This paper presents the results of the diesel engine research on the indicator and heat realized diagrams for VW 1.9 TDI working in 2 modes: with standard, non-cooled EGR system, and without this system. All of measurement was carried out on the some engine speed – 2000 rpm (speed of maximum engine torque) and various engine load. Some of the analyzed parameters were read directly from the measurement systems (e.g. indicator diagrams) or engine controller (e.g. start of injection) and the rest of them had to be calculated. The calculation of rate of heat release (dQ/dα) was based on the well-known mathematical model. When the exhaust gas recirculation valve is open, the maximum of combustion pressure and rate of maximum kinetic heat release (dQk/dα)max are smaller than when the valve is closed. These facts are connected with the shorter self-combustion delay for engine working with EGR. But this is also associated with reduction of the rate of maximum diffusion heat release (dQd/dα)max, which means that more particulates (PM) are excreted into the atmosphere. This fact explains e.g. significantly higher smog of exhaust gases for diesel engine which works with EGR system. The analysis results show that exhaust gas recirculation system slightly deteriorates the energetic parameters of VW 1.9 TDI engine, but, at the same time, significantly reduces the level of toxic nitrogen oxides in exhaust gases