CE750

Just ad endum conversations with many Diesel mechanics, members of diesel forums, and mechanical engineers over the past year or so.. If you spend the time on some diesel forums and search "Aluminum block" you'll find something. Also you can readily find out about the superiority of a I-6 to a V6 by using google..

No. Like ALL other car companies, this is becoming less and less a priority as the models roll out.. Lexus included.

Frugal1

Not to discount what CE750 is saying . . . on the contrary, I too am concerned about the switch to aluminum and you can call me in HIS camp right now . . . but how is the Chevy Duramax doing? I don't recall hearing about any major or even minor problems with it (not that I have my ear stuck there either . . . this is a real question).

Chevy had to overcome a horrid, haunting past with regard to diesels. Not only that but they show up to the game with a BI-METALLIC engine . . . aluminum heads over iron, I believe. BOY were the screams from the old timers loud in the diesel truck forums . . . very few thought it was a good idea.

Maybe a look at how Chevy and Izuzu (the Duramax is a joint effort between those two) are faring with their aluminum engine could ease concerns with what is coming our way. If they can do it (an American car maker) with a heavy duty pickup rated to tow around 15000 extra pounds, then certainly MB can do it with a car or SUV rated to tow my fat butt around town!!

CE750

Duramax is a good study.. It would be interesting to hear from hi-milage owners and mechanics what they've seen.

240D 3.0T

The VW V10 TDI is an all aluminium engine. It's got the main bolts going all the way from the head to the main caps to strengthen it.

Don't forget the 100,000mile run they did in Texas a few months ago. They had no problems with the engines. They only stopped for fuel, driver changes, and oil changes.

A bunch of V6 CDI assembly pictures.