Mercedes-Benz retrofits classic 190D with modern BlueEFFICIENCY diesel
09/03/2009, 9:00 AM
By Andrew Ganz
It’s the sort of underground, skunkworks project that engineers dream of: Mercedes-Benz decided to shoehorn a modern OM651 diesel powertrain under the hood of its pre-C-Class 190-series to create a modern-vintage hybrid. Putting out 204 horsepower – more than double the original 94 ponies – the new engine’s real asset is its torque, which at 368 lb-ft., is more than double what the highest-performance limited-run 190E 2.5-16 Evolution II cranked out.
Though not intended for production, or likely even availability as a crate powertrain, the program answered Mercedes-Benz’s question: “How might one make this progress [in diesel technology] directly tangible, in isolation from the equally profound changes in the safety and comfort of the car as a whole?”
The vintage Mercedes with a modern heart is capable of sprinting to 62 mph in 6.2 seconds, a fair clip faster than the 11.9 of the 190D, yet it also consumes far less fuel. The new powertrain helps the car cut its fuel consumption to 48 mpg, rather than the roughly 32 mpg of the original diesel – which, at the time, was commended for its performance, refinement and efficiency.
Despite weighing less than the current C250 CDI BlueEFFICIENCY, from which the engine was cribbed, the 190D isn’t quite as efficient overall. The C250 boasts a far more impressive coefficient of drag, at just 0.27, while the 190D – which again was lauded for its aerodynamic shape – is rated at a Cd of 0.34.
We’re hoping to see the 190D BlueEFFICIENCY at the Frankfurt Motor Show next week.
09/03, 9:02 AM
posted by:
A4
This is arguably the best car Mercedes built. They need a real 190 successor.
09/03, 9:10 AM
posted by:
05Z88Path
Wow…that’s cool.
09/03, 9:19 AM
posted by:
BAD124
A4 – 100% Agree. This was the first model to use the 5 point multi link rear that then expanded up the line.
That is great. Nice to see they haven’t forgotten about their older models, arguably much more “Mercedes” than most of the ones being put out today. Very cool article.
09/03, 9:29 AM
posted by:
jayjc08
This is really cool.
09/03, 9:49 AM
posted by:
pavlindrom
I wouldn’t mind the new C with this diesel engine. Why do they do this to America?
09/03, 9:50 AM
posted by:
slider5634
Mmmm…. Something about that project is just way hawt!!!
09/03, 9:52 AM
posted by:
Stinky007
“..the program answered Mercedes-Benz’s question: “How might one make this progress [in diesel technology] directly tangible, in isolation from the equally profound changes in the safety and comfort of the car as a whole?—
Who the F asks such questions!?
09/03, 10:09 AM
posted by:
AutoCritical
I love the idea of this – i have always thought of out fitting cop cars along the same principal… but financially it wouldn’t make sense.
09/03, 10:14 AM
posted by:
mulletmaster
Wow, this is a cool idea. This car even appears to have the correct number of pedals, 3.
09/03, 10:49 AM
posted by:
armstealer
It is actually a very cool project. I love the question Ganz asked though, I laughed my tail off at it. I owned a ‘76 300D for a few months once, and other than leaving me stranded at Foxwoods (in the Valet no less), it was a great little car.
Look at all the wires and emissions control stuff compared to the “stock” engine compartment. Sickening.
My favorite is the guy in the suit guiding the engine in… someone didn’t write a specific enough memo about dress code for photo day…
09/03, 10:51 AM
posted by:
armstealer
Oops, meant to add (about my 300D) that it was only second in comfort to the 80’s Caddys with the sofa of a bench seat. I’m not sure about safety.. but I can say the steering wheel was big enough to stop me from hitting the glass…
09/03, 11:33 AM
posted by:
armstealer
Look closely at the picture of the 3 with the hoods open.. they had to cut/change the firewall to fit it, and the master cylinder is different, this was no easy shoehorn.
I bet it was a R&D project to answer the conversation: “why can’t we get better mileage than we did twenty years ago?” “I don’t know, maybe its the car, not the engine?” “Hmm, I have an idea.”
09/03, 12:16 PM
posted by:
mulletmaster
Also I love the Florida sweater the one guy has on with his wind pants.
09/03, 1:41 PM
posted by:
atoms
wow 6.2s, why can’t we have diesels that are this much fun? (without paying 335d prices)
09/03, 2:21 PM
posted by:
Spingood Tanoya
Would have been even more fun to shoehorn that engine into a truly “vintage” 190d from the ’50s or ’60s. I can imagine a lot of other drivers wondering “WTF was that?” as it blasted by them.