Higher reliability score
M104 BEST 85/100
+27 points over M271 EVO (CGI turbo)
0 / 100
CAUTION M271 EVO (CGI turbo) Mercedes-Benz
0 / 100
BEST M104 Mercedes-Benz

Specifications

M271 EVO (CGI turbo)
M104
Brand
Mercedes-Benz
Mercedes-Benz
Verdict
CAUTION
BEST
Reliability
58
85
Years
2009--2015
1990--1997
Displacement
1796 cc
3199 cc
Layout
I4
I6
Type
Petrol Turbo
Petrol Na
Power
156--204 hp
193--231 hp
Known Issues
3
1
Total Risk Cost
€1,950--€5,500
€500--€2,000

Character

M271 EVO (CGI turbo)

"Turbo CGI successor to the Kompressor. Toothed chain fixed the stretch problem, but camshaft adjusters and tensioner wear early — Mercedes extended the adjuster warranty to 10 years in the US. Budget for the timing job."

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

M271 EVO (CGI turbo) 3

◆ CRITICAL
Camshaft adjuster and tensioner wear — timing drift, chain can jump €1,500--€4,000 50,000 km--160,000 km
● MODERATE
Camshaft sensor magnets leak oil into wiring harness and ECU €150--€800 N/A--N/A
● MODERATE
Intake-valve carbon build-up (direct injection) €300--€700 80,000 km--130,000 km

M104 1

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

Models

Full M271 EVO (CGI turbo) Report Full M104 Report