Mercedes-Benz C-Class engines

Mercedes-Benz C-Class is a series of German compact executive class cars produced since 1995 by Mercedes-Benz. Since 2014, the 4th generation of the model has been produced. The main car production is located in the German cities of Bremen and Sindelfingen. In addition, the car is assembled in the United States and affiliated factories located in other countries. Until 1997, the car series was the smallest in the manufacturer’s lineup. The 1st generation model is essentially a modified version of the previously produced Mercedes-Benz W201 (190).

The Mercedes-Benz C-Class was offered with 35 engines since 1982 (24 petrol, 11 diesel). Displacement ranges from 1.5 to 6.2 liters, power output from 72 to 639 hp. All of them use a timing chain. 17 are turbocharged. The longest rated lifespan belongs to the Mercedes M104 E28 (about 500,000 km).

Mercedes-Benz C-Class engines by generation

EngineYearsVolumePowerFuelTimingOilLifespan
Mercedes-Benz C-Class W201 1982–1993
Mercedes M1021982–19931.8–2.3 L R486–136 hppetrolchain4.5–5 L~400,000 km
Mercedes OM6011983–19932.0–2.3 L R472–98 hpdiesel, NA / turbochain6 L~500,000 km
Mercedes OM6021985–19932.5–2.9 L R584–129 hpdiesel, NA / turbochain7 L~450,000 km
Mercedes-Benz C-Class W202 1993–2001
Mercedes OM6041993–19992.0–2.2 L R488–95 hpdieselchain6.5 L~450,000 km
Mercedes OM6051993–20012.5 L R5113–150 hpdiesel, NA / turbochain6.5 L~400,000 km
Mercedes M111 E201993–20012.0 L R4136–192 hppetrolchain5.5 L~420,000 km
Mercedes M111 E181993–20001.8 L R4122 hppetrolchain5.5 L~400,000 km
Mercedes M104 E281993–19972.8 L R6193–197 hppetrolchain7 L~500,000 km
Mercedes OM6011993–19952.0–2.3 L R472–98 hpdiesel, NA / turbochain6 L~500,000 km
Mercedes M111 E221993–19962.2 L R4150 hppetrolchain5.5 L~430,000 km
Mercedes M111 E231996–20002.3 L R4143–193 hppetrolchain5.5 L~450,000 km
Mercedes M112 E281996–20002.8 L V6197–204 hppetrolchain7.5 L~330,000 km
Mercedes M112 E241996–20002.4 L V6170 hppetrolchain7.5 L~275,000 km
Mercedes M113 E431997–20014.3 L V8272–306 hppetrolchain8 L~300,000 km
Mercedes OM6111997–20012.1–2.2 L R482–143 hpdiesel, turbochain6.5–8.5 L~500,000 km
Mercedes M112 E262000–20012.6 L V6170–177 hppetrolchain7.5 L~300,000 km
Mercedes-Benz C-Class CL 203 2000–2004
Mercedes OM6112000–20042.1–2.2 L R482–143 hpdiesel, turbochain6.5–8.5 L~500,000 km
Mercedes-Benz C-Class W203 2000–2007
Mercedes M112 E322000–20053.2 L V6190–354 hppetrolchain7.5 L~350,000 km
Mercedes OM6122000–20072.7 L R5156–170 hpdiesel, turbochain7.5 L~350,000 km
Mercedes M111 E202000–20022.0 L R4136–192 hppetrolchain5.5 L~420,000 km
Mercedes M112 E262000–20052.6 L V6170–177 hppetrolchain7.5 L~300,000 km
Mercedes OM6112000–20032.1–2.2 L R482–143 hpdiesel, turbochain6.5–8.5 L~500,000 km
Mercedes M111 E232001–20022.3 L R4143–193 hppetrolchain5.5 L~450,000 km
Mercedes M271 E182002–20071.8 L R4122–204 hppetrol, turbochain5.5 L~320,000 km
Mercedes OM6462003–20072.1 L R488–170 hpdiesel, turbochain6.5–9.5 L~400,000 km
Mercedes M272 E352005–20073.5 L V6258–292 hppetrolchain8 L~320,000 km
Mercedes M272 E302005–20073.0 L V6231 hppetrolchain8 L~300,000 km
Mercedes M272 E252005–20072.5 L V6204 hppetrolchain8 L~275,000 km
Mercedes OM6422005–20073.0 L V6184–265 hpdiesel, turbochain8–12 L~450,000 km
Mercedes-Benz C-Class CL203 2002–2011
Mercedes M271 E182002–20081.8 L R4122–204 hppetrol, turbochain5.5 L~320,000 km
Mercedes M271 E162004–20061.6 L R4129–156 hppetrol, turbochain5.5 L~300,000 km
Mercedes M272 E252004–20112.5 L V6204 hppetrolchain8 L~275,000 km
Mercedes M272 E352005–20113.5 L V6258–292 hppetrolchain8 L~320,000 km
Mercedes-Benz C-Class W204 2007–2015
Mercedes M271 E182007–20141.8 L R4122–204 hppetrol, turbochain5.5 L~320,000 km
Mercedes M272 E352007–20113.5 L V6258–292 hppetrolchain8 L~320,000 km
Mercedes M272 E302007–20113.0 L V6231 hppetrolchain8 L~300,000 km
Mercedes M272 E252007–20092.5 L V6204 hppetrolchain8 L~275,000 km
Mercedes OM6462007–20092.1 L R488–170 hpdiesel, turbochain6.5–9.5 L~400,000 km
Mercedes OM6422007–20143.0 L V6184–265 hpdiesel, turbochain8–12 L~450,000 km
Mercedes M1562007–20156.2 L V8457–525 hppetrolchain9 L~250,000 km
Mercedes M271 E162008–20101.6 L R4129–156 hppetrol, turbochain5.5 L~300,000 km
Mercedes OM6512008–20151.8–2.1 L R495–204 hpdieselchain + gears6.5 L~400,000 km
Mercedes M276 DE352011–20143.5 L V6252–333 hppetrol, NA / turbochain8 L~300,000 km
Mercedes M2742012–20151.6–2.0 L R4129–333 hppetrol, turbochain6–7 L~300,000 km
Mercedes-Benz C-Class W205 2014–2023
Mercedes OM6262014–20181.6 Ldiesel
Mercedes OM6512014–20181.8–2.1 L R495–204 hpdieselchain + gears6.5 L~400,000 km
Mercedes M2742014–20201.6–2.0 L R4129–333 hppetrol, turbochain6–7 L~300,000 km
Mercedes M276 DE302015–20213.0 L V6272–367 hppetrol, turbochain8 L~250,000 km
Mercedes M1772015–20234.0 L V8476–639 hppetrol, turbochain9 L~250,000 km
Mercedes OM6542018–20211.6–2.0 L R4116–265 hpdiesel, turbochain6.5 L~240,000 km
Mercedes M2642018–20211.5–2.0 L R4156–299 hppetrol, turbochain6.6 L~260,000 km
Mercedes-Benz C-Class W206 2021–present
Mercedes OM6542021–present1.6–2.0 L R4116–265 hpdiesel, turbochain6.5 L~240,000 km
Mercedes M2542021–present1.5–2.0 L R4170–258 hppetrol, turbochain6.6 L~260,000 km
Mercedes M1392022–present2.0 L R4365–476 hppetrol, turbochain5.5 L~250,000 km

Mercedes-Benz C-Class engine FAQ

What engines were used in the Mercedes-Benz C-Class?

Mercedes-Benz C-Class W201 (1982–1993): Mercedes M102, Mercedes OM601 and Mercedes OM602; Mercedes-Benz C-Class W202 (1993–2001): Mercedes OM604, Mercedes OM605, Mercedes M111 E20, Mercedes M111 E18, Mercedes M104 E28, Mercedes OM601, Mercedes M111 E22, Mercedes M111 E23, Mercedes M112 E28, Mercedes M112 E24, Mercedes M113 E43, Mercedes OM611 and Mercedes M112 E26; Mercedes-Benz C-Class CL 203 (2000–2004): Mercedes OM611; Mercedes-Benz C-Class W203 (2000–2007): Mercedes M112 E32, Mercedes OM612, Mercedes M111 E20, Mercedes M112 E26, Mercedes OM611, Mercedes M111 E23, Mercedes M271 E18, Mercedes OM646, Mercedes M272 E35, Mercedes M272 E30, Mercedes M272 E25 and Mercedes OM642; Mercedes-Benz C-Class CL203 (2002–2011): Mercedes M271 E18, Mercedes M271 E16, Mercedes M272 E25 and Mercedes M272 E35; Mercedes-Benz C-Class W204 (2007–2015): Mercedes M271 E18, Mercedes M272 E35, Mercedes M272 E30, Mercedes M272 E25, Mercedes OM646, Mercedes OM642, Mercedes M156, Mercedes M271 E16, Mercedes OM651, Mercedes M276 DE35 and Mercedes M274; Mercedes-Benz C-Class W205 (2014–2023): Mercedes OM626, Mercedes OM651, Mercedes M274, Mercedes M276 DE30, Mercedes M177, Mercedes OM654 and Mercedes M264; Mercedes-Benz C-Class W206 (2021–present): Mercedes OM654, Mercedes M254 and Mercedes M139.

Which Mercedes-Benz C-Class engine is the most durable?

By rated service life the most durable Mercedes-Benz C-Class engines are: Mercedes M104 E28 — about 500,000 km; Mercedes OM601 — about 500,000 km; Mercedes OM611 — about 500,000 km. Actual lifespan depends heavily on maintenance and oil change intervals.

How much oil does the Mercedes-Benz C-Class engine take?

Engine oil capacity with filter: Mercedes M102 — 4.5–5 L (5W-40); Mercedes M104 E28 — 7 L (5W-40); Mercedes M111 E18 — 5.5 L (5W-40); Mercedes M111 E20 — 5.5 L (5W-40); Mercedes M111 E22 — 5.5 L (5W-40); Mercedes M111 E23 — 5.5 L (5W-40); Mercedes M112 E24 — 7.5 L (5W-30); Mercedes M112 E26 — 7.5 L (5W-30); Mercedes M112 E28 — 7.5 L (5W-30); Mercedes M112 E32 — 7.5 L (5W-30); Mercedes M113 E43 — 8 L (5W-40); Mercedes M139 — 5.5 L (0W-40); Mercedes M156 — 9 L (0W-40); Mercedes M177 — 9 L (0W-40); Mercedes M254 — 6.6 L (5W-30); Mercedes M264 — 6.6 L (5W-30); Mercedes M271 E16 — 5.5 L (5W-30); Mercedes M271 E18 — 5.5 L (5W-30); Mercedes M272 E25 — 8 L (5W-30); Mercedes M272 E30 — 8 L (5W-30); Mercedes M272 E35 — 8 L (5W-30); Mercedes M274 — 6–7 L (5W-30, 5W-40); Mercedes M276 DE30 — 8 L (5W-30); Mercedes M276 DE35 — 8 L (5W-30); Mercedes OM601 — 6 L (5W-40); Mercedes OM602 — 7 L (5W-40); Mercedes OM604 — 6.5 L (5W-40); Mercedes OM605 — 6.5 L (5W-40); Mercedes OM611 — 6.5–8.5 L (5W-40, MB 229.1); Mercedes OM612 — 7.5 L (5W-30); Mercedes OM642 — 8–12 L (5W-30, MB 228.51/229.51); Mercedes OM646 — 6.5–9.5 L (5W-40, MB 229.5 / 229.51); Mercedes OM651 — 6.5 L (5W-30); Mercedes OM654 — 6.5 L (5W-30).

Does the Mercedes-Benz C-Class have a timing belt or chain?

Timing chain: Mercedes M102, Mercedes M104 E28, Mercedes M111 E18, Mercedes M111 E20, Mercedes M111 E22, Mercedes M111 E23, Mercedes M112 E24, Mercedes M112 E26, Mercedes M112 E28, Mercedes M112 E32, Mercedes M113 E43, Mercedes M139, Mercedes M156, Mercedes M177, Mercedes M254, Mercedes M264, Mercedes M271 E16, Mercedes M271 E18, Mercedes M272 E25, Mercedes M272 E30, Mercedes M272 E35, Mercedes M274, Mercedes M276 DE30, Mercedes M276 DE35, Mercedes OM601, Mercedes OM602, Mercedes OM604, Mercedes OM605, Mercedes OM611, Mercedes OM612, Mercedes OM642, Mercedes OM646, Mercedes OM651 and Mercedes OM654; gear drive: Mercedes OM651.

Was the Mercedes-Benz C-Class available with a diesel engine?

Yes: Mercedes OM601, Mercedes OM602, Mercedes OM604, Mercedes OM605, Mercedes OM611, Mercedes OM612, Mercedes OM626, Mercedes OM642, Mercedes OM646, Mercedes OM651 and Mercedes OM654.

Engine details

Mercedes M102

Mercedes M102

1980–1993 · 1.8–2.3 L R4 · petrol · 86–136 hp · chain

The most famous engine problem is camshaft wear at 150,000 km.

Mercedes OM601

Mercedes OM601

1983–2000 · 2.0–2.3 L R4 · diesel · 72–98 hp · chain

These diesel engines are very reliable, provided that high-quality fuel and oil are used.

Mercedes OM602

Mercedes OM602

1985–2001 · 2.5–2.9 L R5 · diesel · 84–129 hp · chain

Strong vibrations of this diesel engine adversely affect the life of its supports.

Mercedes M104 E28

Mercedes M104 E28

1992–1998 · 2.8 L R6 · petrol · 193–197 hp · chain

The main problem of power units of this series is numerous oil leaks.

Mercedes M111 E20

Mercedes M111 E20

1992–2004 · 2.0 L R4 · petrol · 136–192 hp · chain

Most of all, grease leaks will cause you problems, and their number grows with mileage.

Mercedes M111 E22

Mercedes M111 E22

1992–2000 · 2.2 L R4 · petrol · 150 hp · chain

Most of all, grease leaks will cause you problems, and their number grows with mileage.

Mercedes M111 E18

Mercedes M111 E18

1993–2000 · 1.8 L R4 · petrol · 122 hp · chain

Most of all, grease leaks will cause you problems, and their number grows with mileage.

Mercedes OM604

Mercedes OM604

1993–1999 · 2.0–2.2 L R4 · diesel · 88–95 hp · chain

For iron, the motors are very reliable and have a resource of about 400 - 500 thousand km.

Mercedes OM605

Mercedes OM605

1993–2001 · 2.5 L R5 · diesel · 113–150 hp · chain

Increased vibrations in the operation of the motor negatively affect the resource of its supports.

Mercedes M111 E23

Mercedes M111 E23

1995–present · 2.3 L R4 · petrol · 143–193 hp · chain

Most of all, grease leaks will cause you problems, and their number grows with mileage.

Mercedes M112 E24

Mercedes M112 E24

1997–2000 · 2.4 L V6 · petrol · 170 hp · chain

The signature failure of this series of engines is the destruction of the crankshaft pulley.

Mercedes M112 E28

Mercedes M112 E28

1997–2005 · 2.8 L V6 · petrol · 197–204 hp · chain

The signature failure of this series of engines is the destruction of the crankshaft pulley.

Mercedes M112 E32

Mercedes M112 E32

1997–2007 · 3.2 L V6 · petrol · 190–354 hp · chain

The signature failure of this series of engines is the destruction of the crankshaft pulley.

Mercedes M113 E43

Mercedes M113 E43

1997–2008 · 4.3 L V8 · petrol · 272–306 hp · chain

The main problem of the power units of this family is the huge oil consumption.

Mercedes OM611

Mercedes OM611

1997–2006 · 2.1–2.2 L R4 · diesel · 82–143 hp · chain

The most famous problem of the unit is the burnout of refractory washers under the nozzles. It is advisable to change them…

Mercedes OM612

Mercedes OM612

1999–2007 · 2.7 L R5 · diesel · 156–170 hp · chain

The problem with 5-cylinder diesel engines of the series is increased camshaft wear.

Mercedes M112 E26

Mercedes M112 E26

2000–2006 · 2.6 L V6 · petrol · 170–177 hp · chain

The signature failure of this series of engines is the destruction of the crankshaft pulley.

Mercedes M271 E18

Mercedes M271 E18

2002–2015 · 1.8 L R4 · petrol · 122–204 hp · chain

The most famous engine problem is the stuck exhaust valves due to soot.

Mercedes OM646

Mercedes OM646

2002–2010 · 2.1 L R4 · diesel · 88–170 hp · chain

The motor is equipped with a reliable Bosch fuel system with electromagnetic injectors, but leaks at the injection pump seals or wear…

Mercedes M272 E30

Mercedes M272 E30

2004–2013 · 3.0 L V6 · petrol · 231 hp · chain

The weakest point of this power unit is its timing drive.

Mercedes M272 E35

Mercedes M272 E35

2004–2013 · 3.5 L V6 · petrol · 258–292 hp · chain

The weakest point of this power unit is its timing drive.

Mercedes M272 E25

Mercedes M272 E25

2005–2011 · 2.5 L V6 · petrol · 204 hp · chain

The weakest point of this power unit is its timing drive.

Mercedes OM642

Mercedes OM642

2005–present · 3.0 L V6 · diesel · 184–265 hp · chain

The most famous problem of this diesel engine is leaking on the heat exchanger gaskets, and since it is in the collapse…

Mercedes M156

Mercedes M156

2006–2015 · 6.2 L V8 · petrol · 457–525 hp · chain

The most well-known problem with these engines is low camshaft life.

Mercedes M271 E16

Mercedes M271 E16

2008–2011 · 1.6 L R4 · petrol · 129–156 hp · chain

The most famous engine problem is the stuck exhaust valves due to soot.

Mercedes OM651

Mercedes OM651

2008–present · 1.8–2.1 L R4 · diesel · 95–204 hp · chain + gears

Until 2011, the main versions were equipped with a Delphi fuel system with piezo injectors, which were prone to leaks, which often…

Mercedes M276 DE30

Mercedes M276 DE30

2010–present · 3.0 L V6 · petrol · 272–367 hp · chain

The most problematic place of this power unit is the timing chain tensioners.

Mercedes M276 DE35

Mercedes M276 DE35

2010–present · 3.5 L V6 · petrol · 252–333 hp · chain

The most problematic place of this power unit is the timing chain tensioners.

Mercedes M274

Mercedes M274

2011–present · 1.6–2.0 L R4 · petrol · 129–333 hp · chain

In engines until 2014, phase regulators began to crack rather quickly, then the manufacturer finalized the design and the resource increased to…

Mercedes M177

Mercedes M177

2015–present · 4.0 L V8 · petrol · 476–639 hp · chain

First of all, this engine does not like tuning very much; its connecting rods cannot withstand.

Mercedes OM654

Mercedes OM654

2016–present · 1.6–2.0 L R4 · diesel · 116–265 hp · chain

A well-known weak point of this diesel unit is the small resource of rockers.

Mercedes M264

Mercedes M264

2018–present · 1.5–2.0 L R4 · petrol · 156–299 hp · chain

There are already cases of piston damage due to detonation caused by low-octane gasoline.

Mercedes M139

Mercedes M139

2019–present · 2.0 L R4 · petrol · 365–476 hp · chain

This is a completely reliable turbo engine for this level of boost and there are no problems with it.

Mercedes M254

Mercedes M254

2020–present · 1.5–2.0 L R4 · petrol · 170–258 hp · chain

All units of the modular series are afraid of detonation, do not use low-octane gasoline.

Models with the same engines

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