M104 vs OM642

Side-by-side reliability comparison

Higher reliability score
M104 BEST 85/100
+3 points over OM642
0 / 100
BEST M104 Mercedes-Benz
0 / 100
BUY OM642 Mercedes-Benz

Specifications

M104
OM642
Brand
Mercedes-Benz
Mercedes-Benz
Verdict
BEST
BUY
Reliability
85
82
Years
1990--1997
2005--2020
Displacement
3199 cc
2987 cc
Layout
I6
V6
Type
Petrol Na
Diesel
Power
193--231 hp
190--265 hp
Known Issues
1
3
Total Risk Cost
€500--€2,000
€1,500--€4,400

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."

OM642

"Legendary V6 diesel. 250k+ km. Fix swirl flaps and enjoy."

Issues Comparison

M104 1

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

OM642 3

▲ HIGH
Valley oil cooler seal failure — #1 issue €800--€2,000 80,000 km--150,000 km
● MODERATE
Intake swirl flap actuator failure €400--€900 60,000 km--130,000 km
● MODERATE
BlueTEC NOx system / DEF issues (where fitted) €300--€1,500 60,000 km--∞

Models

M104 0

No models listed.

OM642 13

E-Class W211 2005--2009 S-Class W221 2005--2009 GLE W166 2015--2019 C-Class W203 2005--2007 CLK W209 2005--2009 S-Class W222 2013--2017 C-Class W204 2009--2014 E-Class W212 2012--2016 E-Class W212 2009--2016 E-Class W211 2005--2009 S-Class W221 2009--2013 G-Class W463 2010--2018 ML 350 CDI W164 2005--2011 SUV
Full M104 Report Full OM642 Report