(I just broke my ABA gasser motor doing this...)


You could point a pressure washer at any place in my 240D's engine bay, and leave it there (for a while), and the engine would start right up 99% of the time.

Do that to a TDI motor ? your percentage is down to 70% or 80% - there are too many connectors, too many sensors, too many computers.

I'm not saying that you cant wash a TDI engine, but you need to be more careful.




That said, you CAN compare an OM617 and a TDI - They are both engines made to power mid-size sedans. You could assume that as far as transporting people goes, a 1985 300D and a 1999 Passat TDI are equally functional (they both hold 4 people in acceptable comfort and have a trunk- you can argue whether or not you need airbags, or an MB Star on the front to transport 4 people). The cost of the engine and car package arent very close, ($5k for the 300D, $10K for the passat ?) but these prices are still wayy below the cost of a 2008 Passat TDI (if sold) or 2008 E320 CDI) or even the cost of a Chevy Malibu (another mid-size sedan).

its a fair comparison. My grading scale is shown above =)

-John

__________________
2009 Kia Sedona
2009 Honda Odyssey EX-L
12006 Jetta Pumpe Duse
(insert Mercedes here)

Husband, Father, sometimes friend =)