The End of the Mercedes Benz Diesel

Mercedes discontinued the diesel engine for passenger vehicles in 2017 for the US market. I review the last 3 generations of the legendary Mercedes Diesel!
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[@rage_against_the_light]

Agreed on the OM648, my daily driver 2006 has 320k miles and counting. Aside from regular maintenance, it really needs nothing.

[@us1fedvet]

It’s a real shame. Owned a 07 E and it was a tremendous car. Sadly the transmission spilled its guts at 200k and replacement repair was more than value of car. Now have a 2015 E and attest to its reliability and phenomenal economy. Mercedes did the bulletproof emissions mod by recall. Car performs very well on highway. Consistent 42 -45 mpg with one experience of 49.5 mpg from Missoula MT to Sparta WI, over 1500 miles at 70-75 mph.

[@MBDieselFreak]

Om651 owners are all in pretty universal agreement on reliability of that engine, I hope it stands the test of time as the older diesels. Any idea what failed on the 722.9 transmission in your 07 e class? Those transmissions are usually pretty bulletproof

[@DavidDarrow]

Feeling pretty good about my near mint 120k mile '05 E320cdi!

[@mechanicdudevlog8788]

Man best benz ever. Im the second owner of a w211 cdi. Only has 119,000 miles.

[@jouniranta-puska4699]

Considering a used Mercedes and trying to educate myself on these engines, this was a very valuable video for me. Thanks!

[@papajsayajin3287]

450k km runs like new om648 💪

[@mike82y]

same mine 2003 300k, still runs 240km/h autobahn

[@LuckyChow]

Just want to add that the 651 was also installed in the 2015 ML250's. I've got one that's a cream puff. I really like that car. My regens are occurring on average at 635 miles.

[@leodavis7524]

Have a 2008 GL 320 am doing regular maintenance and changing oil every 3000 miles. Had 101000 miles when purchased in 2018, currently has 174000 miles ….so far it’s been an excellent vehicle 😊

[@BeADad2447]

Was looking at VW TDI NOW IM LOOKING FOR A 648! GREAT VIDEO

[@GeorgeKistler]

Both of the OM642's I had needed timing chains - I had a 2011 w212 and a 2012 x164. The chains show up as long crank and abnormal amounts of clatter on start. I have had 2 2006 w211's CDIs and agree with the OM648 being dead reliable and the most fun powertrain out there. The bigger difference in drivability across the generations IMO was the trans - the 722.6 is the right gearbox for these engines, the 8 speed auto totally destroys the driving experience and makes you feel like your are mushing around a well equipped Camry. My channel has some well viewed videos on my projects to the MB diesels as well. I have been looking for an honest assessment of the OM651 as I may soon have need for a commuter vehicle, so I really appreciate this video, and your content in general.

[@MBDieselFreak]

I wonder what causes the stretch on the 642, just a bad chain from the factory? I've heard very few stories of the 642 needing a timing chain, it surprises me you had TWO vehicles needing it, that's crazy. Both my 08 ML320 and 06 E320 are over 200k on the original chain, and neither are showing signs of stretches chains.

[@jetttskiman]

The chain fails because the factory recommended oils don’t have enough zinc (ZDDP) in the oil. Zinc prevents the chain from stretching. Good oil needs at least 1600 ppm of zinc to protect the chain. The chain also stretches beyond its wear limit from excessive soot in the oil. 5,000 mile oil changes & better oil filtration reduces the soot in the oil.@@MBDieselFreak

[@LuckyChow]

I can answer that. It is a combination of three things. Indirectly it is the oil that MB uses. It is not a diesel rated oil --- it is Mobil 1 5w30. It does not have a "C" rating, so the soot builds up and wears the chain out prematurely. That oil was chosen to help increase MB's overall fuel mileage ratings to offset some of their really bad mpg performance cars. It was not chosen because it's the best oil for the engine. The other problem that contributes to the soot is that the PCV device on that engine wears out at about 35K miles and needs to be replaced. Lastly, it is MB's recommended mileage for an oil change. Change your oil at 5,000 miles and you will better control the amount of soot in it. If you will use Amsoil Signature Series 15w40 diesel oil and do the other two things I mentioned you will not have a problem with timing chains.

[@MBDieselFreak]

@LuckyChow the oil is also formulated to prevent fouling of the DPF and SCR systems, so it's important to use the correct spec oil. My om648 with 500k miles has had the same MB recommended oil as the bluetec's the majority of its life and is showing no signs of failure. I think like with any high stress engine, making sure the engine oil stays clean is crucial, and for the om651 being a higher output higher stress engine, it SHOULD have 5k-7k mile oil changes. Purchase the kits from FCP euro and you've got $30(return shipping) oil changes for life.

[@Innova_1979]

I do not own a MB Diesel, but will be tuned in to learn. Thanks for making and uploading.

[@drwatson1234]

wow. such nostalgia. my first car as a kid was an 80s w123 240d 4 speed. now I have a vw TDI

[@Nyck461]

My first Mercedes was also a 240 D automatic transmission. At that time ;1995 Diesel was $ .89 per gallon. Before this one I had a 1980 WV Rabit Diesel.

[@steliofrasco3455]

Great insight, thankyou. I have a 2014 ml 350d blutec with 105,000 miles and loving it .

[@peterss3868]

thanks to you and some other folks on youtube I successfully changed the seals on my om642. I got W211 from 2006 with OM642 in 4matic, but I am from EU. Take care.

[@evinchester7820]

Own a 2006 E320 CDI. If is set the cruise control at 57 MPH, I actually get 57.5 miles per gallon. If I set it to 80 MPH, I average about 40 miles per gallon. Piety they are not making them for the USA any more. Was told by the dealer that it would be a special order if I did. It is a great care.

[@IgnoreSolutions]

The dealer can special order a diesel for you?

[@millcreeksystemsinc5401]

Have OM648 with 200k. Agree it is very reliable, fuel efficient (30 mpg combined for E320) and performant, but don't forget to mention the dreaded "CDI Black Death". Have had to resurface cyl head for several injectors which were leaking and building up a black glossy substance on the cylinder head.

[@MBDieselFreak]

True, but there are ways to get the injectors unstuck using heat and carb cleaner. The head does not need to be removed to be resurfaced, you can buy injector seat reaming tools to clean up the injector sealing surface. its not too big of a job.

[@seer7327]

Black Death should never become an issue if you watch out for it. I leave off my engine cover and I have the hood popped most of the time (garaged- have mice that can get in and opening up the hood discourages their wanting to build nests in the engine compartment). When a leaking seal is caught and dealt with w/o waiting there is zero reason for the seat to be needing re-cut (not sure why your engine's head was pulled[?]).

[@aircommuter]

The OM642 is known for stuck oil rings, they can easily burn a liter per 300 miles.

[@Marc_lux]

The OM642 was originally made for military purposes in Europe. Without emissions equipment it's a tank. But the later OM642.852 are quite reliable too. If you got an SCR one, add some add blue cleaning/ anto cristalization additive into the add blue tank.

[@brettnewman5230]

This was great! I daily a s210 with m112 and I’ve been looking for a w211 with om648 for a while but the right car for me hasn’t materialized. I’ve been considering the om642 and om651 in the 211 or 212 chassis as an alternative so this is helpful. Thanks for this content.

[@hedydd2]

The GLS and GLE diesels are still being built in considerable numbers in the USA for export to Europe and Anzac. Emissions or not, the latest current engines are reliable by any standard despite common rail, EGR, DPF and Adblue systems. They are also the most economical on fuel yet and that is even more enhanced by coupling to their mild hybrid electric motors.

[@hassanamghar3031]

I recently bought a w211 320cdi from 2008 dealer maintained, irst owner with only 73k miles on it :)

[@bigfaza]

hey! thanks for all of your great videos. They do help a DIY such as myself a ton! I am currently having an issue with my e320. I signed up to your patreon and messaged you there. Hope to chat soon. Thanks!

[@Nyck461]

I have a 2008 E320 Bluetec, OM 642 W211. It is really a good car and as said, repairing the oil cooler seals is a major job. I paid for a Mercedes mechanic to do this job and it took him 14 hs of labor. The kit has 25 seals because all seals from turbo and exhaust system also need to be replaced when re assembling. About the DPF (diesel particulate filter) in 2020 the dealer asked $2900.00 for the filter alone. Other than that, it is a reliable and comfortable car. Mine has now 153 K miles

[@huankephart1410]

Hello, love the content. Is it true when replacing new injectors on the OM 648, they need to be programmed to the ECU?

[@mrtickles5982]

About the OM642 turbo oil intake issue: as preventive maintenance the local dealer mechanics put a piece of plastic bottle under the plenum, so that potential oil will drip past the swirl flap motor!

[@user-ke6dg4yf1x]

Front control arms and ABS sensors on rear axles have been my issue on the GLK. Major corrosion within the rear parking brake drum area in the rear. Overall excellent though.

[@sprinterfix]

I love the channel. spot on with great advice. adblue was added in 2010. om642 retired in 2022.

[@rcastilloschmidt]

Hi! Congrats on your content, and mainly all your knowledge!! I've a 2014 ML350 with the OM642, that needs an engine rebuild. Would you suggest that is better putting oversize 0,50 mm pistons, or boring and sleeving? Unfortunately im to make that decision because of the cost and time of sourcing and buying the pistons where I live. Thanks in advance for you time!

[@Stmarkko]

With 250k miles OM642 had timing chain issue with no start condition during cranking, timing was off 9 degrees. Oil cooler seals @60k miles that is it outside regular scheduled maintenance. Great engine 320k miles now

[@nobenznofun9139]

I want an engine that makes good power, gets great mileage and lasts forever. Here you go! A Mercedes Diesel! You got your facts a bit wrong though. There is a succesor to both of these engines, the OM 654 and 656 respectively an inline 4 and 6. These are unfortunately not as stout and reliable as their Diesels of the past. Turbochargers failing and problems with sensors for the emission equipment are super common. Plus if something goes wrong they are really difficult to work on. Also om 642 and 651 without SCR catalyst were still available up to 2014. Otherwise a great Video man and good to see new diesel content after such a long time

[@MBDieselFreak]

I'm only covering Mercedes passenger cars in the US, and the om654 was never used in passenger cars in the US.

[@psnps4831]

Love your videos. Recently started learning how to work on my om646 c with 230k miles. However its getting hard to keep due to hard staring/long cranking on first start of the day, once its warm it start right up. I changed injector seals recently due to bad black death which helped intially but now its reverted to how it was. I know it may be fuel system related but don't know where to start also using you videos to get courage to do glow plugs too. Any advice would be appreciated

[@jetttskiman]

I sold my 05 CDI to my nephew a couple months ago and bought a 2013 E350 Bluetec with 87K. I know its not as reliable as the CDI but it is still awesome. The emissions update had just been done on it so the 4-48 warranty just started so which gives me piece of mind for a while. Timing chain is shot already(rattle at startup) and I'm in talks with the dealer to get it replaced under warranty. All the emissions crap they have to put on pretty much wreck the modern diesels. 5k oil changes and 2.5k oil filter changes and catch tank will help a little.

[@MBDieselFreak]

That's an OM642 correct? the V6? Have the dealer check to see if the loose chain is related to a bad tensioner rather than a stretched chain.

[@FMJ777]

I have the om651 in my 2017 Infiniti Q30S (UK). Having issues with Inlet(Intake) manifold which will have to be replaced soon

[@miguelortega7799]

Cool vid I own 2 05 E320 cdi and one 2010 ml350 diesel. Have you seen pil consumption issue on the v6 diesel?

[@MBDieselFreak]

Not consumption, but leakage. I'm getting leakage around the valve covers that amounts to a little less than a quart between oil changes. I've just not gotten around to fixing that.

[@leroyjohnson4973]

You spot on the reliability of the OM 648 engine, I use to have a 2005 E320 CDI, that car engine and performance was soooooo perfect until the SBC gave up on me.

[@youtoobe169]

The SBC should still be under warranty

[@Nikola_W211]

300.000kms on my mercedes w211 e320cdi 2007 om642 it has the dpf abd egr deleted very reliable only issue i had was the oil cooler seals.

[@karlwatson45]

Still some modern Merc diesel engines are still in production and available .But because you Americans don't buy them you lose them.

[@MBDieselFreak]

I think it was the VW emissions scandal in 2015 that pushed MB over the edge to stop selling diesels here. I agree though, I've always wondered why diesel passenger cars never caught on here. Diesel pickup trucks are SUPER popular in the US, but for whatever reason, new car buyers wouldn't touch diesels with a 10 foot pole.

[@karlwatson45]

@@MBDieselFreak I've thought the same many times. The US is a huge country and everyone drives cars long distances. Diesel engine cars are perfect for it but I guess it's because in Europe fuel has always been more expensive, so people tend to choose diesel over gas for the extra mpg. Whereas a big V8 in the US isn't that expensive to run. Modern diesels drive so refined it's hard to tell it's even a diesel and not gas. Still love my OM648 though 😉

[@seer7327]

I think that there's a small chance that they may turn back. Diesel hybrid is pretty much the way to go. Some folks in Canada have built a diesel-electric semi "hybrid" and it's using a 3.6L CAT engine (newer CAT engine). With improvements in tech in getting these diesels reduced in size (and maintaining good power) it seems like a great way to go- and if not for cars then for light duty trucks.

[@tonydiesel3444]

Cdi 648 800k

[@mike82y]

crazy

[@dariodjakovic1600]

800k km?

[@tonydiesel3444]

USA miles

[@pfoxhound]

Mine 648 still has some ECU problems (cracked pcb or soldering).

[@tafadzwamazire1128]

Om606 was the ultimate diesel mate

[@bencesuru6154]

I Love the OM648 with all my heart, but i wouldn’t give my OM606 for anything.

[@MBDieselFreak]

Why the 606 over the 648? It's an improvement over the 606 in every way

[@naftab123]

is there a certain mileage range that the oil cooler seals tend to go at? ASking about the V6 the only other item is the conductor plate (speed sensor) that goes if the trans oil is not changed, Merceses originally sold it as a closed for life, and later changed this advice.

[@doe8939]

Mine went at 265k miles

[@brendendas]

Mine went at somewhere around 80-100k. I ended up getting it fixed at 100k.

[@MBDieselFreak]

It's most likely leaking before 100k. That issue was discovered less than 5 years after that engine first came out. You'd notice engine oil draining on the inside of the transmission bell housing. The conductor plate transmission issue was only an issue for early 722.6 transmissions, up to the late 90's.

[@olebuick136]

I just love to drive my OM629 E-class every day… “Twin Turbo Diesel V8”

[@windowsdown3684]

HELP! Om648 swirl flap mod - how on earth do I get to the connector to do the resister mod, I’m looking at it from the top through the intake but can’t figure out how to reach it let alone pull it to a place I could install the resister. Pls help !

[@seer7327]

The electrical connector for the swirl flap motor is on top of the intake manifold around the EGR valve area. The swirl flap motor is underneath and difficult to get to, but not the electrical connector.

[@milkovic07]

I have a om646 which was the last real 4 cylinder mercedes diesel - I haven’t seen a om646 that had any major issues before 600k+ km. The only downside of the om646 we’re the delphi injectors which were good but not as good as the bosch injectors on the 320 648 and 642 engines. The om651 is nowhere near as reliable as the 646. It has siemens injectors which are a lot more expensive to repair, they have tiny timing chains which always start to rattle and need to be replaced and the engines tend to go bad in sprinters around 200k km. Also the 651 crankshaft needs to be replaced around 400k km. Mind you this doesn’t mean this engine is bad but it’s nowhere near the old mercedes diesels.

[@tonydiesel3444]

Are there a V6 diesel models are for sale all day long with a hole in the block after they threw a rod

[@Nikola_W211]

I have a mercedes sprinter 2004 with the om611 2.2cdi came from the factory without a egr and cat here in europe.

[@jjolleta]

How can I be sure of wich engine is wich if I go looking for one ? Where do I have to look ?

[@MBDieselFreak]

For US spec cars: 05 & 06 E320 is the om648, 07 - present 320 or 350 bluetec's are the om642's, and 2012+ 250 bluetec's are the om651. European models vary by years a little bit but the same general rule of thumb applies.

[@jjolleta]

Thanks for the info !!!!@@MBDieselFreak

[@AP_Autobahn]

I was wondering why you stopped doing Mercedes content years ago haha

[@MBDieselFreak]

Not much to do! Haven't done anything but conventional maintenance on any of these cars for the last few years.

[@hifibloke]

2.7 R5 no dpf 😊

[@LOLOLOLOLOLOLOLOLing]

How does the OM648 compare to the BMW M57 diesel engine?

[@leroyjohnson4973]

I have owned both, OM 648 is more reliable and economical than the diesel guzzling and unreliable but more powerful M 57

[@LOLOLOLOLOLOLOLOLing]

@@leroyjohnson4973 Interesting but good to know. I have a w211 with the OM648, however I don't love the body style. I've considered moving to the BMW, but I wasn't aware it had reliability issues. What was unreliable about the engine?

[@leroyjohnson4973]

@@LOLOLOLOLOLOLOLOLing carbon and soot deposit everywhere inside those engines that significantly hinders performance, throttle body, egr, intake pipes just everywhere, those engines just can't keep themselves clean on the inside....my experience came from a 2011 X5 35d

[@AP_Autobahn]

There equal in reliability in my opinion just need to remove emissions from the M57 and beware of timing chain replacement needed at around 200k-250k miles

[@You-can-fix-it]

There is NO vacuum operated water pumps on any of those engines that you are showing, they all belt driven water pumps. I know, as i repaired all of those engines on my own vehicles , as i had and still have some of them today. The best one to work on , so far on my W212 is OM651 engine , city or Hwy fuel economy owesome , but little underpowered as it is only 2.1 liter engine ( be aware this engine is too weak for Sprinters to haul any load more than 1000lbs). If you are planning to pull trailer behind, then obviously you better have V6 OM642, especially on Sprinters. One of the best engines on Mercedes sedans for going through the mountains and when passing and need fast response will be OM648 , as that inrow 3.2 liter engine can impress you with torque and fuel economy, but it is smelly diesel engine type no matter how good it is, and only Rear wheel drive. Plus pulling out seized injectors on OM648 it is another story...

[@MBDieselFreak]

US om651's had an option code for a variable water pump, and from what I've heard the pump uses vacuum to adjust output.

[@You-can-fix-it]

@MBDieselFreak I have 2015 model and I replaced water pump, it is regular water pump. This OM651 engine has extra electric accessory water pump as on other Mercedes models, just to circulate coolant for faster heat in the cabin, but nothing is vacuum operated on water pumps there on OM651 , at least I never seen one yet . OM651 OEM water pump housing is made of plastic housing and they are weak, so factory realized that and came up with metal housing waterpump after and that can be purchased from a dealer.

[@MBDieselFreak]

@@You-can-fix-it there are two different water pumps for the om651, one is variable and one is not variable. The variable pn 651200770180 has a vacuum line connection. There are a few forum posts out there as well referencing coolant in the vacuum lines due to water pump failure.

[@You-can-fix-it]

@MBDieselFreak Maybe in Europe, as OM651 cane with a single turbo on the beginning in Europe, later on they had same twin turbo as we got here in USA. I never seen vacuum lines on US OM651 engines yet

[@You-can-fix-it]

When you look at that part # that you wrote, and when you look at the picture of that waterpump, you will see looks like a vaccuum pump fitting for a hose on the bottom, it is for draining coolant when pump fail..

[@ichvox]

I've watched one KZbin channel and it said that 4 cylinder engine is the worst Mercedes ever made and the engine was apart and they were explaining why

[@MBDieselFreak]

Be careful they weren't talking about the om654. The 654 was the i4 successor of the 651, and has a worse reputation.

[@ichvox]

@@MBDieselFreak great content you have keep doing it. I have 07 e320 CDI an have to deal with transmission gets in limp mode gives turbine speed sensor code on valve body

[@ztech6596]

The new modular generation of MB diesels (inline 4 and 6) is much less reliable than OM651, from what I have seen online. I hope they at least don't turn out to be a complete disaster like BMW N57...

[@MBDieselFreak]

What's the number for those engines? Are these engines you're referring to ment to replace the om651 in sprinters?

[@ztech6596]

OM656 is inline 6 version and (I think) OM654 is inline 4. Don't know about sprinters, but they are in all the sedans (C, E, S class) for a while. They have electric turbo, mild hybrid and what-not.@@MBDieselFreak

[@peterss3868]

you miss inline 6

[@MBDieselFreak]

I love the new i4, but I do miss the simplicity of the exhaust on the i6 lmao

[@doe8939]

280K miles on my w211 om642, a car I want to keep forever but its has a few expensive repairs recently

[@MBDieselFreak]

What the most expensive repairs you've had to do on that thing?

[@doe8939]

Other than the dpf replacemment. Oil filter housing an vacuum pump leaks went unnoticed for a long time and ruined the belt, and tensioner. Currently it is smoking from the V or under the fuel filter and multiple shops have not been able to find it. It’s not the pcv or inlet seal

[@gallagherneylon6966]

😆 Promo>SM

[@nikitaden87]

om648 also in w220

[@robertturnbull2903]

I have a 2006 e320 cdi ive owned fir a year and have driven it over 20k miles and its been great. I see why they were only imported for 2 years. Ive only had a couple issues both crank and cam position sensors need replaced also the cam sensor harness plug was brittle had to replace. I love the car.