A "Dirty Bomb" won't do anything to our diesels, unless your close enough to maybe suck up some crud in the aircleaner. But if you're that close, you'll have other worries...

I believe your question deals with the EMP (Electro-Magnetic Pulse) that is generated upon detonation of a nuclear warhead (not the same as a "Dirty Bomb"). This EMP is known to damage unshielded electronics.

In this case - depending upon the distance your car is from the blast - older cars (such as 240D's) would probably survive better than newer cars (such as CDI's) by virtue of having fewer complex electronic systems that would be damaged by an EMP.

- Patrick

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1982 240D. 198k, Marine Blue/Blue, 4 Speed, Crank Windows, No Sunroof, No Rust, No Oil Leaks
2001 TDI. 197k, Lagoon Blue/Black, 5 speed, Chip, G60/VR6