Are Mercedes engines reliable? Different engines comparison
Posted by Admin at 16 January 2026, at 10 : 51 AM
Yes — Mercedes-Benz engines are generally considered reliable, but it depends greatly on the specific engine model and how the vehicle has been maintained. Here’s a structured assessment based on industry and enthusiast sources:
1. Overall Reliability Reputation
In industry surveys, Mercedes often ranks above average in engine reliability compared with other brands. One long-term survey placed Mercedes engines in better reliability positions than many competitors, though behind top brands like Honda and Toyota.
Independent reliability ratings (e.g., RepairPal, J.D. Power) show Mercedes as roughly average to above average in terms of repairs and service needs, with severe engine issues not significantly more common than peers.
2. Historical Strengths
Some Mercedes engines are noted for exceptional durability and can last for many hundred thousands of kilometers if properly maintained:
Diesel Legends (OM601, OM602, OM603, OM617): These older diesel engines are renowned for reaching very high mileages (hundreds of thousands to over a million km) with minimal major problems.
Classic Petrol Engines (M103, M104): Inline-six petrol engines from the 1980s–1990s are known for robustness and long life.
Early Modern Engines (M112 V6, M113 V8): Mercedes’s early modular petrol V-engines from around the 2000s have good reputations for reliability.
3. Modern Engines: Mixed Reliability
Post-2000 and especially post-2010 engines are more complex and use more advanced electronics and turbocharging. Reliability varies by engine family:
Engines with better reputations:
Some modern diesel engines (e.g., well-tuned OM651) and newer petrol units can be reliable with regular servicing.
AMG-derived engines like the M177/M178 V8s are often reported as strong and reliable among owners when maintained.
Engines with more frequent issues:
Certain petrol engines (e.g., M272/M273, early M276, early M264/M274) are frequently cited for timing chain, balance shaft or oil issues.
Complex emissions and turbo systems in some modern diesels and petrol engines have introduced more service considerations than older, simpler designs.
4. Typical Causes of Engine Problems
Across many Mercedes engines, common failure modes often relate to maintenance gaps rather than inherent design defects:
Timing chain tensioners or balance shafts (especially on some V6/V8 engines if oil change intervals are missed).
Oil leaks and consumption on high-tech petrol engines.
Turbocharger and sensor failures on turbocharged models.
Electrical/electronic control issues can affect engine management, though these seldom cause catastrophic failure.
5. Maintenance Impact
Engine reliability for Mercedes is strongly tied to proper maintenance:
Following the manufacturer’s recommended oil change intervals, using high-quality lubricants, and performing scheduled inspections significantly reduce the likelihood of major engine problems.
Proactive timing chain checks and early replacement of wear-prone parts (in known problematic engines) help avoid expensive failures.
Summary
Yes, Mercedes engines have a solid reputation for durability, especially older diesel and petrol engines.
Yes, many modern engines also perform reliably, though some are more maintenance-sensitive than traditional designs.
However, there are specific engines that are known to be less reliable due to design issues or complex technology.