The last largest civilian in-line six-cylinder Mercedes M104 E32 engine (excluding the sports M104 E34 AMG and M104 E36 AMG) appeared in 1991 and was developed on the basis of the three-liter M104 E30.
The main difference between the M104 E30 and the M104 E32 is the cylinder block, in which a crankshaft with a piston stroke increased to 84 mm was placed, and the cylinder diameter was increased to 89.9 mm. Cylinder head from M104 E30, with 4 valves per cylinder. Fuel injection system – distributed injection. Starting in 1992, an intake manifold with variable geometry began to be installed on the M104 E32.
Instead of a single-row unreliable timing chain on the 103rd engine, the new M104 uses a double-row one, with a much longer service life.
Mercedes R6 family: M103 E26, M103 E30, M104 E28, M104 E30, M104 E32, M256 E30.
Specifications
| Production years | 1991-1998 |
| Displacement, cc | 3199 |
| Fuel system | injector |
| Power output, hp | 220 – 230 |
| Torque output, Nm | 310 – 315 |
| Cylinder block | cast iron R6 |
| Block head | aluminum 24v |
| Cylinder bore, mm | 89.9 |
| Piston stroke, mm | 84 |
| Compression ratio | 9.2 – 10.0 |
| Features | no |
| Hydraulic lifters | yes |
| Timing drive | chain |
| Phase regulator | at the intake |
| Turbocharging | no |
| Recommended engine oil | 5W-40 |
| Engine oil capacity, liter | 7.0 |
| Fuel type | petrol |
| Euro standards | EURO 1/2 |
| Fuel consumption, L/100 km (for Mercedes E320 1994) — city — highway — combined |
14.7 8.2 11.0 |
| Engine lifespan, km | ~500 000 |
| Weight, kg | 195 |
The engine was installed on:
- Mercedes S-Class W140 in 1991 – 1998;
- Mercedes E-Class W124 in 1992 – 1997, E-Class W210 in 1995 – 1997;
- Mercedes SL-Class R129 in 1993 – 1998;
- SsangYong Musso 1 (FJ) in 1993 – 1999;
- Mercedes G-Class W463 in 1994 – 1997;
- SsangYong Korando 2 (KJ) in 1996 – 2006;
- SsangYong Chairman 1 (H) in 1997 – 2017;
- SsangYong Rexton 1 (RJ) in 2001 – 2006;
- SsangYong Rodius 1 (AJ) in 2004 – 2013.
Disadvantages of the M104 E32 engine
- The main problem of power units of this series is numerous oil leaks.
- First of all, gaskets leak: U-shaped, cylinder head and oil filter heat exchanger.
- The viscous coupling of the fan often fails, which is very dangerous for the engine.
- This motor is very afraid of overheating, the cylinder head is bent almost immediately.
- You will get a lot of trouble under the hood wiring, as well as ignition coils.
Frequently asked questions about the Mercedes M104 E32
How much power does the Mercedes M104 E32 make?
The Mercedes M104 E32 develops 220 - 230 hp and 310 - 315 Nm of torque.
How much oil does the Mercedes M104 E32 take and which one?
Engine oil capacity: 7.0 liters. Recommended oil: 5W-40.
Does the Mercedes M104 E32 have a timing belt or chain?
The Mercedes M104 E32 uses a timing chain.
Is the Mercedes M104 E32 turbocharged?
No, the Mercedes M104 E32 is naturally aspirated.
Does the Mercedes M104 E32 need valve clearance adjustment?
No, the Mercedes M104 E32 has hydraulic lifters, so the valve clearances do not need to be adjusted.
How long does the Mercedes M104 E32 last?
The typical lifespan of the Mercedes M104 E32 is ~500 000 km with proper maintenance.
What is the fuel consumption of the Mercedes M104 E32?
Mercedes E320 1994: city 14.7, highway 8.2, combined 11.0 L/100 km.
What cars was the Mercedes M104 E32 installed on?
Mercedes S-Class W140 in 1991 - 1998; Mercedes E-Class W124 in 1992 - 1997, E-Class W210 in 1995 - 1997; Mercedes SL-Class R129 in 1993 - 1998; SsangYong Musso 1 (FJ) in 1993 - 1999; Mercedes G-Class W463 in 1994 - 1997; SsangYong Korando 2 (KJ) in 1996 - 2006 and 3 more (see the full list above).
What are the common problems of the Mercedes M104 E32?
The main problem of power units of this series is numerous oil leaks. First of all, gaskets leak: U-shaped, cylinder head and oil filter heat exchanger. All known problems.
