Reliability score
Tied 85/100
0 / 100
BEST M104 Mercedes-Benz
0 / 100
BEST OM654 Mercedes-Benz

Specifications

M104
OM654
Brand
Mercedes-Benz
Mercedes-Benz
Verdict
BEST
BEST
Reliability
85
85
Years
1990--1997
2016--present
Displacement
3199 cc
1950 cc
Layout
I6
I4
Type
Petrol Na
Diesel
Power
193--231 hp
150--245 hp
Known Issues
1
2
Total Risk Cost
€500--€2,000
€500--€1,500

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."

OM654

"Best modern MB diesel. Aluminium block, low friction. Long-distance champion."

Issues Comparison

M104 1

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

OM654 2

○ MINOR
DPF — better than older MB diesels but still diesel €300--€1,000 80,000 km--150,000 km
○ MINOR
Minor EGR fouling (best-in-class but not immune) €200--€500 100,000 km--180,000 km

Models

Full M104 Report Full OM654 Report