| The Turbo Diesel |
| On December 9, 2010, this 1984 Mark VII Turbo Diesel found it's way into our driveway. The car was driven 623 miles from the sellers location to our Idaho home without issue. The BMW 2.4L, inline six cylinder, single overhead cam, turbocharged engine is coupled to a ZF, four speed automatic transmission driving a 3.73:1 gear ratio rear differential. It rolls on P215/70R15 tires mounted on alloy wheels. |
| Although a surprisingly strange looking engine compartment to those of us who are used to seeing the Michigan born 5.0L, V8 resting beneath the hood, the 6 cylinder is surprisingly smooth and quiet. Although not to be considered "spirited" in stop and go driving, it is quite comfortable to drive in traffic. Where this engine comes into it's own, is on the interstate or open road. It is very comfortable at highway speeds and powers over the steepest summits with ease. The 30+ MPG diesel sipping powerplant plays perfectly with the smooth shifting, but stout ZF transmission, making it a personal favorite for Kat and I. |
| The "all cloth" interior is very comfortable for long rides. The car is a "Base Model" and sports the digital dash, however the previous owner tastefully placed a trio of gauges in the face of the dash to keep the driver appraised of the engine's vital signs. The combination of the interior color and the simulated woodgrain trim is quite pleasing and luxurious. Other than the "WAIT" light when the key is first switched on, all interior controls are as they should be, and for those of us who have spent any time driving a pre 1990 model, the passenger compartments is quite familiar. |
| All in all, Kat and I find ourselves walking past our gasoline powered Mark VII's to drive this car. It is unfortunate that the sales, and subsequent production numbers were low as a result of the negative publicity generated by the ill fated and troublesome GM diesel counterpart. Ford was forced to drop this dependable and economical combination after a scant two year run as buyers had more confidence in the gasoline version which continued to roll off the assembly line and out of show rooms for an unprecedented eight more years, only to be replaced by the popular Mark VIII. |
