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22203 messages,  Last post on May 15, 2013 at 12:39 PM

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What is this discussion about? BMW, Mercedes-Benz, Lexus, Volvo, Porsche, Jaguar, Audi, Maserati, Maybach, Car Comparisons, Coupe, Convertible, Sedan

Messages Page 2215 of 2221

#22139 of 22203 Press request by KarenS HOST

Jan 20, 2011 (12:33 pm)

Did you choose your new car because of the infotainment technology features it offered? Might you be tempted to replace a used car that feels out of date from an infotainment technology standpoint? If so a reporter wants to interview you. Please email predmunds.com by Tuesday, January 25, 2010 with your daytime contact info and a few words on the topic.

#22141 of 22203 "Dirty" Diesel by Kellbone

Feb 07, 2011 (9:39 am)

What specifically makes diesel fuel "dirty" as many posts contained herein state? Diesel fuel in the U. S. and Canada and Europe no longer has any more than 15 parts per million (virtually zero) of sulfur in the fuel. It's illegal for any U.S. refining and marketing company to produce diesel fuel containing more than that. Diesel fuel about 5 to 10 years ago had anywhere from 1,000 to 5,000 ppm. Every refinery in the U. S. has converted to ultra-low sulfur diesel fuel. Unless I'm missing something, I would like to know what remains in diesel fuel that would make people still consider it "dirty". Perhaps one of the chemical engineers from a refining company can enlighten us more.

#22142 of 22203 Re: "Dirty" Diesel [Kellbone] by james27

Feb 07, 2011 (3:41 pm)

Replying to: Kellbone (Feb 07, 2011 9:39 am)
It does make more of a mess if you happen to drip some on your hands or shoes because it is closer to oil and less volatile. Other than that, many people still remember driving behind a truck or bus and nearly choking on the black cloud. True, that normally doesn't happen anymore, but memories are long. I truely wish more of the top performing diesel engines available elsewhere made it to the USA...I waited over a year for a promised BMW model to find it is likely still at least 18-months (or more) away. Broke down and bought the gasoline version.

#22143 of 22203 Re: "Dirty" Diesel [Kellbone] by tmakogon

Mar 31, 2011 (8:05 pm)

Replying to: Kellbone (Feb 07, 2011 9:39 am)
The diesel engines work at higher pressures. Gasoline engine pre-ignition compression is 150-200 psi. Diesel compression is 350-600 psi. Working under higher pressure, diesels are noisier and slower. This higher pressure also requires a heavier and stronger diesel engine block. That's why you don't see diesels in Formula or luxury cars - too heavy, lower RPMs, and more contaminants. Diesel is mainly used in tractors, boats and locomotives, where weight and emissions are not a key issue. Diesels do though generate more power from the same mass of fuel.
 
Besides the higher pressure there's a different combuston cycle and release from diesel of nitrogen oxides NOx, which are toxic and reportedly linked to sudden infant death syndrome. NOx emissions led Benz to use urea injection to get diesel exhaust to pass emissions regulations, marketed as Bluetec. BMW responded with Advanced Diesel. I think I only saw one or two Bluetecs on the streets. This different combustion often leads to soot, smoke and contaminants in the exhaust and deposits buildup in the engine.
 
Other than that a gasoline engine burning oil can smoke even more.

#22144 of 22203 I need help by blckislandguy

Apr 04, 2011 (6:36 pm)

I've been looking at a bunch of cars and I need some help. Maybe even a shrink. I live non-metro (ie. West of I495) New England and have the itch to buy a Euro sedan. I need some room to stretch on a trip to Maine or Western New York and AWD to handle winter. My present fleet has the bases covered (a late model pickup for snow days; a Porsche Cayenne for putzing around town) but I'd like to get a snazzier set of wheels for long trips and maybe nights on the town. Here are some of the cars I've been looking at. I'd welcome your feedback.
 
1) S550: too much baggage, trying too hard
2) E Class: a little boring, a little steriotypical
3) A8: bland exterior styling
4) A6: good pricing, last year for V8
5) Porsche Pamamera: good pricing, a little small for a trip to Buffalo
6) LR4 : the Section 179 makes it a very good deal for a biz owner
7) 7 Series: not that pricey if you order with 'minimal options" , OK handling with short wheel base and ARS , but long term reliability?
8) Lexus: Yawn
9) Jag: no AWD means I don't get home at night
8) 5 Series: OK but can get pricey if you check the boxes like "leather" (imagine a car for this MSRP with leather as an extra cost option!)

#22145 of 22203 Re: I need help [blckislandguy] by plekto

Apr 05, 2011 (1:13 am)

Replying to: blckislandguy (Apr 04, 2011 6:36 pm)
1, 2, 7, 8 BMW and Mercedes are great but ooze "new money"/trying to impress all the wrong people.
 
Audi makes one good car. And it's hideously expensive. Not good for trips, really.
 
The Panamera is missing something. You want to love it. But it's missing something that you can't quite put your finger on. It lacks that "awesome" factor that say, an Aston Martin has.
 
Lexus is prozac on 4 wheels. It's what you drive when you can't drive anything else because of your failing reflexes. Well, that or a Buick. There's a reason that it's called the "Japanese Buick".
 
***
- The Cadillac CTS is designed in Germany, so it's kind of a nice spot as it's "American" but drives like a 5 series, or darn close to it. The CTS wagon is also a nice option.
 
- Infiniti's upper end sedan is quite nice - the only thing out of Japan that I'd recommend in fact in this segment. The EX is basically a wagon version of the G. It's very nice and one of the few crossovers that I can stomach. Infiniti is neck and neck with Toyota in reliability, which is rare for most premium brands. And the red they offer for it has to be seen to be believed as it's just the right shade to look classy. If you're sick of tan, white, and beige, it's a nice alternative. There's also the G37 sedan.
 
All you really need is the Journey AWD of the G or EX plus nav - forget the rest of the options. $40K and it looks and drives fantastic. The same applies to the CTS - get the Luxury AWD version with nav and that's it.
 
If all of that is too small, the M56x is better than the S class IMO. It's a real sleeper, though - most people simply don't know how good it is. And it's tons cheaper as year-end discounts are quite a bit steeper than Mercedes ever offers. You have Mercedes fit and finish, Japanese reliability, and the road feel of a big Jaguar or similar. It impressed me a lot and made me wish I was a LOT richer so I could afford one (test drove a CPO one and was amazed it's on nobody's radar)
 
http://www.examiner.com/auto-review-in-national/first-drive-car-review-2011-infi- - niti-m56x-no-one-s-second-fiddle
Not Edmunds, (heh) but a great review. The best part is that the AWD is rear wheel biased, so it gets out of your way when the roads are good.
 
EDIT - note - as much as I went on about the M, I still would personally get the CTS as it's plenty fast and is much sportier when you want it to be.

#22146 of 22203 Re: I need help [plekto] by circlew

Apr 05, 2011 (4:05 am)

Replying to: plekto (Apr 05, 2011 1:13 am)
Interesting you would choose the CTS. I agree the Infinity would be an excellent choice for BIG. My personal choice would be the G but would be tempted for the bigger brother as well.
 
I wouldn't do the Caddy just because of the bailout. Not until all accounts are settled do I ever even think about a GM. The history still bristles the back of my neck and it's going on 2 years since Government Motors was born.
 
Anyway, good luck BIG. I would also choose the A8 (CPO to save cash) because it is understated but capable just because the fit and finish is top class and the interior is a nice place to be on long rides.
 
Regards,
OW

#22147 of 22203 Re: I need help [circlew] by dssxxxx

Apr 05, 2011 (5:11 am)

Replying to: circlew (Apr 05, 2011 4:05 am)
I thought this was "luxury" lounge.
 
CTS does not even make the list.
 
You all have your opinions but I have owned at least 1/2 the above and presently have 2009 A8L. Best car (even over the S550) I have ever owned.
 
Would buy another in a year but they have lowered the height and being 6'4" my head brushes the roof. Looks like S600 for me.
 
Now back to the CTS...........you want something in the same class but roomy and all the other BS..........ES350. Owned 2 - LS430's and 1 - 460. The ES surprised me when I bought the SC-430 in for service.
 
Again, just MHO.

#22148 of 22203 Re: I need help [dssxxxx] by plekto

Apr 05, 2011 (8:11 am)

Replying to: dssxxxx (Apr 05, 2011 5:11 am)
The ES350 is FWD, though, and so it is just a fancy Buick. It's nice and all, but "nice" is a word I never hope to have to use to describe anything that I own.
 
I think the upper-end CTS with the direct injection engine squeaks into the same league as the E class and the 5 series. It's not real "luxury", but neither are they, really. There is some overlap.
 
It's just that most everything large and luxury just puts me to sleep or is stupidly expensive. The M is an exception.

Messages Page 2215 of 2221

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