German Car Zone

Well u don't need a track to find out,the 600 cars as the most extreme "normal" cars to come out from Germany are tested pretty well enough by the press not to mention MB stringent procedure along with customer feedback.If there's something with it trust we;d know by now

Troublesome 55 engines? surely they are far more reliable than BMW's "first" attempts.

I think the 'ring testing was more for chasis/handling/suspension testing, not longevity of track prowess. But of course, I could be wrong. Since the X6 is already out, perhaps Scott or Eni can shed light on the 'ring program.

the c4s is used for the benchmark only. My god, the X6 looks insanely hot in the picture.

Yeah, I doubt you will ever have heat soaking issues in Germany.

I thought about that too, but I didn't want to say anything because I don't know what the 'ring is like temperature wise.

Many people have missed the point on so many levels here.

Every manufacturer experiences teething problems when releasing new technology - especially when it comes to forced induction engines. Tarek is simply baiting the BMW members of the community without due consideration of the facts and circumstances. First of all, to run a large SUV that weighs 2 tons, full-bore on a tight track in 37 degrees of Aussie heat is quite, resolutely, different from running a car on a hot desert road in Death Valley during FEP testing. Track work, takes its toll on engines - especially in very hot conditions. The X6 probably could run for hours in the milder temperatures of the Nurburgring summer. The difference to the engine between 27 degrees and 37 degrees is massive. So let's not all jump on the ha-ha bandwagon.

To claim that MB is the master of FI is a misnomer. MB have small global sales performance of turbocharged petrol engines. Even the B200 Turbo "mass market" car has small market penetration. I've never seen a test where either a 65 AMG or B200T was tracked around in 37 degrees of heat. If anyone has, feel free to show it.

Conditions vary significantly from country to country and ECU programming is the single most influential factor in determining the level, consistency and reliability of turbo engine performance. And, it's not just limited to performance petrol engines... anyone remember the E270 CDI debacle? I can write a novel on our CEO's experiences with that car going into limp mode.

There simply isn't enough statistical evidence out there regarding Merc's turbo'd petrol engines purely by virtue of a lack of volumes and appropriate circumstance. Anyone see that EVO test on the B200 around Bedford in 35 degrees? I think not. So you ought to get the point I'm making.

Turbo engines are great - but they're remarkably sensitive. Like I said earlier in this thread, it is only the advent of modern software programming in ECUs that enables turbocharging to be viable and reliable. It's all about the programming or parameterisation of measured variables. These programmed tolerances are built in not only to achieve maximum performance within the current ambient conditions but also to safeguard the engine and its mechanicals at the same time. Anyone who understands the principles of turbocharged, intercooled engines will appreciate the factors against the X6 in this particular example.

No manufacturer can lay claim that their pre-launch testing comprising millions of kilometers is 100% fool proof in guaranteeing reliable, problem-free vehicles in the post-production phase. The acid test is to release the vehicle to general public en mass around the globe. Only when you expose the product to different drivers with different driving styles, in different countries in different conditions will you truly cover a much vaster telemmetry range.

VWAG and Audi have had their shit. Mercedes Benz have had theirs too. And BMW are going through theirs now. It's an unfortunate but wholly realistic progression for any manufacturer entering into turbocharging en mass.

Spot on Martin, spot on...

Martin

Well said.

That's what I was saying when I was talking about testing phase...of course I'm not as eloquent as you. LOL Good job Martin!

Because of that kind of posts I am still here. Well said Martin and thanks again.