Who makes the world's best diesels, GM or Mercedes?

[Merc1]

It's almost an epidemic. In the last two weeks, we've listened to three big automakers make thoughtful and detailed presentations about their current and future engine lineups. Clearly, they want us to know they're working their butts off to get the best technologies (meaning the most fuel efficient ones) into your next new vehicle. They want all of us to know they've got a coordinated powertrain strategy and their choices aren't random. Companies like Mercedes-Benz and General Motors seem to have the lead when it comes to state of the art diesel technologies, and recently we've had a chance to look at both with a magnifying glass. Here's what we've seen.


Who makes the world's best diesels, GM or Mercedes? | Car News Blog at Motor Trend


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[Zafiro]

Who makes the world's best diesels?

Answer: BMW

 

[Mr Robert]

Re: Who makes the world's best diesels?

Answer: BMW

Truth spoken.

 

[PanterroR]

Who makes the world's best diesels, GM or Mercedes?

What a stupid question...

 

[Mockenrue]

[image no longer available]forum/images/smilies/coffee.gif

 

[Mr Robert]

Who makes the world's best diesels, GM or Mercedes?

What a stupid question...

Well, it is an American magazine and they have very little experience with these matters. They still don't get any of the good diesels in the world but things are about to change.

 

[Mr Robert]

@ the Audi fan

I think, if Audi would make as good street diesels as they do race engines they would do just fine!

 

[klier]

@ the Audi fan

I think, if Audi would make as good street diesels as they do race engines they would do just fine!

LOL, seriously....I was wondering when the racecar V12 TDI would show up here....People are being brainwashed by Audi and it's diesel commercials.
That race engine has nothing to do with the normal diesels they make over there. Incomparable.

Seriously, if anyone comes close to BMW when making a new diesel, let me know.
I agree with Tycoon, what a stupid question....must be an American magazine again..they always have the stupid questions ready...

 

[cawimmer430]

What actually defines the "best diesel"? Performance? Engine response? Fuel economy? Cleanliness?

If that's the case then there is actually a very strong argument for Bluetec diesel technology from Mercedes. All these factors are favorably combined in one package and this technology is now acceptable to drive in all states of America. Do Audi or BMW diesels fulfill this criteria?

I am not trying to start a flame war, but this is a simple question for the topic at hand.

 

[Zafiro]

Best New Engine of 2008
BMW 2-litre Diesel Twin Turbo

BMW’s ‘efficient dynamics’ mantra: increased overall power, lower weight, and a reduction in emissions.

include an all-aluminium crankcase, third-generation common-rail fuel injectors, and a state-of-the-art diesel particulate filter. Like the 3-litre, this engine, codenamed N47D, sports both a large and small exhaust gas turbocharger, the latter operating at lower engine speeds, the bigger one being called upon when extra power is required.

Weight savings have been made largely thanks to a new engine design that helped to cut 17kg from the outgoing version. Arguably the biggest change was made to the intake ducts, which now have a larger diameter to aid the gas charge cycle, and are placed upright, fitting straight into the combustion chambers. The shape of said chambers has been refined, helping to realise a 16:1 compression ratio.

“More than 100bhp per litre from a diesel? Forget the gasoline engine in your 1- or 3-Series – this is the powerplant to get.”




2007 Winners
2.5-litre to 3-litre: BMW 3-litre Twin Turbo

2006 Winners
2.5-litre to 3-litre: BMW 3-litre Twin Turbo Diesel

2005 Winners
2.5-litre to 3-litre: BMW 3-litre Twin-Turbo Diesel

 

[coolraoul]

I happen to disagree with all the Beemer-boys here. BMW make the sportiest diesels. It does not mean everybody wants it.

I prefer the smoothness of a 320cdi.

However, comparing any of these to GM's diesel... Americans clearly have no clue about diesel.

 

[PanterroR]

What actually defines the "best diesel"? Performance? Engine response? Fuel economy? Cleanliness?

Such as fuel economy, emissions, smoothness, elasticity, performance, noise, drivability, refinement and successful application of advanced engine technology.

Being able to sell your diesel in US with all those rules is an achievement, i admit, but i don't think that Bluetec engines because of that can be defined as the best ones.

In any case, i still think that the engine in my car is the best diesel engine in the world at the moment, regardless how it sounds to you. You find me better one.

 

[Centurion]

BMW and Audi makes better diesel engines than MB, so I don't understand why they weren't included in the article.

 

[Zafiro]

BMW best engines IMO:
- 177hp/350 nm,
- 286hp/580nm
- V8 diesel with 330hp/750nm

Responsive, fuel efficient and good for the environment. MT better change the title to "Who makes the world's best diesels, BMW or Mercedes?"

 

[coolraoul]

BMW and Audi makes better diesel engines than MB, so I don't understand why they weren't included in the article.

I don't see any Audi diesel that could possibly be considered better than a MB one.
I agree that, between BMW and MB, it is hard, BMW more sporty, MB smoother and more refined. But Audi, no no no. Good diesels, but not really better than Peugeot/Ford/Jaguar for instance.

I would say, today, BMW has the edge because of the old 220cdi. The new 200/220/250cdi could change that.
The 320cdi is the best diesel i've ever tried. I prefer it to Beemer's, because I don't buy it to drive hard, I want it to be torquey, silent, refined. Even the 420cdi has no chance against the 320cdi for me.

 

[Kowalski]

GM diesel engines are in fact Fiat diesel engines.

 

[PanterroR]

The 320cdi is the best diesel i've ever tried. I prefer it to Beemer's, because I don't buy it to drive hard, I want it to be torquey, silent, refined. Even the 420cdi has no chance against the 320cdi for me.

320 CDI is a great engine, but 220 in E clas i've been seeing/hearing every day, sounds like a Golf I TDi...

 

[Zafiro]

I prefer it to Beemer's, because I don't buy it to drive hard, I want it to be torquey, silent, refined. Even the 420cdi has no chance against the 320cdi for me.

I driven BMWs best dielels and I didnt have to drive hard to enjoy it. Its not like BMW diesel engines is shaking and making bad noises. BMW diesels work both for cruising and speeding.
Just becuase there is a bmw badge doesnt mean the engine isnt refined and smooth and only works for active driving.

And what do you mean by torque, do you mean MB develop more torque than bmw's diesel engines?`

 

[castagna]

What about realibility? Turbos, gaskets, butterfly valves....

 

[PanterroR]

What about realibility? Turbos, gaskets, butterfly valves....

Haven't heard any complaints so far and almost 70000km with my car and without single problem.