M104 vs M112/M113

Side-by-side reliability comparison

Higher reliability score
M112/M113 BEST 92/100
+7 points over M104
0 / 100
BEST M104 Mercedes-Benz
0 / 100
BEST M112/M113 Mercedes-Benz

Specifications

M104
M112/M113
Brand
Mercedes-Benz
Mercedes-Benz
Verdict
BEST
BEST
Reliability
85
92
Years
1990--1997
1997--2006
Displacement
3199 cc
3199 cc
Layout
I6
V6
Type
Petrol Na
Petrol Na
Power
193--231 hp
218--306 hp
Known Issues
1
3
Total Risk Cost
€500--€2,000
€950--€2,850

Character

M104

"W124/R129/W140 inline-6. One of Mercedes' most reliable engines. Bulletproof bottom end. Wiring harness biodegrades (uses soy-based insulation). Head gasket solid. 400k+ km possible."

M112/M113

"Last simple MB V6/V8. Over-engineered. Cheap to maintain. 250k+ km."

Issues Comparison

M104 1

▲ HIGH
Wiring harness biodegradation €500--€2,000 100,000 km--200,000 km

M112/M113 3

● MODERATE
Air suspension / Airmatic failure (S/ML models) €600--€2,000 100,000 km--180,000 km
○ MINOR
Spark plugs + ignition coils (V6/V8) €200--€500 80,000 km--150,000 km
○ MINOR
Coolant system: thermostat + expansion tank €150--€350 100,000 km--180,000 km

Models

M104 0

No models listed.

M112/M113 23

E-Class W210 1997--2002 E-Class W211 2002--2005 C-Class W203 2001--2005 C-Class W202 1997--2000 E-Class W210 1996--2002 S-Class W220 1998--2005 E-Class W210 1996--2002 S-Class W220 1998--2005 CLK W209 2002--2005 C-Class W203 2001--2005 E-Class W210 1997--2002 S-Class W220 1998--2005 S-Class W220 1998--2005 E-Class W211 2002--2006 CLK W209 2002--2006 SL R230 2001--2006 G-Class W463 2008--2018 E-Class W210 1997--2002 C-Class W203 2004--2007 E-Class W211 2003--2006 SL R230 2002--2008 ML 320 W163 1997--2005 SUV ML 350 W163 2003--2005 SUV
Full M104 Report Full M112/M113 Report