>> A properly tuned TDI motor should not smoke and is very clean, emissions-
>> wise.  It's real appeal (to me, anyway) is that it has diesel mileage
>> coupled with gas engine performance (i.e. doesn't have a 0-60 of 20 secs.
>> or whatever it is).

>My next door neighbor has always bought the latest VW, and now she has
>a new Passat TDI. The car puts out a LOT of smoke. It is not a heavy black
>smoke, but more greyish; it still stinks pretty badly however. She
>says she gets nasty looks all the time. She also has had a few people
>honk the horn and hold their nose when they pass her car. The car is
>very well maintained by the excellent local VW dealer, and runs perfectly.

>The most smoke is on acceleration from a stop. Out on the highway, smoke
>is less noticable, but still smells badly. But, then, so do M-B's.

TDI engines produces a lot of smoke, I can see this on German roads.
Usually when they are cold or under heavy load. That's not a problem
of the 'next door neighbour'.

Helmut
'80 Camper