{"id":1457,"date":"2026-01-06T16:55:53","date_gmt":"2026-01-06T16:55:53","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/enginefinders.co.uk\/blog\/?p=1457"},"modified":"2026-01-06T17:03:16","modified_gmt":"2026-01-06T17:03:16","slug":"most-reliable-mercedes-benz-engines-to-buy-and-avoid","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/enginefinders.co.uk\/blog\/most-reliable-mercedes-benz-engines-to-buy-and-avoid\/","title":{"rendered":"20 Most Reliable Mercedes-Benz Engines Ever Made (And 20 You Should Avoid)"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

Mercedes-Benz has built a strong reputation for premium engineering, smooth performance, and long-lasting engines. Many of its power units are known to cover extremely high mileages with proper care, especially when maintained with high-quality Mercedes-Benz engine oil UK<\/strong>. These engines power everything from compact models such as Mercedes-Benz A-Class engines<\/strong><\/a> and CLA engines<\/strong>, to executive saloons like Mercedes-Benz C-Class engines<\/strong><\/a> and E-Class engines<\/strong>, all the way up to large vans such as Mercedes-Benz Sprinter engines<\/strong><\/a> and Vito engines<\/strong>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Interest in the brand continues to rise, especially with the growing demand for new Mercedes-Benz models in the UK<\/strong><\/a> and the upcoming Best Mercedes-Benz series 2025<\/strong><\/a>. Whether you’re buying a used Mercedes, searching for a used engine<\/strong>, or exploring reconditioned engine<\/strong> options through specialists like Engine Finders<\/strong>, knowing which engines are reliable and which ones cause trouble is essential.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Below you will find the top twenty most dependable Mercedes-Benz engines<\/a>, followed by twenty that are best avoided.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Comparison Table: 20 Best vs 20 Worst Mercedes Engines<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Most Reliable Mercedes Engines<\/td>Engines to Avoid<\/strong><\/td><\/tr>
M113 V8<\/td>M272 V6 (early years)<\/td><\/tr>
M112 V6<\/td>M273 V8 (early years)<\/td><\/tr>
OM617 Diesel<\/td>OM642 (early)<\/td><\/tr>
OM606 Diesel<\/td>M156 AMG (pre-update)<\/td><\/tr>
OM648 Diesel<\/td>M278 Biturbo V8<\/td><\/tr>
M104 Inline Six<\/td>M276 V6<\/td><\/tr>
M119 V8<\/td>M271 Kompressor<\/td><\/tr>
M156 AMG (updated)<\/td>M266 Turbo variants<\/td><\/tr>
M270\/M274 (updated)<\/td>Early M274<\/td><\/tr>
M178 AMG 4.0 Biturbo<\/td>OM651 (early years)<\/td><\/tr>
OM642 (revised)<\/td>Late M104 wiring issues<\/td><\/tr>
M103<\/td>M111 Supercharged<\/td><\/tr>
M102<\/td>Early emissions M102<\/td><\/tr>
OM651 (updated)<\/td>Early M264<\/td><\/tr>
M273 (updated)<\/td>M281<\/td><\/tr>
M264 (recent)<\/td>M282 1.3 Turbo<\/td><\/tr>
M137 V12<\/td>OM640 Diesel<\/td><\/tr>
M266<\/td>Emissions-heavy OM651<\/td><\/tr>
M254<\/td>M166 (early A-Class)<\/td><\/tr>
M256 Inline Six<\/td>Early M119 (bad wiring)<\/td><\/tr><\/tbody><\/table><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

The 20 Most Reliable Mercedes-Benz Engines<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
\"The
The 20 Most Reliable Mercedes-Benz Engines<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Here are the Mercedes engines most praised for long-term reliability, smooth performance, and minimal failure rates.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

1. M113 V8<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Well known for powering the CLS<\/strong>, S-Class<\/strong><\/a>, SL<\/strong>, and certain G-Class engines<\/strong>, the M113 is regarded as one of Mercedes\u2019 greatest achievements. It is durable, simple in design, and delivers impressive longevity when maintained with proper servicing.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

2. M112 V6<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Used widely in older C-Class<\/strong>, E-Class<\/strong>, CLK<\/strong><\/a>, and SLK engines<\/strong><\/a>, the M112 is a dependable six-cylinder unit known for smooth operation and low running costs.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

3. OM617 Diesel<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

This engine earned a legendary reputation for its million-mile potential. Seen in older G-Class<\/strong> and E-Class<\/strong> models, it remains one of the toughest diesel engines ever built.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

4. OM606 Diesel<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Another icon among diesel engines. It is highly sought after for conversions and performs brilliantly in heavy vehicles, including older Vito engines<\/strong><\/a> and Viano engines<\/strong><\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

5. OM648 Diesel<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Well loved in early-2000s E-Class<\/strong> models<\/a>, this inline-six diesel delivers excellent refinement and strong long-term reliability.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

6. M104 Inline Six<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Known for its smooth power delivery and strong build. Found in older C-Class<\/strong>, E-Class<\/strong>, and SL engines<\/strong>.<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n

7. M119 V8<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

A durable, high-performance V8 found in older luxury models such as the S-Class<\/strong> and SL<\/strong>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

8. M156 AMG V8 (updated version)<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Once the head bolt and valve train issues were corrected, the M156 became one of AMG\u2019s most reliable engines<\/a>. It appears in SLS AMG engines<\/strong><\/a>, C-Class AMG<\/strong>, and various E-Class AMG<\/strong> models.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

9. M270 \/ M274 (later revisions)<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

These engines power A-Class<\/strong>, B-Class<\/strong>, CLA<\/strong>, and GLA-Class engines<\/strong><\/a>. The updated versions resolved early timing problems.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

10. M178 AMG 4.0 Biturbo<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

This engine is the heart of the Mercedes-Benz AMG GT engines<\/strong><\/a>. It combines incredible performance with excellent reliability.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

11. OM642 Diesel (revised version)<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

A popular diesel option in ML-Class engines<\/strong>, GL-Class<\/strong><\/a>, GLS engines<\/strong><\/a>, R-Class<\/strong><\/a>, and Sprinter engines<\/strong>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

12. M103 Inline Six<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

A durable, simple engine used in classic Mercedes saloons and coupes.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

13. M102 Inline Four<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Straightforward, reliable, and found in many earlier compact models.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

14. OM651 Diesel (updated)<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

An improved design that powers vehicles like the Citan engines<\/strong>, V-Class engines<\/strong>, and GLA-Class<\/strong>. The updated model is far better than its early version.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

15. M273 V8 (updated balance shaft)<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Reliable, smooth, and strong once the balance shaft issue was resolved. Found in S-Class<\/strong>, CLS<\/strong>, and E-Class engines<\/strong><\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

16. M264 Turbo Four<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

A newer and more efficient petrol engine used in the latest C-Class<\/strong><\/a>, GLA<\/strong>, CLA<\/strong>, and GLC-Class engines<\/strong>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

17. M137 V12<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

A robust V12 that performs well when cared for, usually seen in older flagship saloons.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

18. M266 Inline Four<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

A solid engine used in first-generation A-Class<\/strong> and B-Class<\/strong> models.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

19. M254 Mild Hybrid<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

This new-generation engine shows excellent early reliability, with smooth hybrid integration.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

20. M256 Inline Six<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Found in modern S-Class<\/strong>, GLS<\/strong>, and GLE engines<\/strong><\/a>, this inline-six combines luxury refinement with strong dependability.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

20 Mercedes-Benz Engines To Avoid<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

These engines are known for design flaws, high repair bills, or early failures.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

1. M272 V6 (early years)<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Early versions suffer from balance shaft failures. Common in older C-Class<\/strong>, E-Class<\/strong>, and CLS engines<\/strong>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

2. M273 V8 (early years)<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Timing issues and balance shaft problems make this V8 risky.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

3. OM642 (early models)<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Swirl flap and oil cooler leaks were common before the redesign.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

4. M156 AMG (pre-update)<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Head bolt faults and valve train failures plagued early versions.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

5. M278 Biturbo V8<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Heat-related problems and oil leaks make this engine expensive to maintain.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

6. M276 V6<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Often found in GLC-Class engines<\/strong><\/a>, C-Class<\/strong>, and E-Class<\/strong>, this V6 suffers from timing chain stretch and carbon build-up.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

7. M271 Kompressor<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Timing chain tensioner failure is a common and costly issue.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

8. M266 Turbo Variants<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Turbocharged versions run hot and are less reliable than their standard counterparts.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

9. Early M274 Turbo<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Oil consumption and timing issues are common in the first production years.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

10. OM651 Early<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Early versions suffered from injector failures and timing problems.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

11. Late M104 with biodegradable wiring<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

The wiring harness deteriorates, leading to unpredictable electrical faults.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

12. M111 Supercharged<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Supercharger clutch wear and bearing problems appear early.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

13. Early emissions-era M102<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Weak timing components cause reliability issues.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

14. Early M264<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Cooling and sensor issues affect early production models.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

15. M281<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

This engine suffers from oil usage and limited durability.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

16. M282 1.3 Turbo (Renault-based)<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Frequently criticised for poor long-term reliability.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

17. OM640 Diesel<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Injector and turbocharger problems are common.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

18. Emissions-heavy OM651<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Overloaded with emissions systems that often fail.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

19. M166 (early A-Class)<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Subframe design flaws affect engine mounting stability.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

20. Early M119 with faulty wiring<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

The early biodegradable wiring causes long-term problems, despite the engine\u2019s strong core design.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

How to Pick a Reliable Mercedes Engine<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
\"How
How to Pick a Reliable Mercedes Engine<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Choosing the right engine matters whether you’re buying a complete car or replacing a unit with a used engine<\/strong><\/a>, reconditioned engine<\/strong>, or OEM car engine<\/strong><\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

1. Always check the service history<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Full records matter more than mileage, especially for S-Class<\/strong>, GLE<\/strong>, GLC<\/strong>, and C-Class<\/strong> engines.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

2. Look for proof of timing chain replacements<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Some engines have known timing problems and require early intervention.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

3. Avoid engines with heavy oil leaks<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Always use the correct Mercedes-Benz engine oil UK<\/strong><\/a> to protect longevity.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

4. Listen for unusual engine noise<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

A healthy Mercedes engine should run smoothly and quietly.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

5. Inspect the cooling system<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Overheating shortens engine life dramatically.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

6. Get a Quote<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Before replacing your engine, always get a quote<\/strong><\/a> from trusted suppliers like Engine Finders<\/strong><\/a>, who offer reliable used engines<\/strong> and reconditioned engines<\/strong> at competitive prices.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Conclusion<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Mercedes-Benz has built some of the most reliable engines the world has ever seen. Many appear in popular UK models such as the G-Class engines<\/strong><\/a>, GLA-Class<\/strong>, GLC-Class<\/strong>, E-Class<\/strong>, C-Class<\/strong>, and S-Class<\/strong>. These dependable engines can deliver hundreds of thousands of miles when properly maintained.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

At the same time, some engines are best avoided due to design flaws or expensive long-term problems. Knowing the difference helps you choose the right Mercedes, whether you\u2019re buying a car or replacing an engine.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

FAQs <\/h2>\n\n\n\n

1. What is the most reliable Mercedes engine ever made?<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

The M113 V8 is widely regarded as the most reliable Mercedes-Benz engine<\/a>, known for exceptional longevity and minimal failures.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

2. Which Mercedes engines should I avoid when buying used?<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Avoid early M272 and M273 engines due to balance shaft issues, and early OM651 and OM642 diesels due to injector and swirl flap problems.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

3. Are Mercedes diesel engines reliable in the UK?<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Yes, engines like the OM617, OM606, and OM648 are known for exceptional durability and handle UK driving conditions well.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

4. What Mercedes engine lasts the longest?<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

The OM617 diesel is famous for reaching over 500,000 miles, and many survive over a million miles with proper maintenance.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

5. Which Mercedes engine is best for motorway driving?<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

The OM648 diesel and M256 inline-six are both excellent for long-distance cruising thanks to strong torque and fuel efficiency.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

6. Are reconditioned Mercedes engines worth buying?<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

A high-quality reconditioned engine<\/strong> from a trusted supplier is a smart choice and can be more reliable than a high-mileage used engine.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

7. What oil should I use for Mercedes engines in the UK?<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Use approved Mercedes-Benz engine oil UK<\/strong>, typically 5W-30 or 5W-40, depending on the engine and climate. Always follow the handbook.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

8. Do Mercedes timing chains last a long time?<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Some engines have lifetime chains, but others like early M274, M276, and M271 require earlier inspection or replacement.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

9. Which Mercedes engine is best for towing?<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

The OM642 diesel and M256 inline-six are excellent towing engines with plenty of torque.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

10. Where can I get a replacement Mercedes engine in the UK?<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

You can get a quote<\/strong> from suppliers like Engine Finders<\/strong>, who offer used engines<\/strong>, reconditioned engines<\/strong><\/a>, and low-mileage imports for all Mercedes models.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

Mercedes-Benz has built a strong reputation for premium engineering, smooth performance, and long-lasting engines. Many of its power units are known to cover extremely high mileages with proper care, especially when maintained with high-quality Mercedes-Benz engine oil UK. These engines power everything from compact models such as Mercedes-Benz A-Class engines and CLA engines, to executive […]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":4,"featured_media":1458,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"om_disable_all_campaigns":false,"_monsterinsights_skip_tracking":false,"_monsterinsights_sitenote_active":false,"_monsterinsights_sitenote_note":"","_monsterinsights_sitenote_category":0,"footnotes":""},"categories":[32,22,34,1],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-1457","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-buying-guides","category-engine-care","category-engine-replacement-guides","category-uncategorized"],"yoast_head":"\n20 Most Reliable Mercedes-Benz Engines Ever Made (And 20 to Avoid)<\/title>\n<meta name=\"description\" content=\"Discover the 20 most reliable Mercedes-Benz engines ever made, plus 20 engines you should avoid. 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