I just cancelled and order for a V10 E350 (8 weeks and still no build date). I'd really like to get a 6.0 diesel, but when I'm not towing, I take a fair number of short trips around town. Will I harm the engine? I have never owned a diesel.

 

It depends on what you mean by harm. In a sense you harm an engine, any engine, everytime you start it. Operating the engine cold, like just after starting it, does accelerate the wear and tear on the engine. Thermal cycling, heating and cooling cycles, will also tend to accelerate wear and shorten engine life. Multiple short trips, where you shut down for a short period and restart before the engine cools is probably less harmful than a complete cool down and restart. If what you're asking here is "Will I significantly reduce my engine life?" I would say that is highly unlikely. Reduce, yes. Reduce a considerable amount, no. Manufacturing tolerences and random chance are probably more likely to shorten engine life than your driving habits.

Regards,

Morris