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Reliable diesel car. The best diesel cars.

As you know, there are no perpetual motion machines, but all motors are different - models power units modern cars have a different service life, and besides, they have their own characteristic malfunctions.

This article will consider both the most reliable engines in the world that do not break down for a long time, have a very good resource in terms of mileage and hours worked, and not the best power units.

Recently, about the engines-"millionaires", which were many in the 80-90s of the 20th century, are practically not heard, it is possible that automotive companies it became unprofitable to produce reliable engines. On the other hand, the newly developed motors have not yet traveled a certain number of kilometers, and it is too early to judge their quality. In this article, we will cover the topic of what modern engines the most reliable and durable, and have already proven themselves in the market, are very popular.

Among the most persistent internal combustion engines, power units from manufacturers Mitsubishi, Honda, Toyota, Opel, BMW, Mercedes are most often noted, but not all engines from these companies are successful, there are also frankly weak engines with characteristic defects. Again, engines are different in power, therefore, in order to make a rating, it is necessary to divide all power units into car classes.

Often there is a dispute among motorists, which engines are more reliable - Japanese or European? Recently, Toyota and Honda have increasingly taken the lead, while companies such as Audi, Volkswagen and Peugeot are losing their positions. We are not talking about VAZ engines at all, it seems that domestic engines do not compete with foreign internal combustion engines?

Unlike gasoline engines, diesel engines are more capricious in Russian conditions, and more often rating compilers in Russia note engines that are prone to breakdowns. Among the most reliable power units stand out diesel engines Mercedes and Nissan, Subaru diesel engines are also in good standing. Opel diesels are somewhere in the middle of the reliability rating, but Russians have a lot of complaints about Renault engines. It should also be noted that “atmospherics” are more reliable than turbodiesels - the turbine often breaks down and causes a lot of trouble for car owners.

If speak about Volkswagen diesels, then a four-cylinder diesel 1.9 TDI (models ASZ and ARL) is considered “indestructible”. This motor is available in various modifications, it “digests” Russian diesel fuel well. 1.9 TDI can pass both 400 and 500 thousand km up to overhaul- A lot depends on the operating conditions and timely maintenance.

To the question what diesel engines the most reliable, it’s still not easy to answer - among the good practical engines there are not only “Japanese” and “Germans”, but also “Americans”, for example, good internal combustion engines are produced by Ford. Often reliability is determined by the percentage of breakdowns for each car, but the complexity of the breakdown itself is not taken into account. Nevertheless, it is better to turn to the reviews left by users - the popular opinion is always more objective.

As is known, on modern cars Ford installed three types gasoline engines:

  • Duratec;
  • Zetec;
  • split port.

Split Port motors are not famous for their reliability, their sore point is the valve seats falling out of the cylinder head. The Zetec internal combustion engine with a timing belt drive is considered the most problem-free, on cars Ford Focus and Mondeo, Zetek 1.6 and 2.0 liter power units are mainly installed. The 1.6-liter engine is generally not bad, but somewhat weak, but the two-liter engine is the most reliable:

  • practically does not consume oil (occasionally consumption is observed after 150 thousand km);
  • starts well in any frost;
  • has excellent dynamics;
  • the timing belt at the motor almost always takes care of its resource (120 thousand km);
  • with careful operation of the internal combustion engine, 350-400 thousand km or more can pass without problems before overhaul.

There are complaints about Duratec chain motors, although in some cases they also serve 500 thousand km. A popular engine on Ford Focus / Mondeo, Mazda 6 cars is Duratec HE with a volume of 1.8 liters. These motors often float idling, oil is consumed above the norm, but the chain runs for a long time - its replacement is required on a run of 200-250 thousand km.

Honda powertrains are renowned for their reliability, and according to research in the UK, Japanese Honda engines rank first in the least number of breakdowns per car in percentage. The most popular among Honda engines are the K20 series models; in 2001, these engines replaced the F20 and B20 ICEs. Two-liter power units have a good power reserve, on average, no more than one liter of oil is consumed per 10 thousand km, the standard engine life is 300-400 thousand km. But you need to operate the engine carefully, and it should be noted that the K20 is not intended for sports competitions, it does not “like” bad oil and low-quality gasoline.

Car owners respond very well to the B20B engine, and some boast that the car starts with it in any frost. However, it should be noted that frequent cold start of the internal combustion engine at temperatures below minus 25ºC without a preheater reduces the life of the power unit. And also, no matter how good engine was not, if poor quality is poured into it motor oil, do not service the motor, overheat, the engine will quickly fail and turn out to be completely unreliable.

Legendary engines - "millionaires"

It is believed that in the eighties, automobile engines were produced that could operate up to 1 million km without major repairs. In particular, it seems that one of these power units is the Mercedes-Benz M102 internal combustion engine (installed on Mercedes cars in W123 and W124 bodies). But in the world everything is relative, and for some car owners this engine did not nurse even 200 thousand km - a lot depends on the operating conditions.

There are also legends about "Toyota" 2.5-liter diesel engines, about Mitsubishi 4G63 gasoline engines. Of course, these internal combustion engines have a very good resource and honestly work out their million kilometers, but with one caveat - overhaul (and even more than one) during the life of the internal combustion engine is still carried out, since the cylinders cannot be eternal, and they wear out after 300 -400 thousand km. Those motors that continue to operate longer are already losing their power.

Although VAZ engines are not included in the rating of reliable automotive power units, it is worth talking about them. The VAZ cars themselves are characterized by poor build quality, a large number of defects, but the Lada engines are surprisingly reliable, 8-valve internal combustion engines are considered especially successful.

For VAZ-2112 engines, the normal run to overhaul is 200-300 thousand km, although the manufacturer claims a resource of 150 thousand. VAZ-21083 engines, during normal operation and timely oil changes, can last even longer - up to 400 thousand km.

VAZ comes across 16-valve engines, which immediately begin to "crumble":

  • appears increased consumption oils;
  • various knocks occur in the internal combustion engine;
  • oil appears in the candle wells;
  • the engine is prone to overheating.

Unfortunately, all VAZ products are a kind of lottery, and the defect rate at the factory is quite high. But the very design of the engines can be safely called successful - the engines sometimes endure considerable “bullying” of drivers, and at the same time they also survive.

ABOUT Renault engines it is impossible to speak unambiguously - in the line of power units there are both successful models and frankly weak ones. The 8-valve engines K7M and K7J, respectively, with volumes of 1.6 and 1.4 liters are considered very reliable. The design of these engines is very simple, and there is practically nothing to break here. The timing drive of French engines is belt driven, the valves are adjusted by screws, there are no hydraulic lifters. K7M is the most popular - it is installed on cars Renault Logan/ Sandero / Symbol / Clio, also this power unit is equipped with cars manufactured by VAZ Lada Largus. K7J is good for everyone, but its power is not enough for a mid-size passenger car.

The K7M motor has a timing belt drive, it is recommended to replace parts of the gas distribution mechanism after 60 thousand km. The engine resource is very good - on average, internal combustion engines are nursed for 400 thousand km without overhaul.

Renault has engines with low reliability - these are 1.5 / 1.9 and 2.2 liter diesel engines. The problem of motors is quite serious - it knocks from loads crankshaft, and knock connecting rod bearings- This is definitely a major overhaul with all the ensuing costs. The resource of Renault diesel engines is small, and the "capital" may be required after 130-150 thousand kilometers.

Myths about super reliable engines

Reliability car engine- the concept is relative, since not everything depends on design features power unit. One and the same internal combustion engine, even if it is three times “millionaire”, can be quickly disabled in inept hands with a careless attitude. At the same time, a motor of not the most successful design can last a long time, but for this you need:

  • fill in high-quality engine oil that meets the technical conditions, preferably always of the same brand;
  • change the oil according to the regulations;
  • in no case do not overheat the internal combustion engine;
  • do not allow the motor to operate at increased loads (at constant high speeds).

If you follow all the rules of operation, the engine will work for a long time.

Look for the best diesel engines passenger cars mobiles? In this article, you will learn about the best diesel engines and which diesel engine is the most reliable.

Diesel engines have been faithfully serving car owners for more than a hundred years. Modern models of diesel engines are confidently occupying their niche, displacing gasoline engines from the car market.

A distinctive feature is the ability of these power units to produce high power with smaller volumes in comparison with gasoline engines. internal combustion(ICE).

Motorists prefer cars with diesel engines due to the simplicity of their design and rare breakdowns.

Advantages and disadvantages of diesel engines

The advantages of engines include the following factors:

  • increased power;
  • the ability to develop large traction forces;
  • high profitability;
  • low fuel price;
  • simplicity of the device;
  • long service life.

Significant disadvantages include:

  • the occurrence of difficulties starting at low temperatures;
  • the need for frequent replacement of engine oil;
  • high cost of repairs;
  • exhaust toxicity;
  • increased requirements for the quality of the fuel fluid.

Each type of engine that consumes diesel fuel has pros and cons, only by carefully studying them, you can come to right choice suitable model.

The best Volkswagen passenger car diesel engines

Motors that consume solar fuel are popular among car owners. Many car enthusiasts are only interested in the best diesel engines in passenger cars.

Specialists Volkswagen It was studied how reduced fuel consumption affects the performance and quality of driving.

Taking into account the data obtained during the research, a 1.6 TDI engine was selected, the parameters of which took golden mean.


Volkswagen TDI 1.6

It was this model that came to replace the 1.9-liter power unit that was previously used on most of the concern's cars.

By increasing the pressure in the fuel cylinders, it was possible to reduce fuel consumption, leaving the same power indicators. Many modifications with this motor are capable of developing from 90 to 120 Horse power.

According to the corporation's experts, cars with a 1.6 TDI diesel engine are the most economical business sedans in the world with a declared diesel fuel consumption of 3.3 liters per 100 km.

This diesel engine has been successfully used on models such as the Golf hatchback and the Tiguan crossover. The group's subsidiaries - Skoda, SEAT, Audi also use this power unit.

Description of BMW diesels

BMW engineers were working to create a powerful internal combustion engine with moderate consumption fuel mixtures. The result is a reliable powertrain based on the modular design of the new BMW engines.

Diesels of the BMW brand, having a volume of two liters, develop power up to 190 hp. with., which is a high level for cars of this class.

These motors are installed on the X3 and X1 compact crossovers, conventional sedans and coupes of the first five series.


Modern power units of the corporation are equipped with two turbines, which allows to increase productivity while maintaining small working volumes of cylinders.

The luxurious BMW 6 Convertibles are equipped with two-liter twin-turbo units capable of delivering 313 horsepower.

The new 750d x Drive and 750 Ld x Drive models are installed on BMW sedans 7 Series.

Cars have a 3-liter engine with turbines of high and low pressure. The company's specialists are sure that the modern power unit is the most powerful diesel engine in the world.

Thanks to Common Rail fuel injection, BMW engines develop up to 406 horsepower.

The speed that new sedans can develop is 250 km per hour. Cars with new diesel engines consume fuel 5.7–5.9 l/100 km.

FIAT diesel engines

Diesel engines developed by FIAT specialists are installed on Maserati Ghibli sedans.

The power unit has the following characteristics:

  1. Power is 275 liters. from.
  2. The average fuel consumption is 8.5 l / 100 km (for the main competitors, this figure is 30% higher).
  3. The material for the cylinder head is an alloy used in the aerospace industry.
  4. The cylinder block is made of high carbon cast iron.
  5. High indicators of environmental safety.
  6. The fuel system is prepared for biofuel.
  7. Application of filters for plasma purification of oil products.

These ICE models are also used in the manufacture of sports cars and Dodge Ram pickups.

Using the best diesels for Korean cars

Created by Hyundai employees new engine 1.7 liters with a developed power of 110 to 136 horsepower.

Low productivity is compensated by high torque, so the machine has good dynamics.


Hyundai i30 1.6 CRDi

Diesel is installed on the i40 sedan, which is capable of speeds up to 220 km per hour. Fuel consumption is 5.5 l / 100 km. This internal combustion engine is also used in the manufacture of the ix 35 crossover.

Economical diesel engines

Toyota releases compact car Urban Cruiser with all-wheel drive, equipping it with a 1.36-liter power unit with a power of 90 hp. from. The fuel consumption of this engine is 4.5 l / 100 km.

The Volkswagen concern is engaged in the production of the ultra-economical SEAT Ibiza Ecomotive hatchback. The power of the three-cylinder engine, equal to 75 liters. s., allows the car to accelerate to 175 km per hour, consuming fuel in the amount of 3.1 l / 100 km.

Which diesel engine is the most reliable

The reliability of the engine depends on a number of factors, even the driving style plays an important role. When buying a car, special attention is paid to the characteristics of the diesel engine.

First place in reliability motor occupies American Cummins, which has a Dodge engine.


Best Dodge Diesel Engine

When determining which diesel engine is the most reliable, it is not power or fuel consumption that are judged. The main attention is paid to the materials used in the production of parts and assemblies of diesel engines.

Dodge engine blocks are made from high carbon cast iron to withstand high pressures and temperatures.

For the manufacture of pistons, an aluminum alloy is used, which is used in the production of elements used in the space industry. Such pistons can work for a long time in difficult conditions, under increased loads, when switching speeds.

The Dodge diesel fuel system has an original Common Rail injection that can save fuel consumption and reduce engine noise effects.

These diesel engines are installed on sports models and passenger cars with high cross-country ability. They are operated in difficult conditions, loading and requiring impeccable reliability.

When determining which diesel engine is the most reliable for use in domestic conditions, Japanese models are most often chosen.

In addition to cars with Toyota engines, the following brands are preferred: Mazda, Honda, Nissan, Subaru, Datsun.

Judging by the numerous reviews of car owners, Japanese cars are less likely to break down than samples of other brands.

Representatives of the listed models are equipped with numerous devices that clean low-quality diesel fuel and have a built-in starting preheater, preventing the increase in fuel viscosity at low temperatures.

Millionaires: the most reliable engines of our time

Which engines are the best - German, Japanese or maybe American? We have ranked the most successful motors and revealed the secrets of their reliability and "indestructibility".

Car owners have a legend. About an engine that doesn't break down. And not just one, but many. These legends are overgrown with amazing biographies over time, giving rise to unceasing disputes on the topic "German versus Japanese versus American."
Many eyewitnesses are ready to testify to the reliability of this or that motor with a mileage of half a million to a million kilometers, not in the least embarrassed by the fact that its origin is hidden in the darkness of centuries, and it has been observed by eyewitnesses for several years at most. But the legends do not lie: such engines exist. We have combined them into a list, in the preparation of which we provided all possible assistance to auto mechanics with a solid work experience.
The list turned out to be rather big - over the past few decades, automakers have managed to create enough masterpieces of engine building. And we will make a reservation that not all motors will be included in our review, but only ten, the most famous and massive ones. Those that were installed on the iconic models of their time won races. Some kind of celebrity in the world of cars.

Diesels
Diesel power plants traditionally considered the most reliable. Largely due to the fact that ten years ago it was difficult to imagine a car with a sporty character and a diesel unit, and even now diesel engines are taken by those who need to travel a lot, which means that the engine works in the best conditions. In addition, older generations of engines have a relatively simple design with a good margin of safety.

Mercedes-Benz OM602
The OM602 family of diesel engines, five-cylinder, with two valves per cylinder and a Bosch mechanical injection pump deservedly holds the palm in terms of mileage, resistance to life's difficulties and the number of cars left on the move with them. These diesels were produced from 1985 to 2002 - almost twenty years.
Not the most powerful, from 90 to 130 hp, they were famous for their reliability and efficiency. This family had quite worthy ancestors, the OM617 generation, and quite worthy successors - OM612 and OM647.
You can meet such motors on Mercedes in the back of W124, W201 (MB190), on G-class SUVs, on T1 and Sprinter vans, and even on later W210s. Runs of many instances exceed half a million kilometers, and record ones - in two. And if you take care of the failing fuel equipment and attachments, then the design will not fail.





BMW M57
Bavarian engines are no less deserved than Stuttgart ones. These in-line six-cylinder diesel engines, in addition to impressive reliability, were also distinguished by a very lively disposition, contributing a lot to changing the image of the diesel engine. It is no longer possible to perceive the BMW 330D in the E46 body as a slow car for pensioners or taxi drivers, it is a driver car, but with a powerful and high-torque diesel engine.
The power of these motors in different versions ranged from 201 hp. up to 286 hp, and they were produced from 1998 to 2008 and were on most Bavarian models of the decade. All of them, from the third series to the seventh, had variants with the M57. They also meet on range rover- the engine of the legendary "Mumusik" was from this series.
By the way, our hero had a no less legendary ancestor, albeit not so common. The M51 engine family was produced from 1991 to 2000. The engines had enough minor problems, but the mechanics are unanimous: serious breakdowns are rare and it “runs” well, at least up to 350-500 thousand runs.




Petrol in-line fours
Petrol engines in Russia are still loved more than diesel ones. Still, gasoline does not freeze in winter, and they are simpler. And if the diesels in the list of finalists turned out to be only relatively large, then among the gasoline "legends" there will be smaller engines, ordinary in-line "fours".
Toyota 3S-FE
The honor to open the list falls to the Toyta 3S-FE motor, a representative of the well-deserved S series, which is considered one of the most reliable and unpretentious units in it. A two-liter volume, four cylinders and sixteen valves are typical indicators for mass engines of the 90s. Camshaft drive by belt, simple distributed injection. The engine was produced from 1986 to 2000.
Power ranged from 128 to 140 hp. More powerful versions of this engine, 3S-GE and turbocharged 3S-GTE, inherited a successful design and a good resource. The 3S-FE engine was installed on a number of Toyota models: Toyota Camry(1987-1991), Toyota Celica T200, Toyota Carina (1987-1998), Toyota Corona T170/T190, Toyota Avensis(1997-2000), Toyota RAV4 (1994-2000), Toyota Picnic (1996-2002), Toyota MR2, and turbocharged 3S-GTE also on Toyota Caldina, Toyota Altezza.
Mechanics note the amazing ability of this engine to endure high loads and poor service, the convenience of its repair and the overall thoughtfulness of the design. With good maintenance, such motors exchange a mileage of 500 thousand kilometers without major repairs and with a good margin for the future. And they know how not to bother the owners with minor problems.




Mitsubishi 4G63
Another epic Japanese family of two-liter gasoline engines. Its first variants appeared in 1982, and licensed copies and successor models are still being produced. Initially, the engine was produced with one camshaft(SOHC) and three valves per cylinder, but in 1987 a DOHC version with two camshafts appeared. The latest varieties of the unit were installed on Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution IX until 2006. The motors of the family have found a place under the hood of not only Mitsubishi cars, but also Huyndai, Kia, as well as Chinese brand Brilliance.
Over the years of production, the engine has been repeatedly upgraded, its most recent versions have a timing system and more complex power and boost systems. All this does not affect reliability in the best way, but maintainability and ease of layout remain. Only naturally aspirated versions of the engine are considered "millionaires", although turbocharged ones can also have a very large resource, by the standards of competitors.



Honda D series
Another Japanese family of engines, which includes more than a dozen varieties with a volume of 1.2 to 1.7 liters, which have rightfully earned the status of practically "indestructible". They were produced from 1984 to 2005. The D15 and D16 options are considered the most reliable, but one thing unites them all - the will to live and high tachometer readings.
Power reaches 131 hp, and operating speed - up to 7 thousand. Such motors were put on Honda Civic, HR-V, Stream, Accord and Acura Integra. With a combat character and a small working volume, the resource before overhaul of 350-500 thousand can be considered outstanding, and the well-thought-out design gives chances for a second life and another 350 thousand mileage.




Opel 20ne
The list of excellent and simple "fours" is closed by the representative of the European school of engine building - x20se from the family Opel engines 20ne. This member of the GM Family II engine family became famous for often outliving the cars it was installed on.
A simple design - 8 valves, a camshaft belt drive - and a simple multiport injection system are the secrets of longevity. Like the most successful examples of the Japanese school, it has a volume of two liters and the same ratio of bore and piston stroke as on the 3S-FE - 86 x 86mm.
Power different options ranges from 114 to 130 hp. Motors were produced from 1987 to 1999 and installed on models such as Kadett, Astra, Vectra, Omega, Frontera, Calibra, as well as Australian Holden and American Buick and Oldsmobile. In Brazil, they even produced a turbocharged version of the engine - Lt3 with a capacity of 165 hp.
The sixteen-valve version, the famous C20XE, was used on Lada and Chevrolet cars in the WTCC racing championship until last year, and its turbocharged version, the C20LET, managed to make a mark in the rally and is considered one of the simplest and most successful.
Simple versions of the engine can exchange not only half a million mileage without a major overhaul, but with a careful attitude, they will try to go for a million. Sixteen-valve varieties, X20XEV and C20XE, do not have such "health", but they can also please the owner for a long time, and their design is just as simple and logical.




V-shaped "eight"
V8 motors for passenger cars usually do not have an extra long resource - the lightweight design and layout complexity of such a large motor do not add reliability to the unit as a whole. This does not quite apply to American V8s, but they are a separate conversation.
Really reliable V-shaped motors, which do not annoy the owners with large and small breakdowns, can easily cross the threshold of half a million kilometers, can be counted on the fingers.

BMW M60
And again in the list of reliable motors - Bavarian products. The company made the first passenger car V8 in many years to fame: a two-row chain, a nickel-plated cylinder coating and a good margin of safety. A relatively small degree of forcing and a good design study made it possible to create a truly resourceful motor.
The use of a nickel-silicon coating (Nikasil) makes the cylinders of such a motor virtually wear-free. By half a million kilometers, it is often not necessary to change even the piston rings in the engine. But such a durable nikasil coating is afraid of sulfur in the fuel, and after numerous cases of engine damage in the USA, its use was abandoned in favor of Alusil technology, with a more "gentle" coating. Despite the same high hardness, it crumbles over time under the influence of shock loads and other factors. These motors were installed on the BMW 5th and 7th series models in 1992-1998.
Simplicity of design, high power, a good margin of safety allows them to cover more than half a million kilometers. Unless, of course, you run on high-sulfur Canadian gasoline... Later engines, the M62, have become much more complex and, as a result, much less reliable. They can compete in terms of resource before overhaul, but not in terms of the number of breakdowns. Early versions of the M62 also used a nikasil coating, later replaced by alusil.



Petrol in-line "sixes"
Surprisingly, it is a fact: there are a lot of in-line six-cylinder engines among millionaires. Relatively simple design, balance (and therefore lack of vibration) and power bear fruit in the form of reliability and resource.

Toyota 1JZ-GE and 2JZ-GE
These 2.5 and 3 liter engines have earned the right to be called legendary. An excellent resource with a very lively character - this is the formula for success. They were produced from 1990 to 2007 in various versions. There were also turbocharged versions of them - 1JZ-GTE and 2JZ-GTE.
In Russia, they are best known in the Far East due to the prevalence of right-hand drive "Japanese". Among others, 1JZ and 2JZ were placed on Toyota Mark II, Soarer, Supra, Crown, Chaser, as well as the American Lexus Is 300, GS300, which are incomparably less common in our country. By the way, we wrote about right-hand drive legends of the 90s in our detailed review.
Atmospheric versions of these engines are capable of driving a million kilometers before major repairs, which is facilitated by a simple and very well-designed design and good quality execution.






BMW M30
The hit parade of the "most reliable" cannot do without BMW "sixes". The history of the well-deserved M30 engine began in 1968. In various modifications, it was produced until 1994!
The working volume was from 2.5 to 3.4 liters, and the power was from 150 to 220 hp. The design is as simple as possible: cast iron block, timing chain drive, 12-valve aluminum block head. However, the sports versions of the M88 also had a 24-valve "head".
Like any reliable engine, the M30 has a turbocharged version. Turbocharging always accelerates engine wear, and if the design has a margin of safety, then designers often strive to exhaust it to the limit. The M102B34 motor was actually an M30 with a 252 hp turbine.
Motors of the M30 series were installed on cars of the fifth, sixth and seventh series of several generations. How long such motors can go is not known for certain, but half a million mileage for them is quite an ordinary result. And given the difficult handling of powerful rear-wheel drive cars of those times, most of the power units went to the landfill not at all because of wear and tear.




BMW M50
A series of motors M50 acted as a worthy successor to the traditions. The engine displacement ranged from 2 to 2.5 liters, power - from 150 to 192 hp. The cylinder block is still cast iron, but the block head has only four valves per cylinder. In the later series, a tricky VANOS gas distribution system appeared (it is worth devoting a separate publication to it).
Such engines are able to repeat the feat of their ancestors and go half a million without major interventions. The new generation, the M52, was brought down by the nikasil scandal and a more complex design, and although the reputation of very reliable motors remained, the number of breakdowns is noticeably higher and the resource is shorter.



A few words about the mode of operation
Of course, the mileage of the motor is highly dependent on how it is operated. Let's say, when working in a taxi, engines wind up huge runs in a very short time, and the argument "yes, he wound up 200 thousand in three years without problems" does not correlate much with real resource motor, because in this mode the number of breakdowns and wear is minimal.
But operation in countries with a harsh climate, as well as cold starts, long standing in traffic jams, frequent movement with a "slipper on the floor", on the contrary, dramatically reduces the resource. For this reason, among the finalists there are no new engines that were able to gain half a million mileage in a few years - it just doesn’t say much about their reliability, because their operating mode will be the most gentle.
In the next post, we will talk about reverse side engine building - the least successful engines in terms of design and reliability.

2 years

Diesel engines have firmly entered the passenger car market, and in some segments they are even replacing gasoline engines. Previously, they were only trucks. Even installed on passenger cars, they were considered low-power and slow engines. However, progress does not stand still and technology has made it possible to make the engine not only no worse, but better and more durable than gasoline counterparts. The high compression ratio of the fuel makes diesel engines more economical than gasoline engines. There are also a number of advantages of this type of unit: a higher level of efficiency, less fuel consumption, safer in terms of ignition, low toxicity, endurance, water resistance and much more. Consider best diesel car engines on the example of models on which they are installed with a cost of up to a million rubles.

One of the relatively cheap passenger cars on the market is a novelty, and so far car enthusiasts are skeptical about it. Equipped with a 1.6 liter diesel engine and 112 horsepower, the Peugeot 408 consumes an average of 6.2 liters of diesel fuel per 100 kilometers. Large space in the cabin and a large trunk volume make it even more attractive to the motorist. In addition, the manufacturer claims that the machine is adapted to Russian roads and climate. The only disadvantage of the configuration of the car presented on Russian market is a 5-speed mechanical box gears. Maybe because of this, the announced price is 632 thousand rubles.


In a higher price category the PSA concern model is presented. The characteristics of the diesel engine are the same as those of its compatriot. That is, a 1.6-liter engine with a capacity of 112 horses consumes, according to the manufacturer, only 4.4 liters of fuel per 100 kilometers. According to experts, this is a very optimistic statement. The car is equipped with a robotic 6-speed gearbox, though not quite modern. The cost of the car is 150 thousand rubles more than that of the Peugeot 408 and amounts to 793 thousand rubles.


This compact minivan (compact van) is considered the most affordable in our market. Equipped with a 1.7 liter diesel engine, it is slightly inferior to its counterparts in the number of horses. Variations are offered in 100 and 110 horses. The car consumes 6.4 liters of fuel per 100 kilometers. Variations with a 6-speed manual and automatic transmission are also presented. Motorists living in big cities prefer the “machine” because it greatly simplifies movement in the city. Potential buyers can only be confused by the price, from 777 thousand rubles. It also offers many additional options from which you can choose the option that suits you.


Although the car is a five-door hatchback, the Korean manufacturer tried to make it look like an SUV as much as possible. Diesel engine power 128 horsepower, 1.6 liters. 7.4 liters of fuel is consumed per 100 kilometers. The engine is in no way inferior to its European and American counterparts in either power or torque. In just 11.7 seconds, the car accelerates to 100 km/h. The disadvantage can be considered only not very roomy trunk. A 6-speed automatic transmission on the contrary, it will attract a wider audience of motorists.


Every year, the manufacturer tries to bring to the attention of motorists an updated version of this model, which, in turn, becomes more expensive and does not have the same characteristics as the previous one. But on the market you can find an option with a 2-liter diesel engine with a capacity of 110 horsepower. Of course, the power is not as great as that of other models of this series, but this does not make it less dynamic and economical. 6.4 liters of fuel is consumed per 100 kilometers. Due to its maneuverability and ease of operation, even a 5-speed manual is not put at a disadvantage to the car. The price for such a complete set is from 815 thousand rubles, the addition of options increases the price accordingly.


This Ford model is very popular in the Russian market. However, the diesel engine version has not gained such popularity. It's all about the price of a diesel model, which is almost a quarter more expensive than a gasoline one. The cost of a car starts from 847 thousand rubles. For the money you get a 2 liter diesel engine with 140 horsepower. 6-speed robotic selective transmission. Despite the large volume, 6.4 liters of fuel consumes the engine per 100 km. way. The diesel reveals all the dynamic advantages of the car, acceleration to 100 in just 9.5 seconds.


The Koreans represent the diesel version of this model only in the station wagon. The model is new on the market. The power of the unit under the hood is 128 horsepower. Its volume is 1.6 liters. Almost 8 liters of fuel are consumed per 100 km. way, which is slightly more than some representatives of this segment. The advantages of the station wagon are its spacious interior and large trunk with a volume of 530 liters. Buy a Hyundai i30 Wagon at a cost of 900 thousand rubles. Configurations of more comfortable equipment will cost more, which scares off buyers.


Introduced as a "crossover" in appearance and really similar. However, it is a fairly convenient "compact van". This type of body provides a spacious interior and a large trunk. And who made it look like a big crossover ground clearance a definite plus in favor of the car. It should be noted here that the corresponding rigid suspension and not very modern “robot” gearbox like the C4 brings its own fly in the ointment. In spite of appearance he is considered car with diesel engine. 5.2 liters consumes such an engine per 100 km. way. You can buy a Peugeot 3008 at a cost of 950 thousand rubles.


“You have to pay for pleasure”, this statement is very accurate to this Skoda models. Spacious interior, thought out to the smallest detail dashboard, a large trunk is not full list the merits of the machine. Under the hood is a 2 liter diesel engine with a capacity of 140 horses. It takes 8 seconds for the engine to accelerate the car to 100 km/h. Consumption of 7.2 liters of fuel per 100 km. way. In the variation with the station wagon body, the trunk volume of 580 liters turns it into a passenger van. The manufacturer offers an option only with a 6-speed robotic preselective transmission. For all this, you will need to pay from a million rubles.


It is the most affordable diesel passenger car in the "D" class. Power 2 liter unit 160 horsepower. Variations are offered with a 6-speed manual or automatic transmission. The cost in the region of a million rubles does not seem overpriced when you are closely acquainted with the car. Comfortable interior, stylish design of the whole car, excellent handling, dynamism and many other qualities presented by the manufacturer will not disappoint the most sophisticated motorist.

The harbingers of the global spread of diesel engines appeared 30 years ago, when European and Japanese cars began to be serially equipped with such power units. Previously, attempts to create passenger diesel vehicles were also made, but the engines for it were most often borrowed from trucks, subjecting them to minor modifications. Today, diesel engines have gained immense popularity, for example, in Europe, such engines account for 40–80% of sales from various manufacturers. They tried not to import diesel engines to Russia, motivating this by the low quality of fuel and the mentality of people. However, a few years ago this barrier was overcome and now Russian drivers are also interested in which diesel engine can be installed in a passenger car.

Optimal choice

Economy Experiments diesel units have been going on for quite some time. However, the reduction in performance not only reduces fuel consumption, but also significantly impairs the dynamics of the vehicle, making it difficult to drive. Therefore, Volkswagen experts are betting on the "golden mean", which they consider the 1.6 TDI diesel engine.

This engine replaced the well-deserved 1.9-liter power unit, which was previously installed on almost all cars of the concern. Thanks to the increased pressure in the fuel rail and other characteristics of the turbine, it was possible to reduce fuel consumption without reducing power. Depending on a certain modification of the car on which it is installed, the engine can develop 90-120 horsepower. The most powerful version is installed on the latest Passat in the BlueMotion package.


Specialists Volkswagen already managed to call the most economical business sedan in the world. The declared fuel consumption is 3.3 liters / 100 km when driving on country roads. British journalist Gavin Conway doubted such a figure and decided to test it in practice. His diesel Passat with a 1.6-liter engine traveled 2,464 kilometers without a single refueling - this corresponds to the journey from Moscow to Amsterdam. The final result of the diesel Volkswagen engine fuel consumption was 3.14 liters / 100 km. Due to the fact that an independent driver participated in the test of a diesel sedan, such a record was included in the Book of Records.

A diesel engine of this size can be installed on other models manufactured by an international automobile concern. In particular, they are equipped with the Golf hatchback, which shows a fuel consumption of 3.5 liters, due to the worst aerodynamics. A similar diesel engine can also be ordered for Tiguan crossover. The power unit is also used by the company's subsidiaries - Skoda, SEAT, Audi.

Perfect balance

Not everyone likes the mediocre dynamics of ultra-efficient modern engines. That is why BMW engineers were given the task of creating a powerful diesel engine that would consume a moderate amount of fuel. As a basis, they took a modular design, which is inherent in most modern BMW engines. Such a technical solution made it possible to make it through the use of repeatedly tested components, and also reduced the cost of cars.


With a volume of 2.0 liters, the diesel engine has a performance equal to 190 horsepower - this figure is considered incredibly high for this class. The motor is mounted on compact crossovers X3 and X1, as well as traditional BMW sedans and coupes - from the first to the fifth series. According to the company's specialists, even the option of its use in the seventh series sedans was considered, but it was abandoned for reasons of prestige.

A test of the 320d sedan showed that the average fuel consumption of such an engine is 5 liters / 100 km. With dynamic city driving, this figure can increase to 6-7 liters, which still seems like a worthy indicator. The diesel power unit accelerates the compact sedan to 230 km / h and helps to set the first “hundred” in a small 7.5 seconds. When it comes to the X3 diesel crossover, dynamic performance remains virtually unchanged, but average fuel costs increase by 0.3 liters.

The most powerful

Once upon a time, BMW was true to the "atmospheric" concept of engine production - only diesel engines could be equipped with one turbine. However, new requirements for environmental friendliness and economy Vehicle made adjustments to the company's development strategy. Now many BMW engines equipped with 1-2 turbines, which allow to achieve high performance with a small working volume of the unit. And a couple of years ago, the company's engineers introduced a unique diesel engine that used three turbines at once.


It is also built on the basis of the modular technology mentioned above, involving the use of 0.5-liter cylinders for diesel and gasoline power units. The 3.0 six-cylinder engine has a performance of 381 horsepower, which automatically makes it the champion in terms of power density obtained from one cubic centimeter of cylinders. Such a diesel engine is equipped with sedans of the fifth and seventh series, as well as full-size X5 and X6 crossovers. The BMW 6 coupes and luxury convertibles can only be ordered with a similarly sized twin-turbo diesel engine that produces “only” 313 horsepower.

The dynamic parameters of cars with a similar power unit are amazing. The elongated "seven", which weighs more than 2 tons, spends a little less than 5 seconds on acceleration to the level of 100 km / h. The X6 crossover needs only half a second more time to achieve this. The fuel consumption of a diesel engine varies from 5–6 liters / 100 km with a quiet ride to 12–15 with the gas pedal pressed “to the floor”. The latter indicator seems too big for a modern diesel engine, but it is worth remembering that petrol cars with similar dynamics consume at least 20 liters / 100 km. Next year, the rating of the most powerful diesel engines will be updated, as BMW engineers are already preparing a four-turbo engine - various sources call it power in the range of 390-406 horsepower and torque up to 800 Nm.

Overseas option

As you know, the Americans were the last to surrender under the onslaught of modern diesel engines - even now, many light trucks in the USA are equipped with powerful gasoline units. Ford company tried to get out of the situation by creating a high-performance turbocharged engine, but the Chrysler concern decided to give preference to a highly accelerated diesel engine. The latest 3.0-litre powertrain was named North American Diesel of the Year, making it a huge hit with Dodge Ram pickup buyers.


However, the engine cannot be called purely American, since its homeland is ... Italy. The diesel engine was developed by FIAT, which installs it on the prestigious Maserati Ghibli sedan. There were rumors that the first diesel Ferrari could get such an engine, but the project was closed due to possible damage to the reputation of the sports car manufacturer.

The dynamic characteristics of the power unit are quite good - the power is 240 horsepower, and in the version for Maserati - 275 hp. from. The average fuel consumption of a pickup truck is 8.5 liters / 100 km, which is 30% less than the main competitors. Such parameters of the diesel engine are achieved through the use of high technologies:

  • The heads are cast from "aerospace" aluminum alloy;
  • High-carbon cast iron is used in the production of the cylinder block;
  • Fuel rail conforms last generation common rail.

The advantage of the diesel engine is also called its exceptional environmental safety. particulate filter made using plasma cleaning technology, and fuel system adapted to the use of organic biodiesel.

Korean answer

Korean car manufacturers never made their bet on high-tech diesel engines - they tried to improve petrol units reducing fuel costs while increasing productivity. However, for mass entry into the European market Hyundai needed modern motor using heavy fuel. The unit developed by the engineers of the concern received a volume of 1.7 liters, which corresponds to a power of 110–136 horsepower. Despite the apparent lack of performance, this engine has a very high torque, which allows cars to achieve the same dynamics as with gasoline engines of 150-170 horsepower.

There are also plans to use the compact powertrain in the large Sonata and Grandeur sedans, which are expected to be used by large corporate fleets. The younger models of the company received other engines that have a capacity of 90–126 horsepower with a displacement of 1.4–1.6 liters.

The most economical

The battle for the title of the most economical motor of our time was announced by Toyota, which released a compact four-wheel drive car Urban Cruiser. It is equipped with a 1.4 diesel engine with a capacity of 90 horsepower. In spite of permanent drive both axes and the need to rotate the clutch all-wheel drive, such a diesel engine consumes approximately 4.5 liters / 100 km. Even urban conditions are not able to significantly increase its "appetite" - the maximum figure is 5.5-6 liters.


In response, Volkswagen showed the ultra-efficient SEAT Ibiza Ecomotive hatchback. Its engine has a similar displacement, but instead of four cylinders, it is content with three. The power is only 75 horsepower - but this is enough to accelerate a compact car to a level of 175 km / h. The average fuel consumption is 3.1 liters / 100 km, which allows us to call the car the most economical of the mass-produced ones. However, it must be understood that efficiency is achieved not only due to the unique diesel engine, but also due to components such as a radiator grille plug or special tires.

It is impossible to say exactly which diesel engine is better. Companies deliberately avoid the use of these power units on cars that are comparable in other parameters. Therefore, Toyota received the title of the most economical crossover, while Volkswagen takes first place among minicars.

Economy and efficiency

Modern diesel engines are gradually replacing gasoline units from the market, capturing an increasing share of car sales. However, there are a few problems preventing the automotive community from fully transitioning:

  • High cost of powerful diesel engines;
  • High exhaust toxicity;
  • Increased vehicle maintenance costs;
  • High retail cost of components;
  • Greater sensitivity to the quality of the fuel used.

Therefore, one should not expect the complete disappearance of gasoline engines in the near future, although they have already begun to give way to powerful economical diesel engines.

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