Jeep Liberty 4WD Diesel Question - PeachParts Mercedes-Benz Forum

centroid1 · #1 07-30-2011, 11:33 PM

Just saw this in a local listing:

http://minneapolis.craigslist.org/wsh/cto/2519626635.html

I don't know anything about Jeep. Is this a reliable car ?

What kind of know issues for the mileage ?

compress ignite · #2 07-31-2011, 01:49 AM

It's a V.M. Motori CDI Type Turbodiesel.
V.M. Motori is an Old Line Italian Marine Diesel engine Manufacturer.
(At the Time of the Manufacture,Roger Penske was the President of V.M. Motori)
(I MAY be incorrect,BUT I don't believe Mr. Penske has ever been involved in
any assembly of an Automotive nature THAT wasn't PERFORMANCE oriented.)
[All of these different auto groups fell under Diamler Benz's umbrella when it
entertained an Expeditionary interest in owning Chrysler.]

The Motor is a "Tank". The Vehicle is a Jeep.

I'd be investigating the "Mileage" figure Quoted...

(I'd also be looking into the "Asking Price")

Skippy · #3 07-31-2011, 04:59 AM

There's a member here who has one. She could tell you more about it, but I haven't seen one of her posts in a while.

Merkey · #4 07-31-2011, 07:18 AM

Met a guy just last week with one.
He was telling me only a few were bought into the USA, or maybe he meant CA.
Anyway, he is a Dyno Engineer for a Japanese Auto Company, and he was raving about the motor, and how torqey it was...

Found this road test...
http://www.caranddriver.com/reviews/car/05q3/jeep_liberty_sport_4x4_diesel-short_take_road_test

layback40 · #5 07-31-2011, 10:21 AM

I have an older version.
Plenty of torque. The mileage should be ok if its all original as it has an electronic gauge.
You will need to drive carefully to get the claimed mileage.
The motors are strong as long as you dont overheat them.
They use VM motors in many cars, Renault, London taxis & some found their way into European MB's!

They can be expensive for genuine parts.
Because of the mix of metric, imperial & torx and lack of room, they can be a PITA to work on.

centroid1 · #6 07-31-2011, 01:17 PM

Yeah, I looked at that engine pic, it's pretty tight in there.

I wonder if it's an issue having a car that not exactly "rare" but low in production so much that it's difficult to find availability of parts and expertise to work on it.

Seems like a nice blend of new car and diesel engine combo.

GTStinger · #7 07-31-2011, 03:06 PM

Is this the model where they discontinued the odd voltage glow plugs. So now a bad plug means you have to replace a bunch of controls for major $$$ to switch to a different voltage plug?

jeffr0000 · #8 07-31-2011, 07:29 PM

I think it's a fantastic motor in an otherwise unremarkable SUV. I like the ra428 diesel so much I've been thinking about someday replacing my om616 with one. I've found that although jeep never gave one, there is a six speed manual box that will bolt to it. And I just keep thinking; how nice would it be to have a modern turbodiesel and six speed in my w123?

The only complaint I have about the motor is that the American version is saddled with EGR, which to no-one's surprise is causing a multitude of problems for many owners. My suggestion would be to disable it.

Biodiesel87TD · #9 07-31-2011, 09:02 PM

My family has one. The 30-32 MPG claim only applies to good days! Make sure you test it on the highway as some have issues with a transmission shudder that requires $$$ to fix (since it is out of warranty). We have never had any problems with the VM Motori 2.8 CRD however the transmission computer went at 50,000 miles and after 5 years of ownership we've only just now found a mechanic who will work on it without complaint (That is partially because they were never sold in CA, thus no dealer support). Parts can be a little tricky because it is such a mutt (Italian diesel, Dodge transmission, Jeep body, Mercedes electrical stuff). Besides the transmission computer, there have been other little things that have broken and fallen off (Mostly body related). If you are going to use it as a tow vehicle it is wonderful, but at higher speeds (65+) it is uncomfortable/unstable. It also can be a little smokey for such a new diesel...

layback40 · #10 07-31-2011, 09:09 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by jeffr0000

I think it's a fantastic motor in an otherwise unremarkable SUV. I like the ra428 diesel so much I've been thinking about someday replacing my om616 with one. I've found that although jeep never gave one, there is a six speed manual box that will bolt to it. And I just keep thinking; how nice would it be to have a modern turbodiesel and six speed in my w123?

The only complaint I have about the motor is that the American version is saddled with EGR, which to no-one's surprise is causing a multitude of problems for many owners. My suggestion would be to disable it.

Not only the USA ones. This is an easy fix though!!

There are quite a few of these in Europe & Australia.

I have sourced consumable parts from all over the world.

The GP's are not an issue. I think the poster who mentioned it was worried because some of the VM's like mine run 11v GP's. no real mods are needed to run 12v ones unless you go to a dealer.

The starter on the early ones is a PITA to remove. Have to take of the engine mount & brackets, 2 suspension arms, turbo oil return, oil filter & heaps of heat shielding.

There are some excellent forums for jeeps on the net.

julio.garcia.fc · #11 08-01-2011, 09:13 AM

I have one. It is a great little jeep. The torque is amazing. You will get ~20mpg in the city and ~28-30mpg on the highway. It can go 90mph before you realize it. It will climb like nothing I have ever drive before I have gone up I70 towards Eisenhower tunnel (both ways) and it will get up to 80mph in 5th gear. It really climbs.

If you like jeeping, it will do a lot stock. I added skid plates to mine and can go on some medium difficulty trails. I have only had minor scrapes on the skid plates. My daughter learned how to drive in jeeping trails. The short wheelbase and good attack angles make it a pretty good jeeping car.

The forum is here: http://www.lostjeeps.com/forum/phpBB3/viewtopic.php?t=15249&highlight=airbox

It appears to be down just now.

Good luck. YMMV ;-)

Beastie · #12 08-01-2011, 10:57 AM

There was a member from in Texas that had one for sale in the same price range but I believe his had more options and had just the the timing belt done.
Do a search.