Ever since the development of the VW-Beetle engine and transmission, magnesium die cast parts have been seen as candidates for automotive drive train components. It was early recognised that the temperature exposure of the crankcase was challenging the mechanical properties of the commonly used alloy AZ81. This led to developments of alloys of the type AS41 and AS21, and even AS11 was tested. These alloys showed creep properties compatible with the increasing demands from the engine developers [1]. Automotive designers, used to design in aluminium, may have a tendency to see magnesium as a light version of aluminium. This is often supported by the sometimes overoptimistic attitudes of new entrants in the magnesium industry, strongly promoting proprietary alloy compositions. The present paper provides an overview of current magnesium die cast alloy candidates for elevated temperature applications. Properties are discussed relative to defined requirements, and compared with those of currently used aluminium die casting alloys.