BMW e28 diesel...35mpg?

[nh500sl]

I ran into a guy that had one at the local store. He claimed that he was getting 35 mpg and it is a turbo. How does this compare to Benz as I would rather have a Mercedes diesel wagon.

[TMAllison]

Depends on which engine you're talking about.

The 606.910 in the W124, the 606.912 and 606.962 in the W210 and the CDI's in the newer models see that type of mileage on the highway. Most of the earlier engines don't.

[Chris W.]

The trouble with the 524TD BMW is that you have a very limited number of sources for parts. Tons of sources for the E28, but that engine was only in a model year or two, IIRC. Also used in some obscure, very underpowered motor home, and actually used in a Lincoln Continental for about a year or so.

Stick with a MB. I get 33 MPG on my '95 E300D.

Rgds,
Chris W.

[t walgamuth]

The benz is better built and parts are very easy to find.

I would question the mileage claim on the bmw too.

Tom W

[POS]

It sounds like those guys who have the 240D and the 300D then tell everyone they're getting 35 mpg; not happening.

[t walgamuth]

I think a more realistic figure is mid to high twenties. Better than a 300dt but not 35 mpg.

Tom W

[Ara T.]

I bet they are capable of that mileage. They're more modern than a 616/617. Just because those can't get 30 mpg on the highway doesn't mean the BMWs engine cant.

[t walgamuth]

How are they more modern? We are talking the mid eighties here. Is the fuel system more modern?

Tom W

[iwrock]

No way can that thing get that mileage.

[Ara T.]

Originally Posted by t walgamuth

How are they more modern? We are talking the mid eighties here. Is the fuel system more modern?

Tom W

Would you say the OM603 is no more modern than a OM617? Actually I read that wrong, i thought he said 30 mpg not 35. 30 is attainable with that motor but 35 is a stretch.

[t walgamuth]

Do you feel that the bmw engine is technologically equal to the 603?

Tom W

[Ara T.]

I cant say for certain since I dont own one but they are awfully smooth and quiet like a 603. Might just be because they're straight sixes though!

[t walgamuth]

I don't know either. I drove one back when they were new though and they are pretty smooth and sweet. A little smaller than a 123 and the engine is a bit smaller displacement too so I imagine 30 might be possible, but I don't know.

Tom W

[sixto]

524td was available in the US with 5-speed MT. That's probably how he gets 35mpg.

Sixto
87 300D

[davestlouis]

I think the M21 engine in the 524td was never certified with a 5 speed in the US, the car produces output almost identical to the M20-powered 528E gas car, 120HP, give or take, and 170 LBs of torque. I think real world mileage in the high 20's is doable, but I get 28 MPG out of my 528e anyway, why mess with the headaches, rare parts and impossible-to-replace, crack prone cylinder heads on the 524td?