Mercedes-Benz return to Inline-6

[faranginline6]

Scroll down to RELATED LINKS: Mercedes Phasing Out V6 Engines. .

http://editorial.autos.msn.com/blogs/autosblog.aspx?feat=ed9a40d9-bd79-4257-b243-275fd6eb5068
(http://editorial.autos.msn.com/slideshow.aspx?cp-documentid=1166662&icid=autos_0980&GT1=22026)

[prash]

this is huge! Their V6 engine line up has largely been a bunch of duds. The only notable exceptions were the C32s and their HO version of the 3.5 (302HP) which was only available in the SLK in NA.

They're killing off their V12s too from what I read. Maybe not now.

[faranginline6]

yea,

maybe this will make it easier for them to produce inline-4 engines as well (where they can use the same block for either 4 or 6 cylinders)

I've liked the inline-6 engines they used to make. I'm sure these new ones will sound great, too.

[Tomcat104]

yea,

maybe this will make it easier for them to produce inline-4 engines as well (where they can use the same block for either 4 or 6 cylinders)

I've liked the inline-6 engines they used to make. I'm sure these new ones will sound great, too.

I'm sure MB can make pretty decent inline sixes, but not as good as BMW can, that is the key.

[BoldUlysses]

Read about that last night.

How are they going to be able to jive the length of the engine with the new EU frontal impact crash regulations?

My understanding is that that's a prime reason why BMW was considering moving away from the I6.

Still, that's awesome. Glad to see the config isn't going the way of the straight-8 (i.e. obsolescence).

[AlpinTXiX]

this is huge! Their V6 engine line up has largely been a bunch of duds. The only notable exceptions were the C32s and their HO version of the 3.5 (302HP) which was only available in the SLK in NA.

They're killing off their V12s too from what I read. Maybe not now.

I think you're confused with the W202 C43 AMG with a 302hp V8. A C32 has a 3.2 liter engine, and had a supercharged M112 3.2L V6. That engine in NA form was first used in the W210 E class in 1998 IIRC. It's a rather nice V6 actually. 211hp and 232ft-lbs. My family had a 99 E320 4matic wagon with this and the engine is still going strong today. The head Mercedes tech at the local dealer even said that whenever one comes up for sale (totaled car, scrapped trade in, etc), he buys it because it's such a reliable engine and not stressed in NA form. It has forged (and cracked to ensure a good fit upon installation à la race engines) rods making it darned near unbreakable. Power delivery is not bad and it feels pretty smooth in general. I have NOT driven a I6 Merc though...

I will admit the M272 V6 (currently in the C300 and C350) is kind of a dog. Very slushy feel and delayed power delivery in the C300, but that might just be the 7spd auto.

[02325]

I now work at a benz dealer and I have to admit the 7-spd trans take some gettin gused to. they shift really weird and it feels to me they wont let the enigne produce full power. the programming keeps it in torque management all the time.

the V6 engine have balance shaft issues, which the newer version dont have, but still have some issues.

[SpecRacer50]

My last three cars have been V6 (Benz C32AMG), V6 (Infiniti G37) and now I-6 (135i) and the inline 6 is much smoother in every way. It also sounds great. I thing Benz is doing the right thing, althought their customer base is not chock full of motorheads. Most Benz buyers don't know and don't care what's under the hood.