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 diesel engine for passenger vehicles. Today’s Mercedes Diesel Engines are renowned for their cleanliness, smooth operation, and exceptional fuel efficiency. In Europe, diesel engines power approximately half of all passenger cars, and projections suggest that widespread diesel adoption in countries like the United States could significantly diminish reliance on foreign oil.
Following the 1926 merger of Daimler Motoren Gesellschaft and Benz & Cie. into Daimler-Benz AG, the company embarked on diesel engine development with a six-cylinder inline engine designed for heavy-duty trucks. This marked the genesis of Mercedes-Benz’s enduring impact on the automotive diesel landscape. However, the journey to adapt diesel technology for passenger cars was extensive, requiring nearly a decade of rigorous testing and refinement before Mercedes-Benz engineers were satisfied.
The culmination of this effort was the 1936 Mercedes-Benz 260D. This pioneering model featured a 2.6-liter four-cylinder diesel engine equipped with overhead valves, delivering a maximum output of 45 horsepower. Notably, the 260D achieved an impressive fuel economy of almost 25 miles per gallon – a remarkable figure for its time, especially when compared to its gasoline counterpart which managed only 18 mpg. This early success laid the foundation for Mercedes-Benz’s continued diesel innovation.
Mercedes-Benz diesel engines made their entry into the U.S. market in 1949 with the 170D, boasting a 1.7-liter inline four-cylinder engine producing 38 horsepower and 71 lb-ft of torque. Its successor, the 1954 180D, enhanced performance slightly to 40 hp and 75 lb-ft of torque and introduced the revolutionary “Ponton” unibody construction. By 1958, the Mercedes-Benz 190D arrived in the U.S., featuring a new 1.9-liter four-cylinder engine producing 50 hp and 80 lb-ft of torque.
The 1966 model year saw the 190D, now with the distinctive “Fintail” body style, rebranded as the 200D. This iteration offered 55 hp and 87 lb-ft of torque and marked a significant milestone: the first Mercedes-Benz diesel available with an automatic transmission. The 200D was succeeded by the 2.2-liter 220D in 1968, offering 60 hp and 93 lb-ft of torque, and subsequently the 2.4-liter 1974 240D, which delivered 65 hp and 101 lb-ft of torque. These models solidified Mercedes-Benz’s reputation for reliable and efficient diesel passenger cars.
Diesel Engine Proliferation in the 1970s
The 1973 oil crisis dramatically reshaped the automotive landscape, triggering an urgent drive for fuel efficiency and a surge in diesel demand. Mercedes-Benz, already a leader in diesel technology, expanded its diesel offerings with the 1975 300D. This model was groundbreaking, featuring the world’s first five-cylinder diesel engine, producing 80 hp and 127 lb-ft of torque. The 300D and the four-cylinder 240D became cornerstones of the Mercedes-Benz diesel lineup, with the 300D’s power later increased to 88 hp in subsequent years.
The late 1970s and early 1980s witnessed a boom for Mercedes-Benz diesel vehicles. Specifically for the U.S. market, Mercedes-Benz introduced innovative models such as the 1978 300CD, the world’s first diesel-powered coupe. Another landmark achievement was the 300SD, the first diesel S-Class, which further distinguished itself by incorporating turbocharging with a brand-new 3.0-liter five-cylinder turbodiesel engine. This turbocharged engine boosted performance to 121 hp and 170 lb-ft of torque, enabling a 0-60 mph acceleration in a respectable 14 seconds for a luxury sedan of the era.
With models like the 300CD Turbodiesel, 300D Turbodiesel, and 300SD Turbodiesel tailored specifically for the U.S. market, Mercedes-Benz demonstrated an unprecedented commitment to meeting regional demands. By 1982, diesel models accounted for nearly 80 percent of Mercedes-Benz USA’s total sales, highlighting the strong appeal of Mercedes diesel engines in the American market.
Expanding its range further in 1984, Mercedes-Benz USA included the “Baby Benz,” the precursor to the C-Class, in its diesel lineup. Initially launched with a four-cylinder engine, the 190D (73 hp, 96 lb-ft) was upgraded in 1986 with a 2.5-liter inline five-cylinder engine (90 hp, 114 lb-ft) and further enhanced in 1987 with a turbocharged variant (122 hp, 166 lb-ft).
1986 also marked the introduction of another U.S.-exclusive S-Class diesel, the 300SDL, featuring a turbocharged inline six-cylinder engine producing 150 hp and 201 lb-ft of torque. The subsequent 1990 350SDL, also specifically designed for the U.S. export market, was equipped with a 3.5-liter inline six turbodiesel engine, albeit with slightly reduced horsepower at 136 hp but increased torque at 229 lb-ft. 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 diesel station wagons also carved a significant niche during the 1980s. The 1980 300TD, powered by a 3.0-liter inline five naturally aspirated engine, was the first to make its mark. A turbocharged version followed in 1981 and was carried over to the next generation, further cementing the popularity of Mercedes diesel wagons.
Modern Era of Mercedes-Benz Diesel Technology
The 2007 model year marked a transition for Mercedes-Benz diesel engines as the company replaced its successful inline six configuration with a V6 layout. This change also coincided with the introduction of common-rail direct injection technology in the U.S., operating at an impressive 29,000 psi. These CDI engines also powered the first diesel SUVs for the U.S. market, including the 2007 ML320 CDI, GL320 CDI, and R320 CDI, each delivering 215 hp and 398 lb-ft of torque.
The 2007 model year was also pivotal for Mercedes-Benz diesel innovation as the U.S. was chosen for the global premiere of its pioneering BlueTEC diesel technology. The 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 the stringent NOx and particulate limits of the BIN5 standard, reaffirming Mercedes-Benz’s position as a leader in clean 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 shared the same V6 turbodiesel engine as the E320 BlueTEC, producing 210 hp and 398 lb-ft of torque. The fuel efficiency of these SUVs was remarkable, with the popular ML320 BlueTEC achieving 20 mpg and the GL320 BlueTEC achieving 19 mpg, making the latter the most fuel-efficient full-size SUV in its class at the time. In 2010, Mercedes-Benz commercial vehicles returned to the U.S. market with the introduction of the BlueTEC-equipped Sprinter Van.
The launch of the 2013 GLK250 BlueTEC 4MATIC marked the return of a Mercedes-Benz four-cylinder diesel engine to the U.S. after nearly three decades. Mercedes-Benz already boasted the most comprehensive diesel lineup of any automaker in the U.S., and the arrival of the 2014 E250 BlueTEC, featuring a second four-cylinder diesel, further solidified this position.
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 |
