Which Lasts Longer: BMW, Audi, or Mercedes Engines?

TL;DR

The Mercedes C-Class has proven to be the most durable engine, surviving the longest without catching fire during a rigorous test against BMW and Audi. It demonstrated superior resilience in both body structure and engine performance, while the Audi A4 failed first due to fire, and the BMW 318i, though it ran continuously, did not outperform the Mercedes.

Transcript

Who makes the toughest four-cylinder engine? Mercedes, BMW, or Audi? To find out, we're going to have a drag race with a difference indefinitely. Well, until their engines blow up. Fire in the hole. We're going to time how long each car takes to die. The one that lasts the longest wins. But first, we're going to find out which car manufacturer out ... Read More

Key Insights

• The Mercedes C-Class proved to have the strongest body panels, resisting damage better than the Audi and BMW.
• All three cars were originally purchased for £1,000 each and had been subjected to tough off-road conditions.
• The Audi A4's starter motor failed, requiring a bump start to participate in the endurance test.
• The rules for the engine test included maintaining 100% throttle and staying in gear unless the engine started to die.
• The Audi A4 caught fire first, disqualifying it from the test, while the Mercedes C-Class did not catch fire at all.
• The BMW 318i continued to run without redlining but did not win due to the Mercedes' superior performance.
• The Mercedes engine lasted the longest without catching fire, making it the overall winner of the test.
• The test highlighted the durability of older Mercedes engines, suggesting they can endure significant stress without servicing.

Questions & Answers

Q: What was the main objective of the video?

The main objective of the video was to determine which car manufacturer among Mercedes, BMW, and Audi produces the toughest four-cylinder engine. This was tested by running the engines at full throttle until they failed, with the last car running deemed the winner.

Q: How were the body panels of the cars tested?

The body panels of the cars were tested by a team member named Tommy, who used tools like an axe and crowbar, as well as his strength, to inflict damage. The goal was to see which car had the strongest body panels, with the Mercedes coming out on top.

Q: What were the conditions of the cars before the test?

Before the test, the cars had been purchased for £1,000 each and were in poor condition. They had undergone tough off-road challenges, which further deteriorated their condition, making them unfit for regular road use.

Q: What issue did the Audi A4 face during the test?

The Audi A4 faced a problem with its starter motor, which broke before the test. This required the team to bump start the car to get it running for the endurance test, adding an extra challenge for the Audi.

Q: What were the rules for the engine endurance test?

The rules for the engine endurance test were to keep the throttle at 100% and remain in gear unless the engine started to die, at which point the car could be put into neutral. If a car caught fire, it was automatically disqualified.

Q: Which car caught fire first during the test?

The Audi A4 was the first car to catch fire during the test, leading to its disqualification. This highlighted its weaker engine durability compared to the other vehicles tested.

Q: How did the BMW 318i perform in the test?

The BMW 318i continued to run throughout the test without reaching the redline, indicating a decent level of endurance. However, it did not win the test as the Mercedes C-Class outlasted it without catching fire.

Q: What conclusion was drawn about the Mercedes C-Class?

The conclusion drawn about the Mercedes C-Class was that it had the most durable engine and body panels among the tested vehicles. It did not catch fire and lasted the longest under stress, showcasing Mercedes' robust engineering.

Summary & Key Takeaways

• The video tested the durability of BMW, Audi, and Mercedes engines by running them until failure. The Mercedes C-Class emerged as the winner, having the strongest body panels and engine resilience without catching fire.

• After tough off-road challenges, the cars were no longer roadworthy, leading to a final test of their engines' endurance. The Audi A4 failed first due to fire, while the BMW 318i lasted but did not outperform the Mercedes.

• The Mercedes C-Class demonstrated superior engineering, resisting fire and lasting the longest during the test. The test underscored the robustness of older Mercedes vehicles, suggesting they can withstand significant stress.