M156 vs OM606

Side-by-side reliability comparison

Higher reliability score
OM606 BEST 96/100
+36 points over M156
0 / 100
CAUTION M156 Mercedes-Benz
0 / 100
BEST OM606 Mercedes-Benz

Specifications

M156
OM606
Brand
Mercedes-Benz
Mercedes-Benz
Verdict
CAUTION
BEST
Reliability
60
96
Years
2006--2015
1993--2001
Displacement
6208 cc
2996 cc
Layout
V8
I6
Type
Petrol Na
Diesel
Power
457--514 hp
134--174 hp
Known Issues
2
2
Total Risk Cost
€2,500--€7,500
€280--€700

Character

M156

"C63/E63/S63 W204/W212/W221. Head bolt failure on early units (2007-2008). Intake manifold swirl flap. Cam adjuster bolts. Incredible NA V8 sound. Later production much improved."

OM606

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

Issues Comparison

M156 2

◆ CRITICAL
Head bolt failure (2007-2008) €2,000--€6,000 40,000 km--100,000 km
▲ HIGH
Intake manifold swirl flap €500--€1,500 60,000 km--120,000 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

M156 3

CLK W209 2006--2009 E-Class W211 2006--2009 C-Class W204 2008--2014

OM606 2

300D W124 1993--1997 Sedan E 300D W210 1995--2003 Sedan
Full M156 Report Full OM606 Report