M166 vs OM606

Side-by-side reliability comparison

Higher reliability score
OM606 BEST 96/100
+41 points over M166
0 / 100
CAUTION M166 Mercedes-Benz
0 / 100
BEST OM606 Mercedes-Benz

Specifications

M166
OM606
Brand
Mercedes-Benz
Mercedes-Benz
Verdict
CAUTION
BEST
Reliability
55
96
Years
1997--2004
1993--2001
Displacement
1598 cc
2996 cc
Layout
I4
I6
Type
Petrol Na
Diesel
Power
82--102 hp
134--174 hp
Known Issues
1
2
Total Risk Cost
€500--€1,200
€280--€700

Character

M166

"W168 A-Class. Infamous moose test rollover era. Engine itself is adequate but head gasket failures common. Oil leaks. Not a strong Mercedes engine. Better to look at M271 successor."

OM606

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

Issues Comparison

M166 1

▲ HIGH
Head gasket failure €500--€1,200 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

M166 3

A-Class W168 1997--2004 A-Class W168 1997--2004 A-Class W169 2004--2009

OM606 2

300D W124 1993--1997 Sedan E 300D W210 1995--2003 Sedan
Full M166 Report Full OM606 Report