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Mar 8 2010 - 07:44 AM
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#1
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Group: Regular Members Posts: 262 Joined: May 2nd, 09 Member No.: 7,053 |
Here is a cut and paste of an email I received from a gentleman at Mercedes re possible reintroduction of a diesel into Canada.
"Thank you for your recent inquiry. Please note we are working in conjunction with our parent company in Germany to ensure that smart Canada can offer the right technology and drivetrain options to the Canadian marketplace, however, we have no further information at this time. Subsequently, there are no immediate plans to reintroduce the diesel variant as it does not meet federal emission requirements. My apologies that we couldn't provide more favourable news. Best regards, E. Somerville CSI Co-ordinator Mercedes-Benz Canada Inc. smart Canada Division Sigh................. I am not a mechanic so have no idea but I wonder what the challenge is in getting it compliant. On edit. Kudos to the Mercedes gent who took the time to respond. I can't see ever buying another gasser so If I do buy another vehicle it will probably have to be a TDI Jetta whuch is kinda big and huge and has a back seat that I NEVER use. Hopefully the smarts will hang in there for awhile. This post has been edited by John & Angela: Mar 8 2010 - 05:17 PM -------------------- |
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Mar 8 2010 - 07:54 AM
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#2
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![]() Group: Regular Members Posts: 1,166 Joined: May 10th, 08 From: Seaforth, Ontario Member No.: 5,864 |
More exhaust filtering and money to have the cdi certified for use in NA.
It took some 40 - 50 thousands cars sold in NA for M-B to finally agree to certify and supply a factory cruise control for the smart. They likely would have a hard time selling 10 - 20 thousand cdi in NA over the next decade. If a person is wanting a 451 cdi in NA they will have to build it themselves. -------------------- "Kalliste" 2005 Bay Grey Pure, tach/clock pods, panoramic roof, a/c, soft touch, sun shade, ignition free windows, vertical wipers, LED Euro turn signals, LED fog lights, LED city lights, LED turn signal side marker lights, Scanguage II, LED interior light, LED license plate lights, LED reverse lights, LED high brake light, LED brake lights, UWC wheel covers, window vents, tinted windows, Wet Okole seat covers with carbon fibre heaters, under seat drawer, Noma space heater
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Mar 8 2010 - 08:30 AM
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#3
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Group: Regular Members Posts: 1,030 Joined: Jan 28th, 09 From: Saskatoon,Saskatchewan,Canada. Member No.: 6,832 |
Another nail in the coffin for the smart brand in North America!
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Mar 8 2010 - 08:41 AM
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#4
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Group: Regular Members Posts: 262 Joined: May 2nd, 09 Member No.: 7,053 |
I wonder if any of the Mercedes Reps actually read this forum...and if they do...whats up. The reply, although appreciated, comes across as "we are deciding what is right for you and then will inform you if you like it". GM did this and is probably the best example of a failed, tax payer supported company.
Maybe every one is lying to me but every body that has seen or driven our smarts says the same thing. If the smart diesel was available they would buy one. Some have bought used cdi's Sorry., Just venting. This post has been edited by John & Angela: Mar 8 2010 - 05:18 PM -------------------- |
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Mar 8 2010 - 08:45 AM
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#5
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![]() Group: Regular Members Posts: 1,245 Joined: Jun 21st, 07 From: Ottawa, Ontario Member No.: 3,521 |
I just sent in my email. Told them if they do not bring back the CDI, I would not consider buying a second car.
-------------------- Chris "Mighty Mouse" C.
Life's too short to drink bad wine. |
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Mar 8 2010 - 09:57 AM
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#6
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![]() Group: Regular Members Posts: 1,166 Joined: May 10th, 08 From: Seaforth, Ontario Member No.: 5,864 |
I am waiting for the smart Nationals to ask Jill Lajdziak how many smart cdi would have to be sold in total or per year to make the expense viable.
-------------------- "Kalliste" 2005 Bay Grey Pure, tach/clock pods, panoramic roof, a/c, soft touch, sun shade, ignition free windows, vertical wipers, LED Euro turn signals, LED fog lights, LED city lights, LED turn signal side marker lights, Scanguage II, LED interior light, LED license plate lights, LED reverse lights, LED high brake light, LED brake lights, UWC wheel covers, window vents, tinted windows, Wet Okole seat covers with carbon fibre heaters, under seat drawer, Noma space heater
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Mar 8 2010 - 10:13 AM
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#7
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Group: Regular Members Posts: 282 Joined: Dec 11th, 07 From: Vancouver Member No.: 5,138 |
I'm thinking that the ideal smartcar for NA would be a choice of the CDI for those who put on enough distance to exceed the electric range (and keep the diesel happy!), and the electric drive for the city cars. No gas engine needed! That'll also do wonders for Mercedes fleet efficiency rating.
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Mar 8 2010 - 10:40 AM
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#8
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![]() Group: Regular Members Posts: 1,223 Joined: Apr 23rd, 07 From: North Vancouver Member No.: 2,847 |
Also heard on friday that the M/B C class Bluetech is probably not coming either...
-------------------- 2006 Lite White Pure burning United Petroleum (Cascadia Biofuel) B50 bio-diesel, clock and tach package, Softtouch, velour and all-weather mats, Corelines with Conti's 175 front and 195 rear, LED side markers, stubby antenna, Michelin Radius wipers, embroidered luggage cover, Baldwin B161-S oil filter, M20 spin-on adapter, Mobil 1 5W-50, Mann cabin filter, blind spot mirrors, Michalak exhaust tip, black aluminum frame end caps, old style cup holder, K&N E-9257 air filter, black Michalak air sucker, chicken head fuel cover badge, 135 dB "Freeway Blaster" horn, EBC black brake pads, Optima Red Top 34/78 battery, Flying Tiger cdi remap, Wet Okole custom made seat covers, 451 Brabus "Euro" soft touch shift knob, Michalak mirror/door covers, custom 450cdi badges, aluminum pedal covers.
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Mar 8 2010 - 03:03 PM
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#9
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Group: Regular Members Posts: 282 Joined: Dec 11th, 07 From: Vancouver Member No.: 5,138 |
Lebikerboy:
It's already here, do you mean they are dropping it? So VW would be the only one available! Edit: Oh, I see what you mean, the C class won't get it. Doh! It is here in the car class already in the R350, surely that is under the same emissions group as the C class. This post has been edited by Alex: Mar 8 2010 - 03:09 PM |
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Mar 8 2010 - 03:03 PM
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#10
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Group: New Members Posts: 10 Joined: Dec 13th, 09 Member No.: 7,570 |
The CDi was the reason I sought out the 2006/7 Smart I am driving now. If there will not be another then I will have to reconsider the next purchase. Like the diesel engine and think it is a better model than electric.
Will of course keep HalfByte as long as possible on the road. |
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Mar 8 2010 - 03:11 PM
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#11
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![]() Efficiency Matters Group: Moderators Posts: 5,465 Joined: May 26th, 05 From: Abbotsford, BC Member No.: 43 |
It's a case of the car is not compliant as designed with the emissions regulations set forth by the EPA and Transport Canada, therefore, what can MB do about it? Spend $1,000,000+ to make another change in the design just to satisfy North American government? Not likely....
We are SOL, and smart isn't the only car we've 'not gotten' over here. And so it goes. Yes, hold onto the cdis and take care of them! They are a rare bird in the days to come. This post has been edited by smartzuuk: Mar 8 2010 - 03:56 PM -------------------- ![]() ScanGauge II Special CsC pricing in effect! Only $149.95 w/FREE shipping! Best mileage to date: 2.23 L/100km - 105 mpg (US) - 126 mpg (imp) |
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Mar 8 2010 - 03:40 PM
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#12
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![]() Crazy Quacker Group: Regular Members Posts: 8,885 Joined: Jul 30th, 05 From: Ontario, Canada Member No.: 201 |
I like the sound and putter of the Diesel, sure - but I never quite understood why there's such a "black and white" hate-on for the Gasser. Can someone help me understand? The new Mitsu engine is dead-simple, and I can't imagine that the FE gains in sticking to Diesel could ever outcost the lower maintenance of the gas engine... the 451's maintenance schedule alone is almost reason enough to want to switch. And the power, too... Did all you guys drive Diesels exclusively before?
-Iain This post has been edited by Duck: Mar 8 2010 - 03:41 PM -------------------- |
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Mar 8 2010 - 04:10 PM
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#13
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![]() Group: Regular Members Posts: 1,223 Joined: Apr 23rd, 07 From: North Vancouver Member No.: 2,847 |
Lebikerboy: It's already here, do you mean they are dropping it? So VW would be the only one available! Edit: Oh, I see what you mean, the C class won't get it. Doh! It is here in the car class already in the R350, surely that is under the same emissions group as the C class. The engine I'm talking about is the 2.2 litre 4 cylinder Blue Efficiency which is unbelievable in terms of power and mileage. Why aren't we getting it you may ask? The Americans don't want it and that's the reason. As far as emissions go, it exceeds all North American specs... http://www.topgear.com/uk/mercedes-benz/c-...-blueefficiency I'm considering an Audi A3 TDI as a viable alternative to the C class. This post has been edited by lebikerboy: Mar 8 2010 - 04:13 PM -------------------- 2006 Lite White Pure burning United Petroleum (Cascadia Biofuel) B50 bio-diesel, clock and tach package, Softtouch, velour and all-weather mats, Corelines with Conti's 175 front and 195 rear, LED side markers, stubby antenna, Michelin Radius wipers, embroidered luggage cover, Baldwin B161-S oil filter, M20 spin-on adapter, Mobil 1 5W-50, Mann cabin filter, blind spot mirrors, Michalak exhaust tip, black aluminum frame end caps, old style cup holder, K&N E-9257 air filter, black Michalak air sucker, chicken head fuel cover badge, 135 dB "Freeway Blaster" horn, EBC black brake pads, Optima Red Top 34/78 battery, Flying Tiger cdi remap, Wet Okole custom made seat covers, 451 Brabus "Euro" soft touch shift knob, Michalak mirror/door covers, custom 450cdi badges, aluminum pedal covers.
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Mar 8 2010 - 04:13 PM
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#14
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![]() Group: Regular Members Posts: 1,189 Joined: Apr 24th, 07 From: Edmonton, Alberta, Canada Member No.: 2,861 |
It's a case of the car is not compliant as designed with the emissions regulations set forth by the EPA and Transport Canada, therefore, what can MB do about it? Spend $1,000,000+ to make another change in the design just to satisfy North American government? Not likely.... We are SOL, and smart isn't the only car we've 'not gotten' over here. And so it goes. Yes, hold onto the cdis and take care of them! They are a rare bird in the days to come. Does that mean they might have some value in resale? I will be trying too sell my cdi this summer? -------------------- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------
2006 Black/silver Pulse Coupe, Smart cup holder,two cd tray sets,softouch,smart premium sound package,Rev counter & clock,Smart mud flaps,Raised rear view mirror,A/C,Turn signals and park lites in headlite cluster,LED interior lites, LED side markers with blink mod,Fram pollen filter (CF8249),Cruise control,Super white headlite bulbs,Wiper arm spray nozzel,Vertical wipe mod,DRL city lites mod,Home made camo cargo cover,Passenger side window controller,Matching fabric armrest,A real horn,Lockable drawer,MDC Drivelock,Handy base platform, Checker plate footrest,chrome exhaust tip, ![]() |
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Mar 8 2010 - 04:34 PM
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#15
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![]() Group: Regular Members Posts: 71 Joined: Aug 25th, 08 From: Prince George, BC Member No.: 6,356 |
Compared to a 6.4 litre powerstroke diesel V8, how much exhaust emission can a 699cc or 1 litre CDI engine put out? There should be a lower limit on engine size where current emission limits would not apply.
-------------------- 2008 Fortwo Pure, blue and black, AC and heated seats.
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Mar 8 2010 - 04:45 PM
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#16
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![]() Efficiency Matters Group: Moderators Posts: 5,465 Joined: May 26th, 05 From: Abbotsford, BC Member No.: 43 |
Does that mean they might have some value in resale? I will be trying too sell my cdi this summer? Well.... I think a well appointed car with history and lower kms will stop going down in price at this point. They are pretty low in general already for the typical car. This post has been edited by smartzuuk: Mar 8 2010 - 04:47 PM -------------------- ![]() ScanGauge II Special CsC pricing in effect! Only $149.95 w/FREE shipping! Best mileage to date: 2.23 L/100km - 105 mpg (US) - 126 mpg (imp) |
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Mar 8 2010 - 05:06 PM
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#17
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![]() 'Floating' Director of CsC Group: Moderators Posts: 20,054 Joined: May 24th, 05 From: Ladysmith, Vancouver Island, BC CDN Member No.: 5 |
I wonder if any of the Mercedez Reps actually read this forum...and if they do...whats up. Yes, they do, but you REALLY should know how to spell that Spanish female name by now! Enthusiasm is no reason to take a business decision that will not make money. Probably the smart 450 cdi coming to Canada was a fluke, and one that we should enjoy and cherish forever. I intend to. -------------------- 2006 smart BRABUS Canada 1 cabriolet 450: Snowball (BRABUS Tailor Made, leather/Alcantara, OE cruise)
![]() 2005 smart cdi pulse cabriolet 450: Rana smartii, "smart frog" (green/black/blue cloth, OE cruise, strikeline) ![]() 2008 Mercedes-Benz B 200: The family car, small outside and massive inside: a solid, comfy reliable car! ![]() 1966 Peugeot 404 Coupé Injection: A nice Pininfarina classic with Kugelfischer mechanical fuel injection ![]() |
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Mar 8 2010 - 05:09 PM
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#18
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Group: New Members Posts: 9 Joined: Feb 26th, 10 Member No.: 7,790 |
The bottom line is North America has 'dirty' diesel compared to Europe. Ours is not as refined and because the relatively small number of cars sold it is not worthwhile for them to dump a bunch of money into enhancing the oil burner.
Chet |
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Mar 8 2010 - 05:21 PM
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#19
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Group: Regular Members Posts: 262 Joined: May 2nd, 09 Member No.: 7,053 |
Yes, they do, but you REALLY should know how to spell that Spanish female name by now! Enthusiasm is no reason to take a business decision that will not make money. Probably the smart 450 cdi coming to Canada was a fluke, and one that we should enjoy and cherish forever. I intend to. Oh Man. And I did it twice. OK I fixed them both. I'm not looking back in the history of my other posts to fix the rest, mostly because I don't want to face the fact that I truly may be a MORON. Anyway. Thanks for the catch. J -------------------- |
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Mar 8 2010 - 06:02 PM
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#20
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![]() Group: Regular Members Posts: 1,427 Joined: Jun 29th, 07 From: Sunshine Coast BC Member No.: 3,704 |
I would never sell my little diesel, I would only loose a ton of money if I did.
-------------------- Just cruzin in the "RAT"
1989 Mitsubishi Canter cab-over "dropside" 4 cyl diesel, 5 speed RHD, power tailgate, dualies, 10'x5'box, work truck, (kind of a slug though) 2005 Pulse, first brand new car!, Brabus this"N"that, racey stuff too, big fat tires, heater leather seats, stacked and ready to rock baby. Bring on the twisties! |
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