M156 vs OM648

Side-by-side reliability comparison

Higher reliability score
OM648 BEST 90/100
+30 points over M156
0 / 100
CAUTION M156 Mercedes-Benz
0 / 100
BEST OM648 Mercedes-Benz

Specifications

M156
OM648
Brand
Mercedes-Benz
Mercedes-Benz
Verdict
CAUTION
BEST
Reliability
60
90
Years
2006--2015
2002--2006
Displacement
6208 cc
3222 cc
Layout
V8
I6
Type
Petrol Na
Diesel
Power
457--514 hp
204 hp
Known Issues
2
2
Total Risk Cost
€2,500--€7,500
€450--€1,100

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."

OM648

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

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

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

M156 3

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

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 M156 Report Full OM648 Report