Which is the better System VE, Pre-Pumpe, Pump Duse or Common Rail

Which is the better System VE, Pre-Pumpe, Pump Duse or Common Rail?

Some have said the VE system Pre 1999 was the best. It seems from what I have read that the PD systems seem to be preferred by most enthusiasts. Is this because it has some computer functions and efficiency but is not so tight with the emissions?

Some have said the common rail are only there to make manufacturing easier and remove the centralized failure component. The CR systems are also controlled by a more sophisticated computer system that allowed for better efficiency and cleaner emissions.

What do you all think?

How many opinions would you like?


They all have their positives and negatives.

Technically speaking, VE and PD are very similar, it is just a change of where/how the actual mechanics of injection happen. But, when we talk about cars sold in North America, the 4 cylinder PDs also brought some other items into place on some models, that are not necessarily directly related to the injection system. Things like a fully throttled intake, (BEW, BHW, BRM) dual-path intake runners (BEW only), VNT vane sensor (BEW and BRM only), dual-path EGR cooler (BEW only), Lambda/EGR temp sensing, etc.

The CR really is the best technical diesel injection system, because it freed the injection timing event and duration from any mechanical means. That alone represents a HUGE advancement over both the previous systems. However, with VAG products sold in North America, this system has also been used with a more complex exhaust aftertreatment system with a complex DPF, exhaust shut-off valve, and a whole bunch of exhaust pressure and temp sensors.

If you were to compare them with contemporary common gasoline engine management systems, the VE is like a compter-controlled carburetor, the PD is like throttle-body EFI with an electronic ignition distributor, and the CR is like a modern port-injected car with a coil-on-plug ignition system.