The paper presents a complex simulation model for multicylinder, common rail diesel engines developed on a SIMULINK platform. The model consists of the main modules simulating the processes in the engine cylinders, the exhaust and intake manifolds, and the turbocharger. It is developed on the of filling and emptying concept and uses zero-dimensional combustion models considering multiple injection events, characteristics of modem diesel engines. The transient nature of the simulation model is enhanced by the use of a lumped mass elastic model of the crankshaft and a detailed friction model of the engine. In this way, more realistic simulation of the crankshaft dynamics and engine transients becomes possible. The model is validated by comparison of the simulation results with experimental data measured on a heavily instrumented 2.5 L, four-cylinder, common rail diesel engine.