If you’re a car enthusiast, you know how important it is to have a reliable engine. A reliable engine delivers consistent performance, requires minimal maintenance, and lasts for a long time.
A reliable engine can save you money, time, and hassle, and give you peace of mind on the road.
But what makes an engine reliable? Many factors affect engine reliability, such as design, materials, maintenance, and usage.
Some engines are more reliable than others because they have better engineering, quality, and durability. Some engines are less reliable because they have flaws, defects, or wear and tear.
When it comes to reliable engines, one brand that stands out is Mercedes-Benz. Mercedes-Benz is known for making some of the most reliable engines ever, as well as some of the most unreliable ones.
Mercedes-Benz engines have a long history and reputation for excellence, innovation, and performance.
In this article, we’ll guide you through the most reliable Mercedes engine ever and the ones to avoid.
We’ll cover the top 5 most reliable Mercedes engines and the 3 to avoid, based on their features, performance, and reliability.
We’ll also give you some tips and advice on how to choose, maintain, and enjoy a reliable Mercedes engine.
The Top 5 Most Reliable Mercedes Engines Ever
Mercedes-Benz has produced many engines over the years, but not all of them are equally reliable. Some engines have proven to be more durable, efficient, and powerful than others, while some have been plagued by problems and failures.
In this section, we’ll show you the top 5 most reliable Mercedes engines ever, based on their features, performance, and reliability.
We’ll also tell you why these engines are reliable, and what drawbacks or limitations they have, if any.
M113 (Most Reliable Mercedes Petrol Engine)
The M113 is a V8 petrol engine that was introduced in 1997 and replaced by the M273 in 2006. It has a capacity of 4.3 to 5.5 litres, a power output of 224 to 368 hp, a torque of 310 to 391 lb-ft, and a fuel injection system.
The M113 is one of the most reliable Mercedes petrol engines ever, as it has a simple and robust design, high-quality materials, and low maintenance requirements.
The M113 is also known for its smooth and quiet operation, as well as its decent fuel economy and emissions.
The M113 is commonly found in vehicles such as the E-Class, S-Class, SL-Class, CL-Class, G-Class, and ML-Class.
Some of the most popular variants of the M113 are the M113 E43, M113 E50, M113 E55, and M113 E55 AMG. The M113 E55 AMG is the most powerful version of the M113, with 354 hp and 391 lb-ft of torque.
The M113 has few drawbacks or limitations, but some of them are:
- It is not as powerful or responsive as some of the newer Mercedes engines, such as the M156 or the M278
- It is prone to oil leaks from the valve covers, camshaft adjusters, and oil filter housing
- It may suffer from spark plug failures, ignition coil failures, or catalytic converter failures
OM606 (Most Reliable Mercedes Diesel Engine)
The OM606 is a six-cylinder diesel engine that was introduced in 1993 and replaced by the OM648 in 2003. It has a capacity of 3.0 litres, a power output of 134 to 174 hp, a torque of 155 to 243 lb-ft, and a direct injection system.
The OM606 is one of the most reliable Mercedes diesel engines ever, as it has a strong and durable design, high-quality materials, and low maintenance requirements.
The OM606 is also known for its excellent performance, as it has a high compression ratio, a variable geometry turbocharger, and an intercooler.
The OM606 is commonly found in vehicles such as the E-Class, S-Class, G-Class, and Sprinter.
Some of the most popular variants of the OM606 are the OM606.910, OM606.912, OM606.962, and OM606.964. The OM606.962 is the most powerful version of the OM606, with 174 hp and 243 lb-ft of torque.
The OM606 has few drawbacks or limitations, but some of them are:
- It is not as refined or quiet as some of the newer Mercedes diesel engines, such as the OM642 or the OM651
- It is prone to black smoke emissions, especially when the turbocharger or the injectors are faulty
- It may suffer from head gasket failures, oil pump failures, or glow plug failures
M112 (Reliable Mercedes V6 Engine)
The M112 is a V6 petrol engine that was introduced in 1997 and replaced by the M272 in 2004. It has a capacity of 2.4 to 3.7 litres, a power output of 168 to 268 hp, a torque of 177 to 258 lb-ft, and a fuel injection system.
The M112 is a reliable Mercedes V6 engine, as it has a balanced and efficient design, high-quality materials, and low maintenance requirements.
The M112 is also known for its smooth and quiet operation, as well as its good fuel economy and emissions.
The M112 is commonly found in vehicles such as the C-Class, E-Class, S-Class, SLK-Class, CLK-Class, and ML-Class.
Some of the most popular variants of the M112 are the M112 E24, M112 E26, M112 E32, and M112 E37. The M112 E37 is the most powerful version of the M112, with 268 hp and 258 lb-ft of torque.
The M112 has few drawbacks or limitations, but some of them are:
- It is not as powerful or responsive as some of the newer Mercedes engines, such as the M276 or the M272
- It is prone to oil leaks from the valve covers, camshaft adjusters, and oil filter housing
- It may suffer from spark plug failures, ignition coil failures, or catalytic converter failures
OM617 (Reliable Mercedes Inline-5 Diesel Engine)
The OM617 is a five-cylinder diesel engine that was introduced in 1974 and replaced by the OM602 in 1989. It has a capacity of 3.0 litres, a power output of 79 to 148 hp, a torque of 101 to 170 lb-ft, and an indirect injection system.
The OM617 is a reliable Mercedes inline-5 diesel engine, as it has a simple and sturdy design, high-quality materials, and low maintenance requirements.
The OM617 is also known for its legendary durability, as it can run for hundreds of thousands of miles without major problems.
The OM617 is commonly found in vehicles such as the W123, W124, W126, W460, and W461. Some of the most popular variants of the OM617 are the OM617.910, OM617.912, OM617.951, and OM617.952.
The OM617.952 is the most powerful version of the OM617, with 148 hp and 170 lb-ft of torque.
The OM617 has few drawbacks or limitations, but some of them are:
- It is not as refined or quiet as some of the newer Mercedes diesel engines, such as the OM606 or the OM648
- It is prone to black smoke emissions, especially when the turbocharger or the injectors are faulty
- It may suffer from head gasket failures, oil pump failures, or glow plug failures
M104 (Reliable Mercedes Inline-6 Petrol Engine)
The M104 is a six-cylinder petrol engine that was introduced in 1989 and replaced by the M112 in 1997. It has a capacity of 2.8 to 3.6 liters, a power output of 190 to 279 hp, a torque of 199 to 284 lb-ft, and a fuel injection system.
The M104 is a reliable mercedes inline-6 petrol engine, as it has a balanced and efficient design, high-quality materials, and low maintenance requirements.
The M104 is also known for its smooth and quiet operation, as well as its decent fuel economy and emissions.
The M104 is commonly found in vehicles such as the W124, W129, W140, W202, and W210. Some of the most popular variants of the M104 are the M104.900, M104.980, M104.992, and M104.994.
The M104.994 is the most powerful version of the M104, with 279 hp and 284 lb-ft of torque.
The M104 has few drawbacks or limitations, but some of them are:
- It is not as powerful or responsive as some of the newer mercedes engines, such as the M113 or the M272
- It is prone to oil leaks from the valve covers, camshaft adjusters, and oil filter housing
- It may suffer from spark plug failures, ignition coil failures, or catalytic converter failures
The 3 Mercedes Engines to Avoid
Not all mercedes engines are reliable. Some engines have proven to be more problematic, costly, and frustrating than others, while some have been recalled or sued for their defects.
In this section, we’ll warn you about the 3 mercedes engines to avoid, based on their features, performance, and reliability.
We’ll also tell you why these engines are unreliable, and what benefits or advantages they have, if any.
M156 (Unreliable Mercedes AMG V8 Engine)
The M156 is a V8 petrol engine that was introduced in 2006 and replaced by the M157 in 2011. It has a capacity of 6.2 liters, a power output of 451 to 563 hp, a torque of 443 to 479 lb-ft, and a fuel injection system.
The M156 is one of the most unreliable mercedes AMG engines ever, as it has a flawed and faulty design, poor-quality materials, and high maintenance requirements.
The M156 is also known for its excessive oil consumption, high emissions, and loud noise.
The M156 is commonly found in vehicles such as the C63 AMG, E63 AMG, S63 AMG, SL63 AMG, and CLK63 AMG.
Some of the most popular variants of the M156 are the M156 E63, M156 E63 S, M156 S63, and M156 SLS. The M156 SLS is the most powerful version of the M156, with 563 hp and 479 lb-ft of torque.
The M156 has few benefits or advantages, but some of them are:
- It is one of the most powerful and responsive mercedes engines, with a high rev range and a natural aspiration
- It has a distinctive and aggressive sound, which some drivers may enjoy
M272 (Unreliable Mercedes V6 Engine)
The M272 is a V6 petrol engine that was introduced in 2004 and replaced by the M276 in 2011. It has a capacity of 2.5 to 3.5 liters, a power output of 201 to 268 hp, a torque of 181 to 258 lb-ft, and a fuel injection system.
The M272 is one of the most unreliable mercedes V6 engines ever, as it has a defective and problematic design, poor-quality materials, and high maintenance requirements.
The M272 is also known for its balance shaft failures, camshaft adjuster failures, and timing chain failures.
The M272 is commonly found in vehicles such as the C-Class, E-Class, S-Class, SLK-Class, CLK-Class, and ML-Class.
Some of the most popular variants of the M272 are the M272 E25, M272 E30, M272 E35, and M272 KE35. The M272 KE35 is the most powerful version of the M272, with 268 hp and 258 lb-ft of torque.
The M272 has few benefits or advantages, but some of them are:
- It is one of the most refined and quiet mercedes engines, with a smooth and steady operation
- It has a good fuel economy and emissions, compared to some of the older mercedes engines
M273 (Unreliable Mercedes V8 Engine)
The M273 is a V8 petrol engine that was introduced in 2006 and replaced by the M278 in 2011. It has a capacity of 4.6 to 5.5 liters, a power output of 268 to 382 hp, a torque of 288 to 391 lb-ft, and a fuel injection system.
The M273 is one of the most unreliable mercedes V8 engines ever, as it has a defective and problematic design, poor-quality materials, and high maintenance requirements.
The M273 is also known for its balance shaft failures, camshaft adjuster failures, and timing chain failures.
The M273 is commonly found in vehicles such as the E-Class, S-Class, SL-Class, CL-Class, and GL-Class. Some of the most popular variants of the M273 are the M273 E46, M273 E55, M273 E63, and M273 E65. The M273 E65 is the most powerful version of the M273, with 382 hp and 391 lb-ft of torque.
The M273 has few benefits or advantages, but some of them are:
- It is one of the most smooth and quiet mercedes engines, with a balanced and efficient operation
- It has a decent fuel economy and emissions, compared to some of the older mercedes engines
Conclusion
In this article, we’ve shown you the most reliable mercedes engine ever and the ones to avoid. We’ve covered the top 5 most reliable mercedes engines and the 3 to avoid, based on their features, performance, and reliability. We’ve also given you some tips and advice on how to choose, maintain, and enjoy a reliable mercedes engine.
We hope you’ve learned something new and useful from this article. Whether you’re a car owner, a car enthusiast, or a car buyer, you deserve to have a reliable mercedes engine that can serve you well for a long time. A reliable mercedes engine can make your driving experience more enjoyable, comfortable, and safe.
So, what are you waiting for? Go ahead and find your most reliable mercedes engine ever, or avoid the ones that can give you trouble. And don’t forget to share this article with your friends and family who might be interested in mercedes engines.
FAQ
How long do mercedes engines last?
Mercedes engines are designed to last for a long time, but their lifespan depends on many factors, such as the engine model, the vehicle model, the driving conditions, the maintenance schedule, and the usage habits. Generally speaking, a well-maintained mercedes engine can last for over 200,000 miles, or even 300,000 miles, without major problems. However, some mercedes engines may have shorter or longer lifespans, depending on their reliability and durability.
How often should I service my mercedes engine?
Mercedes engines require regular service and maintenance to keep them in optimal condition and performance. The service and maintenance schedule may vary depending on the engine model, the vehicle model, the driving conditions, and the usage habits. Generally speaking, you should service your mercedes engine every 10,000 miles, or every year, whichever comes first. However, some mercedes engines may require more or less frequent service and maintenance, depending on their features and specifications.
What are the signs of a bad mercedes engine?
Mercedes engines are usually reliable and efficient, but they may develop some problems or failures over time, especially if they are not properly maintained or used. Some of the signs of a bad mercedes engine are:
Excessive oil consumption or leakage
High emissions or black smoke
Loud or unusual noise or vibration
Loss of power or performance
Overheating or coolant leakage
Check engine light or warning messages
Difficulty in starting or running
If you notice any of these signs, you should take your mercedes engine to a qualified mechanic as soon as possible, to diagnose and fix the problem.
How much does it cost to repair a mercedes engine?
Mercedes engines are expensive to repair, as they require high-quality parts, tools, and labor. The cost of repairing a mercedes engine depends on many factors, such as the engine model, the vehicle model, the type and extent of the damage, the location and availability of the parts and service, and the warranty and insurance coverage. Generally speaking, repairing a mercedes engine can cost anywhere from $1,000 to $10,000, or even more, depending on the situation.
Which mercedes engine is the most powerful?
Mercedes engines are known for their power and performance, but some of them are more powerful than others, depending on their features and specifications. Generally speaking, the most powerful mercedes engine is the M279, which is a V12 petrol engine that has a capacity of 6.0 liters, a power output of 621 to 630 hp, a torque of 738 to 811 lb-ft, and a fuel injection system. The M279 is commonly found in vehicles such as the S65 AMG, SL65 AMG, and G65 AMG.
Which mercedes engine is the most fuel-efficient?
Mercedes engines are known for their fuel efficiency, but some of them are more fuel-efficient than others, depending on their features and specifications. Generally speaking, the most fuel-efficient mercedes engine is the OM654, which is a four-cylinder diesel engine that has a capacity of 2.0 liters, a power output of 161 to 241 hp, a torque of 266 to 369 lb-ft, and a direct injection system. The OM654 is commonly found in vehicles such as the E-Class, C-Class, and GLC-Class.
Which mercedes engine is the most environmentally friendly?
Mercedes engines are known for their environmental friendliness, but some of them are more environmentally friendly than others, depending on their features and specifications. Generally speaking, the most environmentally friendly mercedes engine is the M256, which is a six-cylinder petrol engine that has a capacity of 3.0 liters, a power output of 362 to 429 hp, a torque of 369 to 384 lb-ft, and a fuel injection system. The M256 is also equipped with a 48-volt mild hybrid system, which reduces fuel consumption and emissions. The M256 is commonly found in vehicles such as the E-Class, S-Class, and CLS-Class.
How can I improve the performance of my mercedes engine?
Mercedes engines are already high-performing, but you can improve their performance by following some tips and tricks, such as:
Keeping your mercedes engine clean and well-maintained
Using high-quality fuel, oil, and coolant
Replacing or upgrading the air filter, spark plugs, ignition coils, and catalytic converter
Installing a performance chip, a turbocharger, or a supercharger
Tuning or remapping the engine management system
Driving your mercedes engine smoothly and moderately
Where can I find more information about mercedes engines?
Mercedes engines are fascinating and complex, and you may want to learn more about them. Some of the sources where you can find more information about mercedes engines are:
The official mercedes website, where you can find the specifications and features of the current and past mercedes engines
The online mercedes forums, where you can interact with other mercedes owners and enthusiasts, and share your experiences and opinions about mercedes engines
The online mercedes blogs, where you can read articles and reviews about mercedes engines, written by experts and professionals
The online mercedes videos, where you can watch demonstrations and tutorials about mercedes engines, made by enthusiasts and mechanics
Thank you for reading this article. If you have any feedback or questions, please let us know in the comments section below. We’d love to hear from you.
