Are the multivalve diesels really that much better?

[Biggow]

Hi all,

As you can see I'm new to the forums, and new to the world of Mercedes Benz, but I have a query.

The issue I have is that I've been looking around for a diesel W124, and having tried both a multivalve and non-multivalve versions I couldn't honestly say that I could tell much difference. The 2 test drives were several days apart, so therefore maybe not a fair comparison, but overall I preferred the non-multivalve car (not for engine related reasons), but both cars seemed equally sloooooooow. However, the various comments on here ("multivalves are much easier to live with") keep making me think.

Therefore, can someone tell me what really are the benefits of having a multivalve diesel W124 as opposed to the non-multivalve?

Thanks in advance!

 

[television]

Hello and welcome to the forum. The benefits of multi valves is that the breathing of the engine is improved, allowing better combustion and cleaner exhaust.

 

[Bolide]

Are the multivalve diesels really that much better?

Yes

They're more powerful, more torquey and work over a wider rev range. To their detriment they're more peaky and more critical of throttle & kickdown cable setup

Some Multivalves are very flat, either through loss of compression, misadjusted control cables, non-functioning inlet manifold vacuum systems or all three, but a good one is a great engine

Nick Froome
www.w124.co.uk

 

[Biggow]

Thanks all! I guess I'm going to have to keep looking for that perfect multivalve W124.