Jeep Grand Cherokee 2007 Diesel CRD

[Christian P.]

I did not know that these were available yet:

http://www.trucktrend.com/roadtests/suv/163_0612_2007_jeep_grand_cherokee_diesel

http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/Jeep-Grand-Cherokee-LIMITED-2007-JEEP-GRAND-CHEROKEE-LIMITED-CRD-3-0-V6-TURBODIESEL_W0QQitemZ270107394518QQihZ017QQcategor yZ6947QQrdZ1QQcmdZViewItem

Sounds like a good idea.

Christian

[Scott Brady]

Looks like we both had the same train of thought today... They price out in the mid 40's and get 23+ mpg on the highway.

[Scott Brady]

I think I could live with this...

http://www.wrangler4you.com/images01/GC2005AEV.jpg
More AEV sweetness

[toyrunner95]

the mojave is an awsome jeep, i love the stylishness of the bumpers and the suspension.

[Bella PSD]

They got the Diesel part right now how about a manual transmission to go with it ???

Louie

[Redline]

Amen on the manual trans, but I couldn't even get one in my 4Runner. I briefly considered one of these Grand Cherokees CRDs because I want diesel-power. I'm sure they will perform well and being a Jeep there will be plenty of stuff made for them. But they were not yet available in December '06 when I was hoping, 40K instead of the 30K I spend on my 4Runner, and I'm not wild about unibody over body-on-frame. The unibody is probably just fine, classic Cherokees can do very well, it's just a bias. Hopefully this is only the first of many utility vehicle diesels that are on their way. I hope that if and when they come they are not all 'luxury' models. A 4-door diesel Jeep JK would be nice :-)



They got the Diesel part right now how about a manual transmission to go with it ???

Louie

[Scott Brady]

Does anyone know real world mileage results with this truck?

I also heard rumor that this year was not the bluetech motor with the filters, etc. That would make this MEX ready.

[2006KJSPORT4x4]

Here's another article...

http://www.fourwheeler.com/roadtests/129_0702_2007_jeep_grand_cherokee_crd_review/

HOLY SCHNIKEY'S!!!!!

http://fourwheeler.com/roadtests/129_0702_01_z+2007_jeep_grand_cherokee_crd+front_v iew_water.jpg

[2006KJSPORT4x4]

I also heard rumor that this year was not the bluetech motor with the filters, etc. That would make this MEX ready.

Your right it seems that the BlueTech might make it out next year but for now it is another style diesel...

Maybe their saving the BlueTech to be unveiled in a Jeep JK before anything else perhaps???

[Scott Brady]

Good article, thank you.

This years is not a Bluetech motor. Man, this is a real sleeper solution for overlanding. You can even get it with the "Overland" package which has the Quadra-Trac II. :victory:

I am finding some reports of 26-28 mpg on the highway at 60-65 mph speeds. A 7,500 lb tow rating too.

[2006KJSPORT4x4]

argh....I wonder if that would fit in my Liberty??? hmmm

[calamaridog]

So for a mere 40k you can get a limited production diesel Jeep Grand that is emissions legal in 45 of the 50 states and sports a motor soon to be replaced?

I'm thinking wait a few more years for a more mainstream offering, but that is just me.

Don't get me wrong, I'm glad they are playing with the idea, and the AEV one is quite sexy, but I'm just not convinced.

[Scott Brady]

So for a mere 40k you can get a limited production diesel Jeep Grand that is emissions legal in 45 of the 50 states and sports a motor soon to be replaced?


This is what makes it so great!

It is a pre-2008 emissions motor from Mercedes sedans that will run on bio-fuel and MEX diesel. This is a proven motor in hundreds of thousands of Mercedes cars.

You don't want the BlueTech motor because of the particulate filters and "low-sulfur fuel" only requirement.

I dig it! Hopefully the reliability is reasonable...

[jingram]

My only concern with it is how does it handle the lower lubricity of the low sulfer mixes now at the pumps? I am assuming fine since that started showing up in November, but I know it has been a real issue with motors designed to run dirty diesel.

I haven't dug into the bluetec stuff much, but my understanding was that it is purely for clean burn/emissions. What about you guys in the CRD liberty? Have you had to add additives to your fuel since the switch or have you been ok?

[calamaridog]

Scott,

My only issue is this is a low production numbers vehicle and a dealer service network totally unprepared to service the vehicle. Not to mention parts availability for a Mercedes motor via a Chrysler auto group that is going to be sold.

Perhaps for you this vehicle would work, but I'm guessing for most it will be a bad idea.

Did I mention the AEV Grand looks sexy?:drool:

[Redline]

The ultra-low-sulfur-diesel (ULSD) has been in the works for a long time and I can't imagine any newer/recent diesel engine was not engineered to handle the new fuel. In fact, ULSD has a lubricity standard which the previous LSD (low-sulfur-diesel/ 500PPM) did not.

I'm not having any problems burning regular pump diesel in my older 1996 Power Stroke.



My only concern with it is how does it handle the lower lubricity of the low sulfer mixes now at the pumps? I am assuming fine since that started showing up in November, but I know it has been a real issue with motors designed to run dirty diesel.

I haven't dug into the bluetec stuff much, but my understanding was that it is purely for clean burn/emissions. What about you guys in the CRD liberty? Have you had to add additives to your fuel since the switch or have you been ok?

[jingram]

Good to hear... I was reading that guys doing diesel conversions with older toyota and VW platforms were having issues with injection pumps failing and injectors leaking at the seals.

[Redline]

Maybe so. If their 'swap' engines are much older, say not the recent TDI diesels, then it is surely possible. But all the new engines and anything made in the last few years 'should' be okay. Diesel fuel has been changed a few times over the last several years. Arguably the larger change was when diesel went from regular, full-sulfur fuel to the now discontinued LSD (low-sulfur-diesel).


Good to hear... I was reading that guys doing diesel conversions with older toyota and VW platforms were having issues with injection pumps failing and injectors leaking at the seals.

[Scott Brady]

My only issue is this is a low production numbers vehicle and a dealer service network totally unprepared to service the vehicle. Not to mention parts availability for a Mercedes motor via a Chrysler auto group that is going to be sold.

Very valid point. It would likely be better than a custom diesel swap, but maybe not (since you would know nearly every detail having swaped the motor).

[2006KJSPORT4x4]

One thing I've found out as of late is that companies grouped together, like Mercedes and Chrysler, usually share components and services. For instance with the LBJ recall as of late anyone with a Jeep Liberty could go to a Daimler Chrysler facility and have the recall performed. There were guys going to strictly Chrysler or strictly Dodge places and getting the recall performed (granted I guess I haven't heard of them getting worked on at a Mercedes place, but nevertheless hear me out). Thus with the engine being a Mercedes product I would think one could go to the Mercedes stealership if need be and have sufficient service done if the need should arise I would think. I know when my Dad had the Chrysler Crossfire we would take it into the Mercedes place to have the oil changed and other work done to it since it was the same engine as used in the SLK. Not to mention we knew they'd be easier on it then the straight Chrysler stealership we had purchased it at.

my .02

[ujoint]

I wheeled with a Diesel Grand while in Moab, and that thing was awesome. It was the Jeep Skunkworks Grand, so it had a minor suspension lift. It went everywhere!!

[GunnIt]

I own 2 diesels (Excursion 7.3 and Duramax-Allison) and I'm starting to rethink the economics of owning a diesel unless one is doing a great deal of towing (I tow every day). You are going to pay $5k or more for the diesel option and the old days of cheap diesel fuel are gone forever...5 years ago diesel cost 20% less than gas.

The positive side is that the diesel vehicle will hold value better than a gas vehicle as long as it is a good one, (the older GM diesels were a money pit). Gas mileage is also a big plus, I get over 20 MPG in both vehicles. The downside is the 5K+ downstroke and the more expensive fuel would buy a lot of gasoline.

I love my diesels but they might not make sense for everyone...do the math and see what is best for you.

Although, If they were to put this diesel in a Rubicon I would be first in line and stepping up to 4 doors.

[saltamontes]

regardless of whether it called a bluetec or not, my understanding is that all post jan '07 built diesels (truck and passenger) must meet the new particulate and NOx emission standards to be sold in the US.

48 state legal distinctions have disappeared as of jan 1 as all must meet new federal 50 state guidelines.

that means DPF and LNT or SCR folks.
and that means ULSD (there goes baja).

sure the urea-based SCR saves a lot of 1k/ounce platinum LNT, but i do not think the epa has approved these yet.

honda is working on ammonia gen from ambient air (SCR w/out the urea tank).

..anyway..

sorry to say, but w/ 07+ emissions and complexity in the US, diesels have lost the advantage of simplicity/longevity/reliability/cost relative to gas (actually they have been slowly losing ground for a while now).

torque from gas motors are getting better as is their milage.
i would prob rather have a lighter, more reliable, proven, cheaper hemi w/ slightly less torque and slightly less milage than one of the 07+ diesels. pros/cons of the new emissions compliant diesels are going to take a few years to become apparant. IMO, its better to avoid 1st yr motors w/ so many new technolgies and wait till the bugs are worked out.

or if you really want torque, wait till we get some sort of elec. storage and go for an AC motor. ;)

[Redline]

You are correct about the new 2007 diesels needing to meet the new standards and having lots of new emissions stuff on them... with the exception of engines/vehicles/made/certified before Jan 1, 2007. If my memory serves me, VW is selling a few V10 Diesel Touaregs that are 2007 models but with older engines that slipped in under a wire/timeline. But when they are gone they are gone and if they want to sell more they will have to be new engines that meet the new regulations.



regardless of whether it called a bluetec or not, my understanding is that all post jan '07 built diesels (truck and passenger) must meet the new particulate and NOx emission standards to be sold in the US.

48 state legal distinctions have disappeared as of jan 1 as all must meet new federal 50 state guidelines.

that means DPF and LNT or SCR folks.
and that means ULSD (there goes baja).

sure the urea-based SCR saves a lot of 1k/ounce platinum LNT, but i do not think the epa has approved these yet.

honda is working on ammonia gen from ambient air (SCR w/out the urea tank).

..anyway..

sorry to say, but w/ 07+ emissions and complexity in the US, diesels have lost the advantage of simplicity/longevity/reliability/cost relative to gas (actually they have been slowly losing ground for a while now).

torque from gas motors are getting better as is their milage.
i would prob rather have a lighter, more reliable, proven, cheaper hemi w/ slightly less torque and slightly less milage than one of the 07+ diesels. pros/cons of the new emissions compliant diesels are going to take a few years to become apparant. IMO, its better to avoid 1st yr motors w/ so many new technolgies and wait till the bugs are worked out.

or if you really want torque, wait till we get some sort of elec. storage and go for an AC motor. ;)

[calamaridog]

I own 2 diesels (Excursion 7.3 and Duramax-Allison) and I'm starting to rethink the economics of owning a diesel unless one is doing a great deal of towing (I tow every day). You are going to pay $5k or more for the diesel option and the old days of cheap diesel fuel are gone forever...5 years ago diesel cost 20% less than gas.

The positive side is that the diesel vehicle will hold value better than a gas vehicle as long as it is a good one, (the older GM diesels were a money pit). Gas mileage is also a big plus, I get over 20 MPG in both vehicles. The downside is the 5K+ downstroke and the more expensive fuel would buy a lot of gasoline.

I love my diesels but they might not make sense for everyone...do the math and see what is best for you.

Although, If they were to put this diesel in a Rubicon I would be first in line and stepping up to 4 doors.

:clapsmile

Good food for thought.