Diesel sounds

[c250td]

Hi,
I gave my missus a ride in my 98 C250TD last week.
She's used to the dulcet tones of her Volvo petrol engine but she kept saying that, when pushed hard, my Merc sounded rough not gruff. This is when accelerating from 30 to 60/70 mph.
Not having anything else to compare to just how noisy and rough sounding are these engines when revved?

 

[imported_dieselman]

It's probably because the engine is a five pot and so is naturally unballanced at certain engine speeds.

 

[Dave B]

the 5 cylinder 20valve 2.5ltr TD isn't the smoothest or quietest engine on the road.  However, it's not really that noisy unless you rev it hard.  

Then again, you've probably noticed how swift it becomes when you do rev it to the max.  Accelerating to motorway speeds is amazing for a diesel, and the engine will keep pulling well beyond 100mph (128 top end...according to MB).

Performance with acceptable economy - I can't really complain.  CDi is apparently much smoother and petrol like.

 

[c250td]

thanks for the vote of confidence guys.
Must admit the acceleration is impressive. Must be getting old as I try to keep my speed down but it did give a clean pair of heels to a tailgating Renault boy-racer last week. His face was a picture.

 

[imported_dieselman]

Dave B
Don't confuse 220 CDi and 320 CDi engines.  The 220 is gruff and noisy compared to a 250.  The latest 220 is now very smooth and quiet due to ballancer shafts and better fuel control.

 

[Dave B]

My only experience of 220CDi is from many taxi rides whilst holidaying in Canaries - my god the resorts are full of white MB diesels (202s and 210s).   First time in a CDi I had to ask the driver if it was a petrol engine.  Now compared to my 250TD, the 220CDi was smooth.   Sorry, can't comment on the 320.

 

[dave elcome]

On the subject of Merc taxi's in the cannaries, we go to Fuerteventura fairly regularly, and always use a taxi from the airport. The highest mileage i have seen recorded was 865000Km's, which according to my maths is 537000 miles. The vehicle in question was a w124 250D, which really pleased me, as at the time that was what i had!!

 

[phil barker]

yes c250td.
The 5cyl diesel can sound rough at times, but oh that acceleration even at 70+mph. I like it!
Its the constant road noise and motorway roar that I find difficult to tolerate.
Its a mercedes for goodness sake, it should be silence and bliss inside that cabin at all speeds.
I do a lot of M'way driving ie: Cheshire to Scotland and at times the roar gets me down, it was almost complete silence in my previous car, a 9 year old a**i.
In spite of my little grouses I'm now looking around for my next Mercedes.