Abstract: A multi-cylinder supercharged diesel engine with low compression ratio, in which for starting and possibly at partial load operation a number of the cylinders are operated as a compressor and the compressed air produced by the same is fed to the remaining cylinders operating as an engine in addition to the combustion air sucked-in by the latter to achieve sufficient ignition conditions. One or several intermediate storage devices for the compressed air are provided which are connected with the cylinders operating as the compessor by way of valves adapted to be closed and with the cylinders operating as the engine by way of valves controlled in dependence on the piston position during the suction stroke and/or compression stroke of the corresponding cylinder operating as the engine.