M104 vs OM648

Side-by-side reliability comparison

Higher reliability score
OM648 BEST 90/100
+5 points over M104
0 / 100
BEST M104 Mercedes-Benz
0 / 100
BEST OM648 Mercedes-Benz

Specifications

M104
OM648
Brand
Mercedes-Benz
Mercedes-Benz
Verdict
BEST
BEST
Reliability
85
90
Years
1990--1997
2002--2006
Displacement
3199 cc
3222 cc
Layout
I6
I6
Type
Petrol Na
Diesel
Power
193--231 hp
204 hp
Known Issues
1
2
Total Risk Cost
€500--€2,000
€450--€1,100

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."

OM648

"Modern OM606 successor. Excellent highway cruiser. Strong torque."

Issues Comparison

M104 1

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

OM648 2

● MODERATE
EGR valve fouling (city use) €300--€700 80,000 km--160,000 km
○ MINOR
Glow plugs + injector seals €150--€400 80,000 km--160,000 km

Models

M104 0

No models listed.

OM648 6

E-Class W210 1999--2002 C-Class W203 2001--2005 E-Class W210 1999--2002 S-Class W220 1999--2002 S-Class W220 2002--2005 E 320 CDI W211 2002--2009 Sedan
Full M104 Report Full OM648 Report