I'm shocked that there are concerns about quality and reliability of the new diesels.

The technology is unbelievable now. I have rented a number of cars in europe in which I don't know for sure if they are a diesel or not until it comes to put fuel in them. At that point, it's kind of important to find out. They are powerful, quiet and smooth.

The new CDI will pass for a gas car until you open the hood or put in fuel. The efficiency of these engines combined with the incredibly advanced machining, alloys, assembly, etc will make a 616 or 617 engine look short lived by comparison.

As far as the word "quality," which is very difficult to define anyway, the cars get better and better with every new generation.

I remember when I bought my first 123 car in 1977, several people told me that it would be no good. They said that it was not nearly as good as the older models. Now with my 203 car, people say the same thing. The 203 car is head and shoulders above the preceding models.

This "they'll never make 'em like they used to" attitude really puzzles me. There are times when my response to that comment is: "Thank God."

Bring on those CDI's. They'll still be on the road after I'm dead and buried.

Have a great day,