![]() ![]() To combat PDESD (Post Diesel Eldorado Stress Disorder), the clever folks at Mercedes have finally imported a quiet, clean-burning, California-compliant diesel engine that will increase American automotive fuel efficiency AND torque the torque. Perhaps they can’t shake the memories of being stuck behind a sloth-like diesel Caddy during the ‘70’s and ‘80’s, inhaling clouds of noxious particulates, listening to an endless mechanical clatter. I went from hooked to smitten.Īlas, my fellow Americans don’t share my enthusiasm for automotive oil burners. ![]() When I sold my Merc, it retained 85% of its value. In 22k miles of ownership, I averaged 34 miles per gallon and enjoyed a nearly 700 mile range per tank. I loved the linearity of the sedan’s acceleration it was as though the electronic throttle was hardwired to my brain. In 2005, dodging the arcane emissions rules of my home state of California, I became the fortunate owner of a used Mercedes E320 CDI (as they were then known). ![]() Even from the passenger seat, the torque was more intoxicating than the exhaust wafting in through the window. I scoffed– until the driver blew straight through 180kph on the autobahn to Munich. Smoke and stench poured from the Mercedes’ diesel engine. I was luxuriating in what I thought was leather (it was MB Tex, the convincing faux hide) when the driver cranked-up the engine. A few years ago, I found myself comfortably ensconced in the back seat of a German taxicab. ![]()
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