M256 vs OM606

Side-by-side reliability comparison

Higher reliability score
OM606 BEST 96/100
+16 points over M256
0 / 100
BUY M256 Mercedes-Benz
0 / 100
BEST OM606 Mercedes-Benz

Specifications

M256
OM606
Brand
Mercedes-Benz
Mercedes-Benz
Verdict
BUY
BEST
Reliability
80
96
Years
2017--present
1993--2001
Displacement
2999 cc
2996 cc
Layout
I6
I6
Type
Petrol Turbo
Diesel
Power
367--435 hp
134--174 hp
Known Issues
2
2
Total Risk Cost
€1,200--€4,000
€280--€700

Character

M256

"MB returns to I6. EQ Boost. Smooth, powerful. Still proving itself."

OM606

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

Issues Comparison

M256 2

● MODERATE
48V ISG starter-generator complexity €600--€2,500 60,000 km--120,000 km
○ MINOR
Timing chain (early data building) €600--€1,500 100,000 km--160,000 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

M256 14

E-Class W213 2019--2023 GLE W167 2019--present AMG GT X290 2019--2023 AMG GT X290 2019--2023 GLE W167 2019--present E-Class W214 2024--present S-Class W223 2021--present E-Class W214 2024--present GLE W167 2019--present G-Class W463 2nd 2024--present E-Class W213 2018--2023 S-Class W223 2020--present GLE 450 V167 2019--2024 SUV S 450 W222 2017--2020 Sedan

OM606 2

300D W124 1993--1997 Sedan E 300D W210 1995--2003 Sedan
Full M256 Report Full OM606 Report