[imacd]

What about the passenger version? I thought they were shipped to N. America complete.

 

[BlauBlitzen2016]

They were, but I don’t think that has been the case for several years. As far as I can ascertain the M274 is used in NA Sprinters and Metris vans, Chinese market Vitos, and nowhere else. Production of the engine is done in Tennessee and possibly China.

 

[focus805]

They were, but I don’t think that has been the case for several years. As far as I can ascertain the M274 is used in NA Sprinters and Metris vans, Chinese market Vitos, and nowhere else. Production of the engine is done in Tennessee and possibly China.

BTW, my surprise that the engines are Nissan-built wasn't meant to be negative. My engine has been great, though I wish it had both port and direct injection because I don't relish paying for a walnut blast on the intake side. I know this comparison is dumb, but brand loyalty is hard to shake -- the old Datsun L series engines (L16, L18 L24) were simple and bomb proof. Before the 2 liter 190 hp engine, I think BRE was getting over 160 hp out of the stock 96 hp 1595 cc L16.

Anyway, I am glad more of the van uses American labor.

 

[BlauBlitzen2016]

BTW, my surprise that the engines are Nissan-built wasn't meant to be negative. My engine has been great, though I wish it had bothl port and direct injection because I don't relish paying for a walnut blast on the intake side. I know this comparison is dumb, but brand loyalty is hard to shake -- the old Datsun L series engines (L16, L18 L24) were simple and bomb proof. Before the 2 liter 190 hp engine, I think BRE was getting over 160 hp out of the stock 96 hp 1595 cc L16.

Anyway, I am glad more of the van uses American labor.

Thats a different Nissan, before they were bought by the worse of the two French car companies. I sincerely doubt the Nissan built ones are nearly as good as the German ones.

 

[focus805]

Thats a different Nissan, before they were bought by the worse of the two French car companies. I sincerely doubt the Nissan built ones are nearly as good as the German ones.

Why do you think that?

 

[BlauBlitzen2016]

Why do you think that?

There are several reasons that are based on observations, several that are based on a drastic reduction in Nissans standing in reliability metrics (prior to the bail out by Renault, Nissan stood above Honda practically on par with Toyota in all reliability and dependability metrics by a wide variety of respected firms such as Consumer Reports, a position they fell rapidly from since then, to the point they managed to actually drop behind Mitsubishi to take last place in Japanese quality, dependability, and reliability).

The other point is that since that contract started, Infiniti models equipped with M270/M274 derivative show substantially inferior engine reliability compared to that of Mercedes sedan models so equipped. I admit Metris models so equipped are too new to judge too well, but it is a reasonable assumption to extrapolate from. That Nissan plant has never been known for its quality. The M274 short block is a pretty durable engine with the proper wristpins, and the top end is pretty robust for such a complicated valve train, too. Problems with them suggest poor assembly.

 

[Westfalia]

Limited slip differentials, high-performance auto crossing and the like excepted, are outdated and obsolete equipment. The Metris has the full suite of Mercedes-Benz's ESP aides, which includes ASR, which is essentially a faster-acting electronic limited-slip function.

If you are planning on auto crossing, I suggest a vehicle with a less than 126" wheelbase for the job.

I don't believe our vans have electronically controlled rear diffs. This type of electronic traction control the Metris has actuates the brakes...a far inferior way of accomplishing traction. A mechanical, abet an electronically actuated is fine, but way overkill for a basic van that just needs traction in the snow. Secondly, who in their right mind would autocross a van? lol