OM656 vs OM606
Side-by-side reliability comparison
Higher reliability score
OM606
BEST
96/100
+14 points over OM656
0
/ 100
BUY
OM656
Mercedes-Benz
0
/ 100
BEST
OM606
Mercedes-Benz
Specifications
OM656
OM606
Brand
Mercedes-Benz
Mercedes-Benz
Verdict
BUY
BEST
Reliability
82
96
Years
2017--present
1993--2001
Displacement
2999 cc
2996 cc
Layout
I6
I6
Type
Diesel
Diesel
Power
243--330 hp
134--174 hp
Known Issues
2
2
Total Risk Cost
€500--€2,000
€280--€700
Character
OM656
"Flagship modern MB diesel. Inline-6 smoothness returns. MHEV. GLE/GLS/S-Class. Excellent highway. Early data strong."
OM606
"Legendary. 500k+ miles documented. Tunable to 500hp. One of most reliable engines ever."
Issues Comparison
OM656 2
● MODERATE
DPF + EGR — diesel city driving concern
○ MINOR
AdBlue / SCR system consumption and faults
OM606 2
○ MINOR
Glow plug failure (only meaningful issue)
○ MINOR
Injection pump seal wear (age-related)