451 mhd in Canada for testing

[Mike T]

In my usual examination of the manifests of smart shipments for Canada, I came across this VIN in the list:

WME4513801K282650

It is a European version, a left hand drive coupé with the engine code "80" making it a 52 kW mhd (stop-start) version.

Since it was in the heart of a Mercedes-Benz Canada shipment and on their Bill of Lading number, I can only conclude that it is here on behalf of the importer, for emissions testing and certification of the mhd for Canada.

[wrumbarger]

I will be happy to purchase it right now?

Just tell me how to make out the check?

[Karl Roth]

Originally Posted by wrumbarger

I will be happy to purchase it right now?

Just tell me how to make out the check?

Willing to bet your bank account is not big enough to cover this.
Do a search on Bill Gates and his 959 if you don't believe me.
karl

[Godfather]

With all the chronic tailgating hit-the-gas-hard-away-from-lites folks we have now, ya really think this is gonna catch on? That crunching sound is going to be very near.....

[John_H]

The MHD is not designed to start like a normal motor and it only lets the engine stop using gas below 5mph. The alternator is modified to be a combination alternator/starter and the engine is stalled into a specific start position so restarting is a breeze. Hit the gas hard from a stop or slow roll on an MHD and I'm guessing the response will be almost the same as a standard Smart. I haven't driven one yet so I can't say for sure but there's little reason to lose the response given how the system integrates.

[Godfather]

Pardon, but one of the bigger complaints here has been nearly getting clipped due to the 1-2 gearchange. I understand exactly how the system works, and have investigated enough accidents to be fairly certain that ANY delay in getting under way will befuddle American drivers. Face it, the current crop of "I only have ever driven an automatic" drivers have trouble dealing with the momentary hesitation of someone driving a stick. Is that nickle saved a day worth it?

[Big Panda]

Originally Posted by Mike T

In my usual examination of the manifests of smart shipments for Canada, I came across this VIN in the list:

WME4513801K282650



It is a European version, a left hand drive coupé with the engine code "80" making it a 52 kW mhd (stop-start) version.

WME4513801K282650???



Since 1980, here in the U.S (and I imagine in Canada as well), the 10th digit of the VIN designates the year. At first, it started as the letter "A" for 1980 and went from there. "L" was for 1990 and "Y" was for 2000.

In 2001, it reverted to numbers, "1" being a 2001 and so on. With the 10th digit of the above VIN being a "1", I'm confused. Apparently Europe doesn't use the same VIN designation as the U.S.? Also, the 11th digit generally designates the Plant. In this case, "K" would be Smartville. On my Jeep Compass, it was a "D", which was Belvedere Illinois, the plant that produces the Compass, Patriot and Dodge Caliber.

One would think, that after 2000 at least, there would be some sort of universal VIN breakdown. You mentioned that the European engine code is "80". Odd, that here in the U.S. the engine code is the 8th digit, or in this case simply an "8". My 2009 smart Passion has an engine code of "X" and of course the 10th digit is a "9" for 2009 model year.

Is there anything in print that tells us how to break down a VIN for any European vehicle other than a smart?

[fpage77]

Why does Canada get stuff we don't in the USA.

[jwight]

Images courtesy of springlering:

[HGB]

Originally Posted by fpage77

Why does Canada get stuff we don't in the USA.

Because we are special in the US...