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why 300SD?

Started by floyd111, 13 April 2020, 02:58 PM

floyd111

Maybe a silly question, but why did the USA get the SD?  Also, why not Europe? Never pictured the States as a Diesel-limo loving place..

rumb

Because everyone in the US thinks all Mercedes are Diesels... :P :P

I get asked that all the time.
'68 250S
'77 6.9 Euro
'91 300SE,
'98 SL500
'14 CLS550,
'16 AMG GTS
'21 E450 Cabrio

Diesel 617

Somewhere I read that Mercedes introduced the 300SD to increase their fleets overall fuel economy due to U.S regulation of automobile fuel economy. Likely in response to the 73' oil embargo and increasing tensions in the middle east/OPEC.
X3 1980 300SD Blown Heads, trans -Retired
1980 450SEL Parted out/Scrap
1980 450SEL to Diesel Parted Out/Scrap
1979 280SE Euro Spec Cloth Seats Sold
1979 300CD Daily Driver - Sold


Inventory of w116 Parts
[url="https://www.ebay.com/usr/vintagepartsandstuff"]https://www.ebay.com/usr/vintagepartsandstuff[/url]

ptashek

Can't remember where I read it, but if memory serves it was something tax related. Along the lines of averaging out emissions throughout that specific model range, so that they could continue selling cars in California and other similarly restrictive states. Which is also why the US petrol models are using low-comp engines, and are loaded with all the useless emissions gizmos. It continued with the W126 300SD and 350SD, until the EURO 1 emissions norm was introduced in 1992(ish). Of course, this could be a load of nonsense :)

p.s.: Looks like I'm not the only person that recalls reading about this.
1993 "Pearl Blue" W124 280TE
1988 "Arctic White" W124 200T
1979 "Icon Gold" W116 450SE

Harv

Fun fact, the 1978 300SD was the first turbodiesel passenger car sold in the United States. 
1980 300SD
1983 240D
2000 E55 AMG
2002 G500

Harv

In German. Something about Jimmy Carter and regulations.



1980 300SD
1983 240D
2000 E55 AMG
2002 G500

floyd111

Guess it wasn't such a silly question after all! :D