• 100,000 miles at an average speed of 224.823 km/h
• Record distance equal to four times around the world
• Extreme endurance test for the Mercedes-Benz E 320 CDI, 30 days of relentless, round-the-clock punishment
• Proof of the outstanding performance of the diesel particulate filter
• World-record run under constant FIA* supervision

The new Mercedes V6 CDI diesel engine, set to replace the existing five and six-cylinder in-line engines from summer 2005, has marked the start of its career with a string of world records. Fitted in three standard-production E 320 CDI models, the 165 kW/224 hp powerplant covered the 100,000 kilometres, 50,000 and 100,000 miles respectively in world-record time** - and without any technical problems. Other class records for diesel vehicles add to the impressive record-breaking achievement on the high-speed circuit in Laredo, Texas. Despite the extreme stresses, the maintenance-free diesel particulate filter held up magnificently over the entire record distance without any deterioration in performance – further testimony to the reliability and durability of this exhaust technology.

Mercedes-Benz set three cars at once on course for a record at the high-speed circuit in Laredo, Texas; all three successfully covered the record distance, thereby providing proof of the reliability of the E-Class three times over. To do so each of the three candidates did no fewer than 20,000 laps. Adding up the distances covered by all three cars gives an impressive total of 300,000 miles (482,802 kilometres) - one-and-a-quarter times the distance from the Earth to the Moon. In addition to the vast distance and dramatic variations in climatic conditions, the vehicles' suspension, chassis and electronics were subjected to particularly severe and relentless punishment from the vibrations generated by the uneven road surface. The 30 days of torture also proved the durability of the exhaust system with its integrated diesel particulate filter. Indeed, this event was a world first in that it marked the first time that this filter technology had been subjected to such massive and continuous punishment. As established by numerous test series (conducted both in the lab and on the road), success of Mercedes-Benz in this endurance run confirms that volume-manufactured diesel particulate filters can also be relied on to function perfectly over high mileages in everyday use.

* The Paris-based FIA (Fédération Internationale de l’Automobile) is the governing body for world-record attempts in the automotive sector
** All records subject to confirmation by the FIA

Resounding success after 100,000 miles in 30 days

The vehicles were driven by three teams of six drivers, also including the former DTM contestant and current FIA Formula 1 Safety car driver Bernd Mayländer, with each driver taking the wheel for about 2 hours, 10 minutes between refuelling stops. In total, the record drivers had to stop 966 times in the temporary pits set up alongside the track; refuelling and the obligatory visual check of the vehicle took around 2 minutes on average. Servicing, including the replacement of operating fluids and wear parts, was performed using the customary service interval indicator in the cockpit. Each vehicle required servicing 10 times in the course of the entire run. The 26-strong team of mechanics changed the engine oil, air and diesel filters during each service stop. Project manager Jochen Haab: “Our vehicles ran like clockwork. Our mechanics likewise completed the routine servicing and maintenance in a record-breaking time, contributing in no small part to this magnificent achievement.”

In addition to the world records over 100,000 kilometres plus 50,000 and 100,000 miles, the three international driver teams set other records:***

* International FIA records in vehicle category B - production vehicles, Group III - turbo-diesels, Class 11 - swept volume 2,500 - 3,000 cc
** World record: absolute best figure among all vehicle categories and classes
*** All records subject to confirmation by the FIA
**** 1 mile = 1.609344 km (conversion factor according to FIA rules)

Praise from the independent FIA

The world-record run took place under the supervision of the FIA, which sets strict rules for tests of this kind. The participating vehicles were selected at random, sealed and shipped to the USA by the FIA officials at DaimlerChrysler’s Sindelfingen plant. Before, during and after the record run, the test vehicles were monitored continuously by the FIA until the world record was recognised officially. In accordance with the globally recognised regulations, the extent of any repairs which may be performed is limited and the replacement of entire assemblies such as the engine, transmission or exhaust system is not allowed. The three Mercedes E 320 CDI models had no difficulty in meeting these requirements as no major faults occurred during the record run. After the finish, USAC¹ president Rollie Helmling who was assigned by FIA to monitor the attempt on the speed record expressed his pleasure as well. “Of all attempts to break speed records carried out under our supervision, the record run by Mercedes certainly belongs to the most impressing ones”, he enthused. “I am especially satisfied by the open and helpful way of the staff at Mercedes. At any time and place, we had access to all areas.”

¹ United States Auto Club

Part and parcel of the model range in Europe

Advanced diesel vehicles which are equipped with diesel particulate filters and comply with the EU4 exhaust emissions standard make excellent sense, both economically and ecologically, and are ideally suited to all vehicle categories, as a glance at the current European range of Mercedes-Benz diesel models confirms. In terms of both performance and comfort, diesel engines are firmly established as the equals of petrol powerplants. The range begins with the 60 kW/82 hp A 160 CDI and extends right up to the new E 420 CDI with its output of 231 kW/314 hp. No less than 20 models on sale in Germany, Austria, the Netherlands and Switzerland already feature a diesel particulate filter as standard, while summer 2005 will see 40 Mercedes-Benz models equipped with this technology. This means that, worldwide, the Stuttgart-based company will be offering more vehicles with diesel particulate filters than any other manufacturer. Mercedes-Benz introduced the particulate filter in autumn 2003 and to date has delivered around 140,000 vehicles with this exhaust technology.

Promising future in the USA

Among those who became convinced by the new diesel engine was Brendan Gaughan, a driver in the most successful US racing series, the NASCAR Series: "For a diesel to manage a distance of four times round the world at an average speed of 139.699 mph is fantastic. What impressed me, in addition to this sporting achievement, was its great smoothness and comfort - both were on a par with a V8 gas engine.” As well as offering superb performance and excellent quality, the Mercedes-Benz diesel models are also outstandingly economical. The fuel consumption figure of 40 mpg achieved by the E 320 CDI is unrivalled by any vehicle in its competitive segment in the USA. Furthermore, the Mercedes-Benz engineers have successfully used effective emission control systems to satisfy the strict exhaust emission standards set by the EPA. Through the use of the latest technology it will in future be possible to comply with the Californian CARB (California Air Resources Board) legislation - the strictest in the world - which currently applies in five states.

The potential savings which could be achieved through increased adoption of diesel engines in the USA are enormous. An increase in the proportion of diesel-powered cars and light commercial vehicles from the present one percent to around thirty percent would save the USA approximately 1.4 million barrels of crude oil per day - equivalent to the entire amount of oil imported by the USA from Saudi Arabia. If we were to assume a 50 percent market share for diesels, as in western Europe, the potential amount saved in a year would be an astronomical 133 billion litres!. Many American consumers are already convinced of the benefits of today's advanced diesel powerplants, as demonstrated by the response to the launch of the Mercedes-Benz E 320 CDI. Our sales volume of 3,000 vehicles planned for 2004 sold out in just five months. And the customers are delighted, especially by the sporty and agile performance, the good fuel economy and the high level of comfort. The diesel engine will also experience fresh impetus following the latest announcements by the Bush Administration. In view of the dramatic rise in fuel prices, US President George W. Bush last week announced a programme to develop more fuel-efficient, low-emission vehicles. Together with hybrid vehicles, "clean diesel" models like the Mercedes-Benz E 320 CDI are to be promoted by means of tax incentives to the tune of $ 2.5 billion over the next few years.

The success story of Mercedes diesel passenger cars began 70 years ago

Mercedes-Benz is regarded as the pioneer of diesel technology. As early as 1935, the company officially presented the world’s first standard-production diesel passenger car in the form of the 260 D. Other milestones on the way to today's advanced, agile diesel powerplants include the introduction of turbo technology in the seventies, the first particulate filter system in 1985 and the premiere of the common-rail diesel in 1997. The consistent effort which Mercedes-Benz has put into the evolution of diesel technology over the last 70 years has helped it attain the high regard which it enjoys around the world today. Future developments by the Stuttgart-based company will make the diesel even more attractive, powerful and environmentally compatible. This commitment is acknowledged by customers: Mercedes-Benz has already delivered more than seven million diesel-engined passenger cars; the market share of diesel models is set to rise further in future reflecting the growth seen over the past few decades.