Comments on: Feeling blue: Mercedes’ BlueTEC clean diesel offerings need a little extra attention

By: NismoSentraKen

NismoSentraKen — Tue, 21 Oct 2008 15:12:09 +0000

=========>>928dreamer, u have a good point. Btw, where is the filler located on these cars? underhood?

By: 928dreamer

928dreamer — Tue, 21 Oct 2008 14:13:27 +0000

I don’t see how filling the urea tank could possibly be a big deal. If this tech takes off I am sure there will be readily available urea preperations at auto parts stores. Would this really be more complicated than filling your windshield washer fluid?

By: DrFill

DrFill — Tue, 21 Oct 2008 14:05:51 +0000

Fair point
The ML is a better tow vehicle
But the RX carries more, with 15% better cargo capacity
So utility is a push
Looks like Mercedes is swinging at a moving target, as the next RX Hybrid will become MUCH more powerful.
DrFill

By: Z06ified

Z06ified — Tue, 21 Oct 2008 13:53:03 +0000

Dr. Fill – Inside Line failed to mention towing ability as a criteria. Many SUV buyers tow. Those who don’t should probably be purchasing cars anyway.

Simply put, the RX400h can’t tow much of anything, while a diesel ML can tow quite a lot. Depends on your driving too – if you drive mostly highway, you’ll be better served with a diesel than a hybrid. The hybrids only significant fuel efficiency advantage is in the city cycle.

By: Z06ified

Z06ified — Tue, 21 Oct 2008 13:46:26 +0000

Since when are gas engines maintenance free?

The writer failed to mention the lower maintenance aspects of diesels, such as no ignition system to maintain (no spark plugs, no plug wires, no coils, etc.), no tune-ups, etc. The article also fails to mention the better longevity and durability of diesels versus gas engines.

Filling a urea tank every 10k miles is hardly a big deal. It’s easier than washing the car. If people can’t handle that, they’ve got serious problems.

By: DrFill

DrFill — Tue, 21 Oct 2008 00:56:05 +0000

From the OBTW file:

The new BlueTec ML was defeated by the RX400h (in it’s last year of production) in a direct comparison by Inside Line
The Lexus was 10% cheaper, 15% faster, and 10% more efficient (even though Lexus was going for perfromance with the 400h)

Looks like BlueTecs will have more problems than a weak bladder.

DrFill

By: autonut

autonut — Tue, 21 Oct 2008 00:50:36 +0000

Johnny, I even afraid to ask what do you with it, I hope you don’t substitute it for scotch.

By: sudo95

sudo95 — Tue, 21 Oct 2008 00:37:49 +0000

if I ran out of urea and was stranded, adding water is the last thing I was thinking of.

Not to be too crude but why can’t you pee in the tank???
Not the gas tank…

We need more diesels over here.

By: johnnycanuck

johnnycanuck — Tue, 21 Oct 2008 00:36:49 +0000

autonut, I prefer Liquid Plumber. You haven’t lived until you’ve seen a foaming pipe snake in action.

By: autonut

autonut — Tue, 21 Oct 2008 00:31:47 +0000

Johnny, that is if flomax works for you, it does not work for everyone. Filling the tank with urea is less pleasant then sex, even after 50. At least south of your border it is.

By: johnnycanuck

johnnycanuck — Tue, 21 Oct 2008 00:07:19 +0000

You vill fill it… and you vill like it!

By: A4

A4 — Mon, 20 Oct 2008 23:04:52 +0000

its only the price of a gallon of diesel? i thought it wouldve been alot more than that… thats good to hear

By: jayjc08

jayjc08 — Mon, 20 Oct 2008 23:02:48 +0000

I don’t see how this is relevant to Mercedes Diesels needing a little bit more attention… this article us just recycled info. on the AdBlue system.