Help! Why would an ML400 CDI smoke!?

[kayooh]

Greetings folks,

Right now I am considering the purchase of either a 2002 BMW X5 3.0d (137,000 KM) or a 2003 MB ML 400CDI (73,000 KM).

I am of course leaning towards the MB because I am hoping that bringing it into the country maybe a bit easier (hopefully a lot !! )than the BMW and of course the extra grunt is always welcomed.

Anyway, the salesman has set me up for a test drive of both but warned me not to get overly concerned with the smoke coming from the tail pipe of the MB as the MB Diesel is a " well known smoker!!" as he has put it.

He continued to add that the BMW unlike the MB is a much refined vehicle and engine and that I should be much better off with it!!

So here is my question, is it possible at this day and age that BMW can produce a smokeless diesel engine while MB can't!! Add to that the BMW is theoretically a year older!

I also took into account the fact that I have not seen what he meant by smoke but nonetheless according to him the MB smokes while the BMW does not.

Can any of you shed some light on what may make this particular engine smoke at all? A misadjusted/defective electronic part perhaps? A clogged filter here or there? Is there such a thing as a "wrong diesel"?? As the salesman mentioned that once.

Any advice is appreciated and thank you all.

[Brian Carlton]

My advice on the ML is to run as far away from it as you possibly can until you cannot see it anymore. Then run another 1/2 mile.

[whunter]

Originally Posted by kayooh

Greetings folks,
Right now I am considering the purchase of either a 2002 BMW X5 3.0d (137,000 KM) or a 2003 MB ML 400CDI (73,000 KM).
I am of course leaning towards the MB because I am hoping that bringing it into the country maybe a bit easier (hopefully a lot !! )than the BMW and of course the extra grunt is always welcomed.
Anyway, the salesman has set me up for a test drive of both but warned me not to get overly concerned with the smoke coming from the tail pipe of the MB as the MB Diesel is a " well known smoker!!" as he has put it.
He continued to add that the BMW unlike the MB is a much refined vehicle and engine and that I should be much better off with it!!
So here is my question, is it possible at this day and age that BMW can produce a smokeless diesel engine while MB can't!! Add to that the BMW is theoretically a year older!
I also took into account the fact that I have not seen what he meant by smoke but nonetheless according to him the MB smokes while the BMW does not.
Can any of you shed some light on what may make this particular engine smoke at all? A misadjusted/defective electronic part perhaps? A clogged filter here or there? Is there such a thing as a "wrong diesel"?? As the salesman mentioned that once.
Any advice is appreciated and thank you all.

I don't like the salesman or the sound of this smoker.
Where are you importing from and why?
Does the ML have full service records?
Have you looked at UNIMOG, one of our members loves them, and has the magic of finding them in the USA.
I like the BMW diesel (member BMWCCA), but finding places competent to service them properly can be a PIA, and if there are not full service records with it I would pass.

[Gurkha]

Also please do consider the G Wagen, one of the last real 4WD left on the market apart from the Australian and Middle Eastern versions of Toyota Land Cruiser and Nissan Patrol, the G comes with manual locking diffs for front and rear, drop in a good winch and you will never get stuck anywhere. Best of all, the corrugated body is tank tough and the suspension is among the strongest, all this means longer life for the vehicle in general.

[Zeuk in Oz]

As the owner of a ML 270 CDI (in Australia), I would be very wary of a smoking MB CDI motor. Mine has no smoke at all after 75 kkm.
It is a shame that you can't get a 270 CDI instead as the same motor is in the Cherokee in the US now so parts would be easier.
The 400 CDI motor has never been sold in Australia so I cannot help on that score. (Incompatible with RHD).
The other thing to look into is the quality of diesel fuel in the States - sulphur content is pretty critical to these motors. Here in Oz we reduced sulphur content significantly a few years back to allow the import of these new high tech diesel motors.
As a comparison though, the MB is more versatile with respect to space, 7 seats (if applicable), low range etc. The BMW is more like a SUV sports car.
Both worth owning though ! And economical - mine uses about 9.5 litres per 100km which I think is brilliant given its performance and mass.

I'd run FAR and FAST from any CDI that smokes more than a slight puff at takeoff.

Also, you are aware of the BIG $$$ it would take to import a vehicle of the nature and get it to USA emissions/safty/misc. regulations?

I don't like the ML class, buuuuuuuttttttt... The V8 CDI is pretty tempting.