My ML CDI is approaching 30K miles and keeps getting better.
The 7 spd trans has turned out great and is always in correct gear.
But even better is the improving fuel consumption, on my usual 50 mile commute, with 40 miles hiway, I am averaging 27.9- 28.4 MPG. That is significantly higher then the 24's I was getting in the beginning.
I guess it's just breaking in !
I have a ML280CDI (with only 4,000km on it so far) and am getting 10.4 l/100km for my commute. That translates to roughly 27.4mpg.
On the highway I have been getting high 8's (l/100km) - roughly 32.5mpg.
The thing that really surprises me is the midrange urge on offer - effortless overtaking ability on two-lane highways.
Just made a app. 650 miles (=one tank) trip with '08 ML with less than 3000 miles in the odo. I got 28,5 mpg. Previously within a 400 miles trip I got almost 31 mpg, but I drove more carefully. I look forward those > 30 mpg numbers.
Yes, the engine is powerful, as are all the modern (mostly commonrail) diesel engines. I previously had in Europe a Peugeot 407 with 1.6 (!) liter engine - it wasn't a rocket at all, but with 260 Nm it however gave very good acceleration with such a big car. ANd the consumption: 5,2 l/100 km = over 45 mpg. It is really a pity diesel engines are so rare here in the US. Hopefully 2009 will show more alternatives.
Yes, the mid range power is turbine-like.
But I also find myself hitting the redline on some flat out hiway accelerations.
I can't help it.
High end horsepower is sacrificed with the diesel, that's why the diesel is significantly slower than the 3.5L V6. But the diesel fuel mileage is great. Diesels are less popular here with prices running well over $4/gallon for diesel.
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S.
2008 Mercedes C300 Sport mars red/black
2007 Lexus IS350 Sport granite metallic/gray
2004 Porsche 986S seal gray metallic/black/black
2002 Jeep KJ Sport white/gray
The specs I have read for the CDI vs the 3.5L in the E-Class is that the CDI is .1 seconds faster 0-60.
JW
Car and Driver did an actual road test and found that it was closer to a full second slower for the E-class. They also noted that the diesel was slower than MB's published spec.
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