4Matic

Neil H

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Current: RRS Autobiography/F-Type R V8 AWD Previous: CLS 400 W218 / CLS 350 CDI W218 / ML350 W164
Is there a reason that Mercedes wont allow 4matic to be specced on standard cars in the UK? I was in Switzerland a week ago and was looking at the new CLS shooting brake with 4matic fitted.
I understand that the big SUV's will have to have it but why not a C class or E class? We are getting to silly season again and I'm sure a touch of snow will see us all housebound again!
 

Naraic

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2005 CL500.
Problems with the steering racks.

Winter tyres will allow you to leave the house.
 
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television

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Not in 4matic form though.

On the EPC there are 4 matic 203's and 204's for the Japan market and the Vin numbers are specific to Japan only
 

Naraic

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On the EPC there are 4 matic 203's and 204's for the Japan market and the Vin numbers are specific to Japan only

I know that Japan drives on the left the way we do...but peculiarly they very often prefer their imports to be LHD. I don't believe MB made RHD 4 matic saloon cars (after the w124?).
 

television

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I know that Japan drives on the left the way we do...but peculiarly they very often prefer their imports to be LHD. I don't believe MB made RHD 4 matic saloon cars (after the w124?).

Thank you and you do have a good point there, I will study a Japan 203 and see if it says
 

television

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OK they do a steering box for the steering rack in both Lhd and RHD for the 203.081 4 matic and the same for the 204.287 4 matic.

but again its no guarantee that they were made in RHD form as you said
 

Rory

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2005 C270CDi Avantgarde Estate. Bought 2005, sold 2022.
Problems with the steering racks.

Yes - it's because the drive shaft for the front axle comes out of the right hand side of the gearbox and in a RHD car the steeering mechanism is in the way. The design does also encroach on foot room in the right hand seat.

MB has said for years they were going to offer AWD RHD saloons but they've never appeared. They have said the next GLK (BMW X3 sized SUV) due in 2015 will be engineered for RHD. If they do this, it will be interesting to see if it's a complete new design or a bodge with another transfer box (which I expect would be a nighmare).

If they do get the RHD GLK done, then I imagine that work could be used on C & E saloons too.


Interesting that BMW has been saying for a few years it would offer 5 series in AWD in the UK (again - they did years ago) and I don't think they've ever appeared. However they have just introduced AWD 3 Series.
 
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television

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Yes - it's because the drive shaft for the front axle comes out of the right hand side of the gearbox and in a RHD car the steeering mechanism is in the way. The design does also encroach on foot room in the right hand seat.

MB has said for years they were going to offer AWD RHD saloons but they've never appeared. They have said the next GLK (BMW X3 sized SUV) due in 2015 will be engineered for RHD. If they do this, it will be interesting to see if it's a complete new design or a bodge with another transfer box (which I expect would be a nighmare).

If they do get the RHD GLK done, then I imagine that work could be used on C & E saloons too.


Interesting that BMW has been saying for a few years it would offer 5 series in AWD in the UK (again - they did years ago) and I don't think they've ever appeared. However they have just introduced AWD 3 Series.

This is where the EPC fails,,, all these things are in in the list, but in many cases they were never made or supplied
 

grober

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Sadly Mercedes attitude to anyone wanting to buy a RHD 4WD saloon or estate in the UK is --- Buy an AUDI!----- which, as the market share figures illustrate ----they frequently do.:rolleyes:
 

MBDevotee

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Dreaming of a CL55k - one day maybe....
Yes I will need to replace the CLK next year with a small economical estate car.... that also must be 4WD - and yes, Subaru and Audi are on the list.. Merc don't make anything I can buy.
 

st4

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Yes I will need to replace the CLK next year with a small economical estate car.... that also must be 4WD - and yes, Subaru and Audi are on the list.. Merc don't make anything I can buy.

How come the estate car needs to be 4wd. Winter tyres on 2wd car better than summer tyres on 4wd car and cheaper to fuel.
 

Naraic

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How come the estate car needs to be 4wd. Winter tyres on 2wd car better than summer tyres on 4wd car and cheaper to fuel.

I suppose because...4 wheel drive is not just for the winter.
 

turbopete

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Yes I will need to replace the CLK next year with a small economical estate car.... that also must be 4WD - and yes, Subaru and Audi are on the list.. Merc don't make anything I can buy.

jag x type?

only reason this problem exists, judging by the layout of my 203, is because the steering rack is positioned in FRONT of the front wheels (similar to cortinas and sierras) rather than BEHIND the wheels, like most other cars! makes life much easier for setting the tracking etc though!
 
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Rockall

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Yes I will need to replace the CLK next year with a small economical estate car.... that also must be 4WD - and yes, Subaru and Audi are on the list.. Merc don't make anything I can buy.
What about a good second hand ML 270?

Bill
 

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