Diesel Engines: Fact vs. Fiction

Diesel engines are grossly misunderstood, like Ozzy Osbourne’s lyrics or the proper way to knot a bow tie. And as such, they’ve long fielded a bad, often inaccurate, rap as a power source for passenger vehicles.

The very mention of a diesel engine typically conjures up an image of a heavy-duty pickup truck or farm equipment; former NBA star Shaquille O’Neal wasn’t known as “The Diesel” for his grace and agility. But the modern diesel engine has little in common with its older siblings, so the time has arrived to dispel nagging myths, set the record straight and cast aside all preconceptions.

 

Fiction: Hybrids boast unsurpassed fuel economy

Fact: Sure, hybrid vehicles operate efficiently. But diesel engines deliver equal or improved fuel economy, while easily outdistancing traditional gas engines by as much as 20-30% for similar models. Diesel fuel is extremely energy dense, rooted in a highly efficient process that wastes substantially less power and puts savings at the pump in consumers’ wallets. Plus, actual MPGs frequently exceed sticker figures that have been calculated by the Environmental Protection Agency.   

 

Fiction: Diesel engines are unfriendly to the environment

Fact: In the past, true. But that was long before the advent of clean diesel technologies, such as those found in BMW’s impeccable line of vehicles. Diesel engines have attacked old stereotypes with a two-pronged approach. First, the engine has evolved by light years to include emissions-zapping properties that slash pollution levels. Additionally, today’s diesel fuel contains 97% less harmful sulfur than in the past, making it both greener and distinctly less impactful on the environment and individual health.

 

Fiction: Improved efficiency comes at the expense of power

Fact: Diesel engines are bona fide dual-threats, packing quickness and agility with unfettered muscle. They generate an ample supply of low-end torque, a measure of force or rotational power inside the engine. To the layman, more torque equals greater acceleration and the strength to steadily remain at top speed, even when hauling cargo. Torque is actually a better measurement of performance than horsepower, and today’s diesel engines are loaded with it.

 

Fiction: Diesel fuel is inaccessible

Fact: No, you won’t need a Sherpa or to update your GPS app to locate the nearest diesel pump. The number of gas stations offering diesel is steadily rising, a trend that’s expected to continue in the coming years. There are more than 90,000 pumps across the nation, so there’s bound to be one in your local neighborhood. And if you must drive a little further to fuel up, you can rest a little easier knowing that you’re getting better mileage than your fellow road warriors.

 

Fiction: Diesel engines struggle to turn over in cold weather

Fact: Again, a stigma from the past that has since been addressed with new advancements in technology. The drawback to diesel fuel is that it tends to become somewhat gelatinous at lower temperatures, which is less than ideal for cranking up an engine. However, this issue has been adequately tackled with cutting edge, high-pressure fuel injectors that improve viscosity and fuel disbursement at startup.

 

Fiction: Diesel engines create noise pollution

Fact: Okay, so diesels were once the garage bands of the road, creating loud bursts and recurrent knocking from a process known as ‘hard combustion’. But these days, they run every bit as quiet and unassuming as engines operating with gasoline. Automotive engineering has helped to markedly dial down the engine’s clatter, with help from modern fuel injection techniques and noise and vibration-muffling technologies.  

 

Fiction: Diesel engines have a short shelf life

Fact: On the contrary, diesel engines are now hailed for their longevity and durability, which saves money and protects a vehicle’s trade-in and resale value in the long term. Diesels are manufactured for the long haul, with the sturdy components to withstand the demands of higher compression and resist traditional wear and tear. Moreover, thicker diesel fuel doubles as a lubricant, constantly protecting the moving parts inside the engine.

 

Fiction: Owning and maintaining a diesel engine can be costly

Fact: Since diesel engines are so well-made, repairs are far less common. In fact, there’ve been recorded cases of diesels registering more than 900,000 miles on the original engine, an astounding testament to precision and craftsmanship. Now, these workhorses do require regular maintenance, such as oil and filter changes. However, since diesels are not made with spark plugs or distributors, costly tune-ups are rendered unnecessary.

Looking to improve your gas mileage, without sacrificing an ounce of speed, power or luxury? Contact Flemington BMW before purchasing or leasing your next vehicle to schedule a test drive and to learn more about its versatile line of clean diesel cars, wagons and trucks.  

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