Originally Posted by majkls xfire
I just found out a interesting detail about our cars. They have 2 sparkplugs per cylinder. Each pair of plugs has its own coil. I discovered this on the German SLK forum
www.mbslk.de . I happen to speak German so I was able to take a look at the postings. They have some excelent information on the Motor including pictures and detailed instructions. I am probably the only one who didn't know about the sparkplugs but I thought I would post it anyhow just in case this wasn't common knowledge.
Look: The car is cool (and fun). But... Let's not sing odes and hosannas of
this engine. I also have a Mazda6 SW. (A heavier car) Mazda's engine: 3.0Liter (not 3.2L), DOHC(!) (not single OHC), 24V (not only 18), 220hp (not only 215), one spark plug/cyl (not two), takes regular(!) gas (not premium) Gets 26mpg (not 25). Tranny: 5sp. autostick, just like the xfire. The Mazda is heavier by about 300lbs, and still gets better mpg (hyway, commute traffic, no chance to get heavy footed).
In all truthfulness, i'd rather have the Mazda's 3.0L V6 24V 220hp engine in it than the 3.2L V6 18V 215hp MB motor. I think it would move/accelerate a bit better, get better mpg, and as an additional bonus, I wouldn't have to buy premium either.
I'm just trying to be truthful and objective (even to myself), and look at the hard data, and let the chips fall where they may.