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Bernd
Austria
186 Posts |
 Posted - 04/18/2012 : 09:35:34
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Hello,
I'm planning to add a 6.9 to the headaches and since I'm located in Miami in the moment but will ship the car back to Austria eventually i wonder how much worse the US versions sell over there in Europe.
What is the difference in the engine between the two version, is it like in the 6.3 engines a different (and almost impossible to find) piston? I remember the hard time i had to find some pistons for my 71 US 6.3 to convert it back to 9:1 Euro standard, so i hope that MB choose a different, easier to reverse route 8 years later.
Thanks for all help
Bernd
I
Bernd Bauer
300 SEL 6.3 '69 #0802
300 SEL 6.3 '71 5127
560SL '88
Audi A4 Avant '00
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wbrian63
USA
642 Posts |
Posted - 04/19/2012 : 08:13:18
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There are two major differences between the US and Euro-versions
US was rated at 250bhp, Euro at 286. I beleive this was a combination of a lower compression ratio on the US motors, in conjunction with the US-required emissions equipment (Catalytic converters & EGR).
Most all of the Euro-delivered cars came with manual-control HVAC. Unless special ordered for Germany-delivery, a US-bound 6.9 had the newer (and now that it has aged, less desirable) Chrysler-source automatic climate control.
Of course, US-bound cars were also fitted with the popular (or not so, depending on one's preference) park-bench front & rear "energy absorbing" bumpers, and sealed-beam headlamps vs the composite lamps available in Europe.
Many Euro-spec cars came with velour seating surfaces, while US cars (again, unless specially ordered) came with leather seating surfaces.
US-spec cars have the "ride-high" setting on the suspension disabled, but that's easily cured by removing the blocking sleeve on the adjustment cable.
In my mind, a Euro car is a better car.
That being said, a well maintained or properly restored 6.9 is a joy to drive, regardless of whether it's a US or Euro model.
Good luck on your search. As you probably have learned or already know, buy the best example you can find.
Regards
W. Brian Fogarty
'02 S55 AMG (W220)
'92 300SE (W140) - sold
'76 450SEL 6.9 Euro #1164 - parted & gone
'76 450SEL 6.9 Euro #521
"Bond reflected that good Americans were fine people, and most of them seemed to come from Texas..." Casino Royale, Chapter VII |
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Bernd
Austria
186 Posts |
Posted - 04/19/2012 : 11:16:50
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Brian,
Thanks,
do you know what it takes to get the CR back to Euro numbers, new pistons?
Bernd Bauer
Austria:
300 SEL 6.3 '69 #0802
300 SEL 6.3 '71 5127
Audi A4 Avant '00
Miami:
Ford F150 pickup '06
560SL '88
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ctmaher
USA
491 Posts |
Posted - 04/19/2012 : 16:10:50
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Yes, the compression ratio difference is in the pistons.
Chris |
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Ron B
Australia
10169 Posts |
Posted - 04/19/2012 : 19:22:15
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Different cams too.. Actually the difference between a Euro and USA/Australia versions is very marked. A euro version simply gets up and flies when you boot the accelerator.
 quote:
12-14-2004, 11:49 PM #8
Tom Hanson
MBCA Member
What the heck, try to stuff a MB 6.9 liter V8 in it. What a machine that would be..
__________________
Tom Hanson
Orange County Section
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etmerritt33
USA
1145 Posts |
Posted - 04/20/2012 : 10:01:43
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Get the euro engine, period!!! I just did a euro engine transplant on my 6.9 and there is a big difference in power and throttle response. I had a near miss purchase of a really nice euro 6.9 before I bought my U.S. 6.9 and I have regretted it since then.
You can tune and calibrate all you want on a U.S. engine but it will never be as strong as the higher compression euro version all other things being equal.
Be patient and find a nice euro version and pull the trigger. Tom |
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WGB
Australia
251 Posts |
Posted - 04/23/2012 : 03:20:39
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My car is a euro and apart from teh need for high octane fuel it definitely has more immediate get up and go than a Low compression car.
Bill
1979 Euro 6.9 with AMG modifications #5554
1979 450SEL plus another 1979 for spares |
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Bernd
Austria
186 Posts |
Posted - 04/23/2012 : 11:25:01
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Thanks all,
If i buy a US version i want to convert to Euro standard, from Ron i understood it is pistons and cams?
Bernd Bauer
Austria:
300 SEL 6.3 '69 #0802
300 SEL 6.3 '71 5127
Audi A4 Avant '00
Miami:
Ford F150 pickup '06
560SL '88
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etmerritt33
USA
1145 Posts |
Posted - 04/23/2012 : 13:51:34
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| It is a pain in the ass and expensive to convert everything. You have all the U.S. emissions crap to remove. The exhaust manifolds and the ignition distributor are different. I just went through this. You do not want to do it. Get a nice euro 6.9 and save yourself the aggravation. You will have plenty of other problems to work on. Tom |
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Bernd
Austria
186 Posts |
Posted - 04/24/2012 : 11:45:32
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Tom,
I love you sense of humor... Thanks!!!
Bernd Bauer
Austria:
300 SEL 6.3 '69 #0802
300 SEL 6.3 '71 5127
Audi A4 Avant '00
Miami:
Ford F150 pickup '06
560SL '88
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Topic |
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US versus Euro Version
