Bluetech

[glojo]

On another thread we started talking about the new Bluetech diesel engine. I thought rather than remain off topic I would start a new thread.

The US has had this engine for some time and here is a brief piece of blurp taken from the US site:

The breakthrough BLUETEC® clean diesel technology in the E320 BLUETEC Sedan1 — winner of the 2007 World Green Car award — blends fuel efficiency and low noise to rival a hybrid without sacrificing power, while significantly reducing the soot and pollutants often associated with diesel engines via specialized filters and catalytic converters. This powerful and efficient diesel luxury sedan also offers performance, comfort, and stylish sophistication.

Net power 210 hp @ 3,800 rpm
Net torque 400 lb-ft @ 1,600 - 2,400 rpm
Compression ratio 16.5:1
Fuel requirement Ultra-low-sulfur diesel fuel

Note the use of fuel, we often read how the US has inferior fuel but is this still the case?

Mercedes-Benz USA now approves the use of B5 bio diesel (standard diesel with a maximum 5% bio diesel content) in all Common Rail Injection Diesel "CDI-engines." As bio-diesel can be refined from a variety of raw materials resulting in widely varying properties, the only approved bio diesel content is one that meets ASTM D6751 specification and that has additionally the necessary oxidation stability (min. 6H, proved with EN14112 method) to prevent damages to the system from deposits and/or corrosion. Please ask your service station for further information. If the B5 bio diesel blend is not sufficiently labeled to clearly indicate that it meets the above standards, please do not use it. The Mercedes-Benz limited warranty does not cover damage caused by the use of fuels not meeting Mercedes-Benz approved fuel standards.

The 2008 E320 BLUETEC does not meet the emissions requirements of California, Connecticut, Maine, Massachusetts, New York, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, or Vermont and is not available in these states.

Fuel figures are pretty meaningless as they are US gallons but they claim to get up to 675 miles to a tank of fuel. I have my own views on fuel figures and tend to ignore any official claims.

Anyway the Bluetech is being used and will eventually reach our shores.

Regards
John

 

[SimonsMerc]

http://forums.cnet.com/5208-12544_102-0.html?forumID=130&threadID=219361&messageID=2327336

It seems Mercedes will be taking the p**s??

-simon

 

[wallingd]

So if you move from Califorina to Maine your car is illegal? ó.O

 

[DansSlk]

So if you move from Califorina to Maine your car is illegal? ó.O

Its not available in either state.

I believe it would only be a problem if the car was to be registered in one of those states.

 

[glojo]

So if you move from Califorina to Maine your car is illegal? ó.O

I think California is a strange state (different) with strict anti pollution laws (think Los Angeles) We really need an American to explain the in's and out's of the legislation but from memory dealers California dealers used to 'import' CDI's with a very low mileage and sell them at a slight premium. Looking at the US Mercedes site I note the following:

In California, a limited number of Model Year 2007 E320 BLUETEC vehicles are available for a limited duration and mileage lease only

Regards
John

 

[Zedd]

In California, a limited number of Model Year 2007 E320 BLUETEC vehicles are available for a limited duration and mileage lease only

Only 200 will be available. The only reason for MB leasing them in CA is the free publicity surrounding it. There is also no option to purchase once the lease expires.

California considers a car "used" if it has more than 7500 miles. Once it has at least that many miles, it can be legally registered anywhere in California. You can drive there any time you want and as long as you want no matter the miles, you just can't register it.

It's possible, although illegal, to buy and register the car in a different state (at a relatives address) while you live and drive in California.