at 09:38 AM.
11-04-2011, 12:47 AM
#2
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had an ML 350 bluetech diesel and it was unreal. only hope they would sell more diesel models in the US... torque at low rpm and fuel efficiency is unmatched...
11-04-2011, 02:22 AM
#3
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Most of my friends and family in Germany drive turbo diesels. The larger the car, the better the diesel. The torque makes them quicker than you may think while they are very relaxing to drive at the same time. Best of all: They use about 30% less fuel (while giving you a proportionally larger range).
In fact, the great-ness of the turbo diesels is the main reason German auto manufacturers are so late with hybrids - they never saw any reason to make a more complex and more expensive gasoline hybrid that would end-up being no more efficient than a turbo diesel. In the meantime they realized that diesels are not popular outside of Europe, so they started making hybrids for these other markets.
In fact, the great-ness of the turbo diesels is the main reason German auto manufacturers are so late with hybrids - they never saw any reason to make a more complex and more expensive gasoline hybrid that would end-up being no more efficient than a turbo diesel. In the meantime they realized that diesels are not popular outside of Europe, so they started making hybrids for these other markets.
11-04-2011, 02:31 AM
#4
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Nicole is right.
The S class will be available for the first time in a long time in a diesel for 2012. It's out already with a long waiting list. It's badged a S350 though. Not a 550. It comes with the twin turbo V6. All the luxury and options of an S class but 30 miles per gallon. Only thing better is the Tesla Model S.
The S class will be available for the first time in a long time in a diesel for 2012. It's out already with a long waiting list. It's badged a S350 though. Not a 550. It comes with the twin turbo V6. All the luxury and options of an S class but 30 miles per gallon. Only thing better is the Tesla Model S.
11-04-2011, 11:04 AM
#5
Three Wheelin'
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Test drive a 335d BMW and it is quite impressive. I had a student with one years back and it didn't seem all that fast as it was quiet and the acceleration wasn't slam you into the seat until I was seeing 125mph at the end of the straight which is very, very fast for a stock sedan.
We just got our first diesel - Jeep Grand Cherokee with the Benz 3.0 CRD (it is used in the ML/GL/Sprinter) and in this smaller SUV we get mid 20's mpg on the highway and it has impressive torque (can tow up to 7,300 lbs). I can also get a reflash and increase the torque on it to 436 foot lbs from the stock 375. Funny thing is we replaced an '08 WRX and Silverado as this SUV will get similar mpg to the WRX and tow more than my Silvy at a much better mpg.
We just got our first diesel - Jeep Grand Cherokee with the Benz 3.0 CRD (it is used in the ML/GL/Sprinter) and in this smaller SUV we get mid 20's mpg on the highway and it has impressive torque (can tow up to 7,300 lbs). I can also get a reflash and increase the torque on it to 436 foot lbs from the stock 375. Funny thing is we replaced an '08 WRX and Silverado as this SUV will get similar mpg to the WRX and tow more than my Silvy at a much better mpg.
11-30-2011, 10:09 PM
#6
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I test drove the Blue Tech S350 yesterday, then drove the S550 tt V8. I did a mix of freeway and canyon / mountain roads west of Denver.
The diesel certainly did better on mileage, but was inferior for throttle response and acceleration.
I know it's a personal decision. I'm still young enough to enjoy the precision of a gasoline engine and willing to pay the minimal price of fuel economy vs fuel price.
Just MHO.
The diesel certainly did better on mileage, but was inferior for throttle response and acceleration.
I know it's a personal decision. I'm still young enough to enjoy the precision of a gasoline engine and willing to pay the minimal price of fuel economy vs fuel price.
Just MHO.
