The Most Reliable Mercedes Engine, Ranked

Voting rules: Choose the engine you think is the most reliable!

Updated on May 1, 2024 06:56

When choosing a Mercedes, the engine is the heart of your driving experience. Reliability is key, ensuring smooth highways cruises and hassle-free city maneuvers alike. Knowing which engines stand the test of time can make the difference in your long-term satisfaction with your vehicle. This dynamic list reflects real-world experiences and opinions from drivers like you. By voting on your experiences, you help shape a clearer picture for future owners. Whether you’re contributing knowledge or seeking it, your input is invaluable in pinpointing which Mercedes engines deliver consistent, dependable performance.

What Is the Most Reliable Mercedes Engine?

1

46
votes
OM617

This 3.0-liter, five-cylinder diesel engine was produced from 1974 to 1985 and is considered one of the most reliable Mercedes engines ever made. It was used in the W123 and W126 models, and has a reputation for being virtually indestructible. It was known for its longevity and fuel efficiency.
The OM617 is a renowned diesel engine designed and produced by Mercedes-Benz.

Engine Type: Inline 5-cylinder

Displacement: 3.0 liters

Fuel Type: Diesel

Fuel Injection: Mechanical indirect injection

Aspiration: Naturally aspirated or Turbocharged
2

23
votes
M113

This 5.0-liter V8 engine was used in a variety of Mercedes models from 1997 to 2012. It was known for its smooth power delivery and reliability, and is often cited as one of the best V8 engines ever made.
The M113 is a highly regarded and reliable V8 engine developed by Mercedes-Benz. It is a naturally aspirated engine and has earned a reputation for its performance and durability.

Engine type: V8

Displacement: 4.3-5.5 liters

Valvetrain: SOHC 3 valves per cylinder

Power output: 275-507 horsepower

Torque: 295-531 lb-ft
3

21
votes
M104

This 3.0-liter inline-six engine was produced from 1989 to 1997 and was used in a variety of Mercedes models. It was known for its balance between power and fuel efficiency, and is still a popular choice for enthusiasts today.
The M104 is a straight-six gasoline engine developed by Mercedes-Benz. It was produced between 1989 and 1999 for various Mercedes-Benz models.

Engine type: Inline-six

Displacement: 2.8L, 3.0L, 3.2L

Valvetrain: DOHC, 24 valves

Fuel system: Sequential electronic fuel injection

Maximum power: 190-280 hp
4

13
votes
M272/M273

These V6 and V8 engines were used in a variety of Mercedes models from 2004 to 2011. They were known for their smooth power delivery and reliability, and were some of the first engines to use direct fuel injection.
The M272/M273 is a series of V6 and V8 gasoline engines produced by Mercedes-Benz. These engines were introduced in the mid-2000s and have gained a reputation for their reliability and performance.

Engine type: V6 or V8

Displacement: 3.0L, 3.5L, 4.0L, 4.6L, 5.0L, 5.5L, or 6.2L

Fuel type: Gasoline

Power output: ranging from 201 hp to 518 hp

Torque: ranging from 229 lb-ft to 465 lb-ft
5

6
votes
M119

This 5.0-liter V8 engine was produced from 1989 to 1999 and was used in a variety of Mercedes models. It was known for its power and durability, and is still a popular choice for enthusiasts today.
The M119 is a renowned Mercedes-Benz engine known for its reliability, power, and smooth performance. It belongs to the Mercedes-Benz M-Class of engines and has gained popularity among enthusiasts and car owners for its durability and longevity.

Engine type: V8

Displacement: 4.2L or 5.0L

Valvetrain: DOHC

Fuel system: Bosch KE-Jetronic fuel injection

Power output: 275-375 horsepower
6

11
votes
OM642

This 3.0-liter V6 diesel engine was produced from 2004 to 2018 and was used in a variety of Mercedes models. It was known for its power and fuel efficiency, and is still a popular choice for those seeking a reliable diesel engine.
The OM642 is a V6, 3.0-liter turbocharged diesel engine produced by Mercedes-Benz. It is known for its exceptional reliability, power, and efficiency.

Engine Type: V6

Displacement: 3.0 liters

Fuel Type: Diesel

Turbocharging: Yes

Power Output: Approximately 221-261 horsepower
7

10
votes
M276

This 3.5-liter V6 engine was used in a variety of Mercedes models from 2011 to 2017. It was known for its smooth power delivery and reliability, and was one of the first engines to use the Mercedes BlueDIRECT technology.
The M276 is a 3.0-liter V6 engine manufactured by Mercedes-Benz. It belongs to the M270/M276/M278 family of engines, which were introduced in 2010. The M276 is known for its reliability, power, and efficiency.

Engine type: V6

Displacement: 3.0L

Fuel type: Gasoline

Configuration: DOHC

Valvetrain: 4-valves per cylinder
8

2
votes
M157

This 5.5-liter V8 engine was used in a variety of Mercedes models from 2010 to 2017. It was known for its power and durability, and was one of the first engines to use the Mercedes Biturbo technology.
The M157 is a high-performance V8 engine developed by Mercedes-AMG, known for its power, refinement, and reliability.

Engine Type: V8

Displacement: 5.5 liters

Configuration: DOHC (Dual Overhead Camshaft)

Fuel Type: Gasoline

Turbocharging: Twin-turbocharged
9

7
votes
M272 DE 35

Mercedes-Benz

This 3.5-liter V6 engine was used in a variety of Mercedes models from 2005 to 2011. It was known for its smooth power delivery and reliability, and was one of the first engines to use the Mercedes BlueEFFICIENCY technology.
The M272 DE 35 is a V6 petrol engine developed by Mercedes-Benz. It belongs to the M272 series of engines and is known for its reliable performance and longevity.

Engine type: V6 petrol

Displacement: 3.5 L

Aspiration: Natural

Valvetrain: DOHC

Bore: 92.9 mm
10

5
votes
M113K

This 5.4-liter supercharged V8 engine was used in a variety of Mercedes models from 2003 to 2011. It was known for its power and durability, and was one of the first engines to use the Mercedes Kompressor technology.
The M113K is a high-performance V8 engine developed by Mercedes-Benz. It is known for its reliability and powerful performance.

Displacement: 5.4L

Type: Supercharged V8

Power: 469 hp - 617 hp

Torque: 516 lb-ft - 738 lb-ft

Compression Ratio: 8.9:1

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Discussion

Ranking factors for reliable engine

Age of the engine

The age of the engine plays a significant role in determining its reliability. Generally, older engines tend to be less reliable than newer ones due to wear and tear.
Maintenance history

Regular maintenance and servicing are crucial for the longevity and reliability of any engine. Engines that have a well-documented and consistent maintenance history will be more reliable than those that have been neglected.
Build quality

The build quality of the engine is also an important factor in determining its reliability. Mercedes engines are known for their durability and quality, but some models may have had issues with certain components or manufacturing defects.
Driving style

The way in which a vehicle is driven can also impact the reliability of the engine. Engines that are regularly abused or driven under stressful conditions may experience more wear and tear, leading to decreased reliability over time.
Overall customer satisfaction

The experiences of other Mercedes owners can provide valuable insights into the reliability and performance of different engine models. Consumer reviews and ratings can help identify engines that have a proven track record of reliability and longevity.

About this ranking

This is a community-based ranking of the most reliable Mercedes 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

1165 views
143 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 engine

Mercedes-Benz is a renowned luxury car brand that has been producing high-quality vehicles for over a century. The brand is known for its impeccable engineering, innovative design, and advanced technology. The engines that power Mercedes-Benz vehicles are no exception, as they are built to deliver superior performance, efficiency, and durability. When it comes to reliability, Mercedes-Benz has a reputation for producing some of the most dependable engines in the industry. The brand's engines are designed to withstand the test of time, with regular maintenance and care. One of the most reliable Mercedes engines is the M272 V6, which was produced from 2004 to 2011. This engine is known for its smooth performance, low emissions, and excellent fuel economy. Another reliable Mercedes engine is the OM642 V6 diesel engine, which was produced from 2005 to 2018. This engine is known for its torquey performance, excellent fuel economy, and low emissions. It is also durable and long-lasting, making it a popular choice for Mercedes-Benz owners who value reliability and efficiency. Overall, Mercedes-Benz engines are renowned for their reliability, performance, and efficiency. Whether you are looking for a gasoline or diesel engine, Mercedes-Benz has a variety of options that are sure to meet your needs and exceed your expectations.