M113 vs M104

Side-by-side reliability comparison

Higher reliability score
M113 BEST 89/100
+4 points over M104
0 / 100
BEST M113 Mercedes-Benz
0 / 100
BEST M104 Mercedes-Benz

Specifications

M113
M104
Brand
Mercedes-Benz
Mercedes-Benz
Verdict
BEST
BEST
Reliability
89
85
Years
1997--2010
1990--1997
Displacement
4966 cc
3199 cc
Layout
V8
I6
Type
Petrol Na
Petrol Na
Power
272--367 hp
193--231 hp
Known Issues
7
1
Total Risk Cost
€1,280--€3,625
€500--€2,000

Character

M113

"The V8 workshops call indestructible. Valve-cover gaskets weep and the crank sensor dies when hot; otherwise 250,000 miles is routine. Supercharged E55 ML (476-500 PS) is a different animal and not covered here."

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."

Issues Comparison

M113 7

▲ HIGH
Harmonic balancer (crank pulley) rubber delaminates €280--€650 N/A--N/A
● MODERATE
Oil leaks — valve-cover gaskets, front crank seal (V6), rear main seal (V8) N/A--N/A N/A--N/A
● MODERATE
Air suspension / Airmatic failure (S/ML models) €600--€2,000 100,000 km--180,000 km
○ MINOR
Oil sludge from conventional oil on long FSS intervals (MY1998-2001) N/A--N/A N/A--N/A
○ MINOR
Crankshaft position sensor fails when hot — stall or hot no-start €50--€125 N/A--N/A
○ MINOR
Spark plugs + ignition coils (V6/V8) €200--€500 80,000 km--150,000 km
○ MINOR
Coolant system: water pump, thermostat, expansion tank €150--€350 100,000 km--180,000 km

M104 1

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

Models

M113 10

S-Class W220 1998--2005 E-Class W210 1997--2002 CLK W209 2002--2006 SL R230 2001--2006 S-Class W220 1998--2005 E-Class W211 2002--2006 E-Class W210 1997--2002 C-Class W203 2004--2007 SL R230 2002--2008 E-Class W211 2003--2006

M104 0

No models listed.

Full M113 Report Full M104 Report