New MB Diesel has Aluminum Crankcase

[hammersley]

Aluminium heads and crankcase

Thanks to an uncompromising lightweight construction, the new V8 diesel engine is the lightest power plant of its displacement and cylinder category.



Apart from the two cylinder heads, Mercedes-Benz now also makes the entire crankcase from aluminium. The new V8 engine weighs in at just 245 kg.



Mercedes engineers have also adapted the standard five-speed automatic transmission of the new S400 CDI to the performance characteristics of the eight-cylinder engine to provide optimum driveaway dynamics. A newly developed converter ensures that after moving off from standstill the sedan quickly reaches an advantageous rev range, allowing the engine to unleash its mighty pulling power. Around 400 Newton metres of torque are on tap from just 1200 rpm.



DaimlerChrysler produces the new V8 diesel engine at its Berlin-Marienfelde plant, where the company invested around $A25 million for this project.

 

[Uncle Joe]

Actualy,its just the oil pan,they been doing it this way for over 50 years,deep skirt block,cast aloy oil pan with a stamped steel sump,just look at any MB product made in our lifetime to get a visual.

IMO:its the best setup for an oil pan I have ever seen,the block and the pan are mechined for each other so there is no gasket and no leaks,In case the wife (ex in my case)dents the sump or if one needs to change the oil pump,its a 15 minute job as the oil pan is not disturbed.

Now the aloy heads is another subject... ... ... ..... dont get me started!