The paper presents a method of choosing parameters of a mathematical model for simulation of a working cycle of compression-ignition engine on the basis of experimental measurements. In order to choose the parameters of the model, the Nelder-Mead method has been used. As a result of such an approach, a simplified mathematical model with very good numerical effectiveness can be used for simulation of the working cycle of the engine, while very good compatibility of numerical results and experimental measurements is ensured. Suitable algorithms and results of calculations are presented.