M104 vs OM606

Side-by-side reliability comparison

Higher reliability score
OM606 BEST 96/100
+11 points over M104
0 / 100
BEST M104 Mercedes-Benz
0 / 100
BEST OM606 Mercedes-Benz

Specifications

M104
OM606
Brand
Mercedes-Benz
Mercedes-Benz
Verdict
BEST
BEST
Reliability
85
96
Years
1990--1997
1993--2001
Displacement
3199 cc
2996 cc
Layout
I6
I6
Type
Petrol Na
Diesel
Power
193--231 hp
134--174 hp
Known Issues
1
2
Total Risk Cost
€500--€2,000
€280--€700

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."

OM606

"Legendary. 500k+ miles documented. Tunable to 500hp. One of most reliable engines ever."

Issues Comparison

M104 1

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

OM606 2

○ MINOR
Glow plug failure (only meaningful issue) €80--€200 80,000 km--∞
○ MINOR
Injection pump seal wear (age-related) €200--€500 200,000 km--∞

Models

M104 0

No models listed.

OM606 2

300D W124 1993--1997 Sedan E 300D W210 1995--2003 Sedan
Full M104 Report Full OM606 Report