The Most Reliable Mercedes-Benz Engine, Ranked

Choose the engine you think is the most reliable!

Author: Gregor Krambs
Updated on May 2, 2024 06:55
When choosing a car, one of the primary concerns is the reliability of its engine. For those with an interest or intention of owning a Mercedes-Benz, figuring out which engine stands the test of time could be quite beneficial. Our list helps Mercedes-Benz enthusiasts and potential buyers pinpoint which engines deliver the most consistent performance and reliability. By casting your vote on the engines you believe are the most reliable, you contribute to a broader understanding and create a valuable reference for others. Your experiences and opinions help shape a comprehensive guide that assists everyone in making well-informed decisions regarding their vehicle choices.

What Is the Most Reliable Mercedes-Benz Engine?

  1. 1
    33
    votes

    Mercedes-Benz OM617

    Mercedes-Benz
    This engine is considered one of the most reliable engines ever made by Mercedes-Benz. It was produced from 1974 to 1985 and was used in the W116, W123, and W126 chassis. It is a five-cylinder diesel engine that is known for its durability and longevity.
    The Mercedes-Benz OM617 is a highly regarded diesel engine known for its reliability and longevity. It was introduced by Mercedes-Benz in 1974 and remained in production until 1985. The engine was primarily used in the W123 and W126 series vehicles.
    • Engine Type: Inline 5-cylinder diesel engine
    • Displacement: 3.0 liters
    • Compression Ratio: 21:1
    • Power Output: 80 to 125 horsepower
    • Torque: 157 to 184 lb-ft
    Mercedes-Benz OM617 in other rankings
  2. 2
    23
    votes

    Mercedes-Benz M103

    Mercedes-Benz
    This engine was produced from 1984 to 1997 and was used in a variety of Mercedes-Benz models. It is a six-cylinder engine that is known for its reliability and durability. It was also the first Mercedes-Benz engine to feature electronic fuel injection.
    The Mercedes-Benz M103 is a straight-six gasoline engine produced by Mercedes-Benz from 1984 to 1997. It belongs to the M-B Engine family and has gained a reputation for its reliability and durability.
    • Engine Type: Straight-six
    • Displacement: 2.6L, 2.8L, 3.0L
    • Valvetrain: SOHC, 12-valve
    • Power Output: 160-231 horsepower
    • Torque: 154-229 lb-ft
  3. 3
    20
    votes

    Mercedes-Benz M104

    Mercedes-Benz
    This engine was produced from 1989 to 1999 and was used in various Mercedes-Benz models. It is a six-cylinder engine that is known for its reliability and durability. It was also the first Mercedes-Benz engine to feature a twin-spark plug design.
    The Mercedes-Benz M104 is a straight-6 petrol engine produced by Mercedes-Benz from 1989 to 1999. It was part of the Mercedes-Benz M104 engine series and aimed to be a reliable and efficient powertrain option.
    • Configuration: Straight-6
    • Displacement: 2.8L, 3.0L, 3.2L
    • Power Output: 190-326 horsepower
    • Torque: 269-355 Nm
    • Fuel System: Electronic Fuel Injection (EFI)
    Mercedes-Benz M104 in other rankings
  4. 4
    17
    votes
    Mercedes-Benz M272
    Thilo Parg · CC BY-SA 3.0

    Mercedes-Benz M272

    Mercedes-Benz
    This engine was produced from 2004 to 2011 and was used in various Mercedes-Benz models. It is a V6 engine that is known for its reliability and durability. It also features variable valve timing and a balance shaft to reduce vibrations.
    The Mercedes-Benz M272 is a V6 engine that was introduced in 2004 and was widely used across various Mercedes-Benz vehicle models. It is renowned for its reliability and smooth performance.
    • Engine type: V6
    • Displacement: 2.5L - 3.5L
    • Valvetrain: DOHC
    • Fuel delivery: Direct injection
    • Power output: 190 hp - 302 hp
  5. 5
    12
    votes
    Mercedes-Benz M273
    160SX · CC BY-SA 3.0

    Mercedes-Benz M273

    Mercedes-Benz
    This engine was produced from 2005 to 2014 and was used in various Mercedes-Benz models. It is a V8 engine that is known for its reliability and durability. It also features variable valve timing and a balance shaft to reduce vibrations.
    The Mercedes-Benz M273 is a V8 petrol engine from Mercedes-Benz. It was introduced in 2005 and was in production until 2014. The M273 engine is considered one of the most reliable engines produced by Mercedes-Benz.
    • Engine type: V8
    • Displacement: 4.7L
    • Power output: 302-429 horsepower
    • Torque: 339-516 lb-ft
    • Valvetrain: DOHC with VVT
  6. 6
    8
    votes
    This engine was produced from 2007 to 2015 and was used in various Mercedes-Benz models. It is a naturally aspirated V8 engine that is known for its reliability and performance. It produces up to 518 horsepower and 465 lb-ft of torque.
    Mercedes-Benz M156 in other rankings
  7. 7
    12
    votes

    Mercedes-Benz M157

    Mercedes-AMG
    This engine was produced from 2010 to 2017 and was used in various Mercedes-Benz models. It is a twin-turbocharged V8 engine that is known for its reliability and performance. It produces up to 577 horsepower and 590 lb-ft of torque.
    The Mercedes-Benz M157 is a high-performance V8 engine developed by Mercedes-AMG.
    • Engine type: Twin-turbocharged V8
    • Displacement: 5.5 liters
    • Power output: up to 577 horsepower
    • Torque: up to 590 lb-ft
    • Compression ratio: 10:1
  8. 8
    9
    votes

    Mercedes-Benz M274

    Mercedes-Benz
    This engine was produced from 2011 to present and is used in various Mercedes-Benz models. It is a four-cylinder engine that is known for its reliability and efficiency. It features direct injection and variable valve timing.
    The Mercedes-Benz M274 engine is a four-cylinder, turbocharged gasoline engine commonly used in various Mercedes-Benz models. It was first introduced in 2011 and has gained a reputation for its reliability, performance, and efficiency.
    • Engine type: Inline-4, turbocharged gasoline engine
    • Displacement: 1.6L or 2.0L
    • Power output: Varies depending on specific model and tuning, ranging from 154 hp to 241 hp
    • Torque: Varies depending on specific model and tuning, ranging from 184 lb-ft to 273 lb-ft
    • Fuel efficiency: Varies depending on specific model and configuration, typically achieving good fuel economy
  9. 9
    13
    votes

    Mercedes-Benz M276

    Mercedes-AMG
    This engine was produced from 2010 to present and is used in various Mercedes-Benz models. It is a V6 engine that is known for its reliability and efficiency. It features direct injection and variable valve timing.
    The Mercedes-Benz M276 is a gasoline V6 engine that was first introduced in 2010. It is known for its reliability, performance, and fuel efficiency.
    • Displacement: 3.5 L (3498 cc)
    • Configuration: V6
    • Valvetrain: DOHC, 4 valves per cylinder
    • Power output: 306 hp (225 kW) to 435 hp (320 kW)
    • Torque: 370 Nm (273 lb-ft) to 529 Nm (391 lb-ft)
  10. 10
    6
    votes

    Mercedes-Benz M177

    Mercedes-AMG
    This engine was introduced in 2014 and is used in various Mercedes-AMG models. It is a twin-turbocharged V8 engine that is known for its reliability and performance. It produces up to 630 horsepower and 664 lb-ft of torque.
    The Mercedes-Benz M177 is a high-performance twin-turbocharged V8 engine produced by Mercedes-AMG. It is part of the brand's M176/M177/M178 engine family.
    • Engine Type: Twin-turbocharged V8
    • Displacement: 4.0L
    • Power Output: 469-630 horsepower
    • Torque: 479-664 lb-ft
    • Compression Ratio: 10.5:1

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Discussion

Ranking factors for reliable engine

  1. Engine design
    The design of the engine and its components play a crucial role in determining its reliability. Designs which have fewer mechanical and electrical components are usually more reliable.
  2. Age and mileage
    The age and mileage of an engine can greatly affect its reliability. As an engine gets older, it is more prone to wear and tear, which can affect its performance and reliability.
  3. Maintenance
    Regular maintenance can significantly improve the reliability of an engine. Proper maintenance, including routine oil changes and replacing worn-out parts, can increase the lifespan of the engine.
  4. Technical advancements and improvements
    Engines that are the result of technical advancements and improvements in manufacturing processes are usually more reliable.
  5. Power output
    High power output engines are often more prone to breakdowns, as they are subject to greater strain and stress.

About this ranking

This is a community-based ranking of the most reliable Mercedes-Benz engine. We do our best to provide fair voting, but it is not intended to be exhaustive. So if you notice something or engine is missing, feel free to help improve the ranking!

Statistics

  • 4498 views
  • 136 votes
  • 10 ranked items

Voting Rules

A participant may cast an up or down vote for each engine once every 24 hours. The rank of each engine is then calculated from the weighted sum of all up and down votes.

More information on most reliable mercedes-benz engine

Mercedes-Benz is a high-end luxury car brand that is renowned for its exceptional engineering and quality. When it comes to choosing the most reliable engine for a Mercedes, there are a few options that stand out. One of the most reliable engines for a Mercedes is the M272 V6 engine, which was used in various models between 2004 and 2010. This engine is known for its durability and longevity, and it is relatively easy to maintain. Another reliable engine option is the M113 V8 engine, which was used in various models between 1997 and 2012. This engine is known for its smooth performance and impressive power, while still being reliable and durable. Lastly, the OM642 V6 diesel engine is also a reliable option for Mercedes models that were produced between 2005 and 2018. This engine is known for its fuel efficiency and low emissions, while still providing plenty of power and performance. Overall, when it comes to choosing the most reliable Mercedes-Benz engine, it is important to consider factors such as performance, fuel efficiency, and durability. By selecting one of these top-rated engines, you can ensure that your Mercedes runs smoothly for years to come.

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