The diesel engine, since its inception by Rudolf Diesel in 1893, has undergone remarkable evolution. Among automotive manufacturers, Mercedes-Benz stands out as a pivotal force in shaping the development and application of diesel technology, particularly within passenger vehicles. Today’s Mercedes Benz Diesel Engines are synonymous with refinement, power, and exceptional fuel efficiency. In fact, diesel’s popularity in Europe sees it powering roughly half of all passenger cars, and it’s projected that widespread diesel adoption in markets like the U.S. could significantly lessen dependence on foreign oil.
Following the landmark 1926 merger of Daimler Motoren Gesellschaft and Benz & Cie. into Daimler-Benz AG, the newly formed entity embarked on diesel engine innovation. Their initial focus was on a six-cylinder inline diesel designed for robust commercial trucks. This marked the genesis of a journey that would profoundly influence the entire automotive landscape. However, Mercedes-Benz engineers dedicated nearly a decade to rigorous testing and refinement before they deemed a diesel engine worthy of gracing a Mercedes-Benz passenger car.
The culmination of this intensive development was the 1936 Mercedes-Benz 260D. This pioneering model featured a 2.6-liter four-cylinder diesel engine, complete with overhead valves, delivering a maximum of 45 horsepower. Impressively, the 260D achieved a fuel economy of approximately 25 miles per gallon (mpg), a truly exceptional figure for its era, especially when compared to its gasoline counterpart which only managed around 18 mpg.
Alt text: Front three quarter view of a classic 1936 Mercedes-Benz 260D sedan, showcasing its elegant pre-war design, highlighting its significance as the world’s first diesel passenger car.
Expanding Diesel Power in the Post-War Era
Mercedes-Benz diesel engines made their entry into the U.S. market in 1949 with the 170D. This model housed a 1.7-liter inline four-cylinder diesel producing 38 horsepower and 71 lb-ft of torque. Its successor, the 1954 Mercedes-Benz 180D (40 hp, 75 lb-ft), further solidified Mercedes-Benz’s commitment to diesel, debuting with the revolutionary “Ponton” unibody construction. The year 1958 saw the introduction of the 190D to the American market, equipped with a newly developed 1.9-liter four-cylinder engine generating 50 hp and 80 lb-ft of torque.
For the 1966 model year, the “Fintail” bodied 190D was rebranded as the 200D (55 hp, 87 lb-ft). A significant milestone was reached when Mercedes-Benz offered an automatic transmission for a diesel passenger car for the first time in this model. The 200D paved the way for the 2.2-liter 220D in 1968 (60 hp, 93 lb-ft) and subsequently the 2.4-liter 1974 Mercedes-Benz 240D (65 hp, 101 lb-ft), demonstrating a steady progression in engine displacement and power output.
Alt text: Side profile of a vintage Mercedes-Benz 180D “Ponton”, emphasizing its streamlined silhouette and groundbreaking unibody construction, a hallmark of post-war automotive design and Mercedes-Benz innovation.
The 1970s: Diesel Engine Proliferation Fueled by Efficiency
The global oil crisis of 1973 acted as a catalyst, sharply increasing the demand for fuel-efficient vehicles. This surge in demand greatly benefited diesel technology, and Mercedes-Benz, as a leader in diesel innovation, expanded its diesel lineup. In 1975, the Mercedes-Benz 300D was launched, featuring a groundbreaking five-cylinder diesel engine – a world first. This 3.0-liter engine delivered 80 horsepower and 127 lb-ft of torque. By 1977, the diesel range was further strengthened with updated versions of the four-cylinder 240D and the 300D inline-five, with the latter’s power output increased to 88 hp.
The late 1970s and early 1980s marked a golden era for Mercedes-Benz diesel engines. Specifically for the U.S. market, Mercedes-Benz introduced the world’s first diesel-powered coupe, the 1978 300CD, and the first-ever diesel S-Class, the 300SD. The 300SD was particularly noteworthy as it debuted turbocharging for Mercedes-Benz diesel passenger cars, featuring a brand-new 3.0-liter five-cylinder turbodiesel engine. This turbocharged engine generated 121 hp and 170 lb-ft of torque, enabling a 0-60 mph acceleration time of a respectable 14 seconds for a luxury sedan of that era.
Alt text: Angled front view of a 1978 Mercedes-Benz 300SD, highlighting its classic S-Class styling and the distinctive Mercedes-Benz grille, while emphasizing its pioneering status as the first diesel S-Class and the introduction of turbocharging to the line.
With models like the 300CD Turbodiesel, 300D Turbodiesel, and 300SD Turbodiesel, Mercedes-Benz was tailoring more market-specific models for the U.S. than any other region. By 1982, diesel models accounted for almost 80 percent of Mercedes-Benz USA’s total sales, showcasing the immense popularity of mercedes benz diesel engines in the American market.
Expanding the Diesel Range into the Compact Segment
For the 1984 model year, Mercedes-Benz USA broadened its diesel offerings to include the “Baby Benz,” the precursor to the modern C-Class. Initially launched with a four-cylinder engine, the 190D (73 hp, 96 lb-ft) was later replaced in 1986 with a 2.5-liter inline five-cylinder engine (90 hp, 114 lb-ft). In 1987, a turbocharged variant of this 2.5-liter engine joined the lineup, delivering 122 hp and 166 lb-ft of torque, further enhancing the performance of the compact diesel sedan.
1986 also saw the introduction of another U.S.-exclusive S-Class diesel, the 300SDL (150 hp, 201 lb-ft). This model featured a turbocharged inline six-cylinder engine, an evolution from the previous five-cylinder configuration. The subsequent 1990 Mercedes-Benz 350SDL (136 hp, 229 lb-ft), also specifically designed for the U.S. market, was equipped with a larger 3.5-liter inline six turbodiesel engine. In the full-size class, the 300D 2.5-liter turbo was succeeded in 1995 by the E300D and then the E300DT, boasting a powerful 174 hp and 244 ft-lb of torque.
Mercedes-Benz also established a strong presence in the station wagon segment with diesel power during the 1980s. The 1980 Mercedes-Benz 300TD, featuring a 3.0-liter inline five naturally aspirated engine, was the first to make a significant impact. A turbocharged version followed in 1981 and was carried over to the subsequent generation, solidifying the appeal of mercedes benz diesel engines in versatile body styles.
Modern Mercedes-Benz Diesel Technology: CDI and BlueTEC
The 21st century has witnessed further advancements in Mercedes-Benz diesel technology. For the 2007 model year, Mercedes-Benz transitioned from the inline-six diesel format to a more compact V6 layout. This engine configuration also marked the introduction of common-rail direct injection (CDI) technology in the U.S., operating at an impressive 29,000 psi. The CDI engine played a crucial role in bringing diesel power to Mercedes-Benz SUVs in the U.S., with the 2007 ML320 CDI, GL320 CDI, and R320 CDI all featuring this advanced technology and delivering 215 hp and 398 lb-ft of torque.
Alt text: Close-up view of a modern Mercedes-Benz BlueTEC diesel engine, showcasing its intricate components and advanced engineering, emphasizing the brand’s commitment to clean diesel technology and reduced emissions.
In the same 2007 model year, Mercedes-Benz once again demonstrated its leadership in diesel innovation by selecting the U.S. for the global premiere of its pioneering BlueTEC diesel technology. The Mercedes-Benz E320 BlueTEC, producing 210 hp and 398 lb-ft of torque, was recognized as the 2007 World Green Car for its exceptionally low emissions. It met stringent NOx and particulate limits set by the BIN5 standard, reaffirming Mercedes-Benz as the premier brand for diesel passenger vehicles across all fifty states.
A wave of BlueTEC SUVs followed in 2009, all incorporating the next generation of BlueTEC technology with AdBlue exhaust gas aftertreatment. The ML320 BlueTEC, GL320 BlueTEC, and R320 BlueTEC models all utilized the same V6 turbodiesel engine as the E320 BlueTEC, producing 210 hp and 398 lb-ft of torque. The popular ML320 BlueTEC achieved a combined fuel consumption of 20 mpg, while the GL320 BlueTEC reached 19 mpg, making it the most fuel-efficient full-size SUV in the market at the time. In 2010, Mercedes-Benz commercial vehicles returned to the U.S. with the introduction of the BlueTEC-equipped Sprinter Van.
The launch of the 2013 GLK250 BlueTEC 4MATIC marked the return of a four-cylinder mercedes benz diesel engine to the U.S. market after nearly three decades. Mercedes-Benz already boasted the most extensive diesel lineup of any automaker in the U.S., and the arrival of the 2014 E250 BlueTEC further expanded this range with a second four-cylinder diesel option.
2014 BlueTEC Lineup:
- E250 BlueTEC
- E250 BlueTEC 4MATIC
- GLK250 BlueTEC 4MATIC
- ML350 BlueTEC 4MATIC
- GL350 BlueTEC 4MATIC
- Sprinter Van
- Sprinter V6 Van
Mercedes-Benz U.S. Diesel Model Sales History:
| Model Year | Model | Generation | Configuration | Horsepower | Torque |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1949 – 1953 | 170D | W136 | 1.7L I4 | 38 / 40 | 71 / 74 |
| 1952 – 1953 | 170DS | W191 | 1.7L I4 | 40 | 74 |
| 1953 – 1955 | 170SD | W136 | 1.7L I4 | 40 | 74 |
| 1954 – 1962 | 180D | W120 | 1.8L I4 / 2.0L I4 | 40 / 43 / 48 | 75 / 80 |
| 1958 – 1961 | 190D | W121 | 1.9L I4 | 50 | 80 |
| 1966 – 1968 | 200D | W110 | 2.0L I4 | 55 | 87 |
| 1968 – 1973 | 220D | W110 | 2.2L I4 | 60 | 87 |
| 1974 – 1976 | 240D | W115 | 2.4L I4 | 65 | 101 |
| 1975 – 1976 | 300D | W115 | 3.0L I5 (First 5-cylinder) | 80 | 127 |
| 1977 – 1984 | 240D | W123 | 2.4L I4 | 65 / 72 | 101 |
| 1977 – 1981 | 300D | W123 | 3.0L I5 | 80 / 88 | 126 |
| 1978 – 1980 | 300SD (U.S. Only) | W116 | 3.0L I5 turbo (First turbo) | 111 / 121 | 168 / 170 |
| 1978 – 1981 | 300CD (U.S. Only) | C123 | 3.0L I5 | 78 / 84 | 115 / 120 |
| 1980 – 1985 | 300TD Wagon | S123 | 3.0L I5 | 80 / 88 | 126 |
| 1981 – 1985 | 300SD-T (U.S. Only) | W126 | 3.0L I5 turbo | 121 / 125 | 170 / 184 |
| 1982 – 1985 | 300CD-T | C123 | 3.0L I5 turbo | 120 | 170 |
| 1982 – 1985 | 300DT | W123 | 3.0L I5 turbo | 121 / 125 | 170 / 184 |
| 1984 – 1985 | 190D 2.2 | W201 | 2.2L I4 | 73 | 96 |
| 1986 – 1987 | 300SDL-T (U.S. Only) | W126 | 3.0L I6 turbo | 150 | 201 |
| 1986 – 1989 | 190D 2.5 | W201 | 2.5L I5 | 90 | 114 |
| 1986 – 1987 | 300DT | W124 | 3.0L I6 turbo | 143 | 197 |
| 1986 – 1987 | 300DT Wagon | S124 | 3.0L I6 turbo | 143 | 197 |
| 1987 – 1987 | 190D 2.5T | W201 | 3.0L I6 turbo | 122 | 166 |
| 1991 – 1993 | 300D 2.5 | W124 | 2.5L I5 turbo | 121 | 165 |
| 1991 – 1991 | 350SDL-T (U.S. Only) | W126 | 3.5L I6 turbo | 148 | 229 |
| 1991 – 1991 | 350SD-T (U.S. Only) | W126 | 3.5L I6 turbo | 134 | 229 |
| 1992 – 1995 | 300SD / S350DT | W140 | 3.5L I6 turbo | 148 | 229 |
| 1994 – 1995 | E300D | W124 | 3.0L I6 (First 4-valve) | 134 | 155 |
| 1996 – 1997 | E300D | W210 | 3.0L I6 | 134 | 155 |
| 1998 – 1999 | E300DT | W210 | 3.0L I6 turbo | 174 | 244 |
| 2005 – 2006 | E320 CDI | W211 | 3.2L I6 turbo | 201 | 369 |
| 2007 – 2008 | ML320 CDI | W164 | 3.0L V6 turbo | 215 | 398 |
| 2007 – 2008 | GL320 CDI | X164 | 3.0L V6 turbo | 215 | 398 |
| 2007 – 2008 | R320 CDI | V251 | 3.0L V6 turbo | 215 | 398 |
| 2007 – 2009 | E320 BlueTEC | W211 | 3.0L V6 turbo | 210 | 398 |
| 2009 – 2009 | ML320 BlueTEC | W164 | 3.0L V6 turbo | 210 | 398 |
| 2009 – 2009 | 2009 GL320 BlueTEC | X164 | 3.0L V6 turbo | 210 | 398 |
| 2009 – 2009 | R320 BlueTEC | V251 | 3.0L V6 turbo | 210 | 398 |
| 2010 – Pres. | Sprinter V6 | NCV3 | 3.0L V6 turbo | 188 | 325 |
| 2010 – 2011 | ML350 BlueTEC | W164 | 3.0L V6 turbo | 210 | 400 |
| 2010 – 2012 | GL350 BlueTEC | X164 | 3.0L V6 turbo | 210 | 400 |
| 2010 – 2012 | R350 BlueTEC | V251 | 3.0L V6 turbo | 210 | 400 |
| 2011 – 2013 | E350 BlueTEC | W212 | 3.0L V6 turbo | 210 | 400 |
| 2012 – 2013 | S350 BlueTEC | V221 | 3.0L V6 turbo | 240 | 455 |
| 2012 – Pres. | ML350 BlueTEC | W166 | 3.0L V6 turbo | 240 | 455 |
| 2013 – Pres. | GL350 BlueTEC | X166 | 3.0L V6 turbo | 240 | 455 |
| 2013 – Pres. | GLK250 BlueTEC | X204 | 2.1L I4 turbo | 200 | 369 |
| 2014 – Pres. | E250 BlueTEC | W212 | 2.1L I4 turbo | 195 | 369 |
| 2014 – Pres. | E250 BlueTEC 4MATIC | W212 | 2.1L I4 turbo | 195 | 369 |
| 2014 – Pres. | Sprinter | NCV3 | 2.1L I4 turbo | 161 | 265 |
