OP, I interpreted "substantially more advanced, technologically" to mean improvement and IMHO the answer is still NO. Are the newer engine more complex... heck YES and more expensive. Has it been worth it??? only time will tell.
MM, I made sure my 04 Dynasty had a 03 engine in it as the 04 emission changes had not been in use long enough to know the results. Little did I know that the 04-06 bigger Cummins did not meet the new requirements but they were able to sell them by using credits from their 5.9 ISB engines that had a less restrictive emission standard. Cat not having any small diesel engines ended up paying a fine on engines they sold in those years. Now with a long track record the ISL and ISX engines have proven to be good with no ill results in those years so I was wrong to worry about it. I'm glad you did not have any problems out of your 'particulate filter' (the major change in 07) but as stated above I'll try to find one without it if I have to replace my 04. I do remember the smog in LA back in the 60s but doubt I'll ever be back in CA with my pre-emissions MH as I vote with my wallet.
Yes, I dislike the EPA as they have no idea what a cost/benefit ratio is.
