New TD E-class impression

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GRL - 12 Sep 2004 14:12 GMT

Just test drove a new MB turbodiesel and it was an interesting experience because this thing is shown to be a real torque monster (369 ft-lb) with very good acceleration and mileage numbers.

What I was surprised by, given the diesel engine's reputation for low-end "grunt" and this car's 7-speed automatic (or so the salesman said, I think he was wrong about that part) was the hesitation or softness in power delivery from a stop. It was not a stumble, just a delay before real power could be felt. Sort of a mini-turbo-lag, which may very well be what it was.

No doubt something one gets used too, but a little annoying when first encountered. Beyond that, an excellent power train and not a bad price at $48,000.
George Litwinski

"It's good to want things."

S. Barr (philosopher, poet, humorist, chemist, Visual Basic.Net programmer)

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Juergen . - 12 Sep 2004 19:34 GMT

> GRL wrote:
> What I was surprised by, given the diesel engine's reputation for
> low-end "grunt" and this car's 7-speed automatic (or so the salesman
> said, I think he was wrong about that part) was the hesitation or

Indeed the salesman is wrong, the car you talk about -
E 320 CDI sedan - always has 5-speed auto trans, no
other choice world-wide.

The 7-speed auto trans is called 7G-TRONIC and is standard
for E 500, S 430, S 500, CL 500 and SL 500.

Juergen - W123 240D with non-electronic 4-speed auto
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> softness in power delivery from a stop. It was not a stumble, just a
> delay before real power could be felt. Sort of a mini-turbo-lag, which
[quoted text clipped - 10 lines]
> S. Barr (philosopher, poet, humorist, chemist, Visual Basic.Net
> programmer)

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