Mercedes OM601
These diesel engines are very reliable, provided that high-quality fuel and oil are used.
Mercedes-Benz Sprinter engines
Mercedes-Benz Sprinter is a German low-tonnage car produced by Daimler AG since 1995. The car is produced in several modifications – a van, a passenger minibus, a pickup truck, a truck tractor and other special versions. Since 2006, the 2nd generation of cars has been produced. Over the years, the car was sold under the brand names Mercedes-Benz, Dodge, Freightliner and Volkswagen. The car is assembled in Germany, USA, Russia, China, Algeria and some other countries.
The Mercedes-Benz Sprinter was offered with 10 engines between 1995 and 2018 (3 petrol, 7 diesel). Displacement ranges from 1.8 to 3.5 liters, power output from 72 to 292 hp. All of them use a timing chain. 7 are turbocharged. The longest rated lifespan belongs to the Mercedes OM601 (about 500,000 km).
Mercedes-Benz Sprinter engines by generation
| Engine | Years | Volume | Power | Fuel | Timing | Oil | Lifespan |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Mercedes-Benz Sprinter W901 1995–2006 | |||||||
| Mercedes M111 E23 | 1995–2006 | 2.3 L R4 | 143–193 hp | petrol | chain | 5.5 L | ~450,000 km |
| Mercedes OM601 | 1995–2000 | 2.0–2.3 L R4 | 72–98 hp | diesel, NA / turbo | chain | 6 L | ~500,000 km |
| Mercedes OM602 | 1997–2000 | 2.5–2.9 L R5 | 84–129 hp | diesel, NA / turbo | chain | 7 L | ~450,000 km |
| Mercedes OM612 | 2000–2006 | 2.7 L R5 | 156–170 hp | diesel, turbo | chain | 7.5 L | ~350,000 km |
| Mercedes OM611 | 2000–2006 | 2.1–2.2 L R4 | 82–143 hp | diesel, turbo | chain | 6.5–8.5 L | ~500,000 km |
| Mercedes-Benz Sprinter W906 2006–2018 | |||||||
| Mercedes M272 E35 | 2006–2013 | 3.5 L V6 | 258–292 hp | petrol | chain | 8 L | ~320,000 km |
| Mercedes OM646 | 2006–2009 | 2.1 L R4 | 88–170 hp | diesel, turbo | chain | 6.5–9.5 L | ~400,000 km |
| Mercedes OM642 | 2006–2018 | 3.0 L V6 | 184–265 hp | diesel, turbo | chain | 8–12 L | ~450,000 km |
| Mercedes OM651 | 2009–2018 | 1.8–2.1 L R4 | 95–204 hp | diesel | chain + gears | 6.5 L | ~400,000 km |
| Other Mercedes-Benz Sprinter engines generation not specified | |||||||
| Mercedes M271 E18 | 2002–2015 | 1.8 L R4 | 122–204 hp | petrol, turbo | chain | 5.5 L | ~320,000 km |
Mercedes-Benz Sprinter engine FAQ
What engines were used in the Mercedes-Benz Sprinter?
Mercedes-Benz Sprinter W901 (1995–2006): Mercedes M111 E23, Mercedes OM601, Mercedes OM602, Mercedes OM612 and Mercedes OM611; Mercedes-Benz Sprinter W906 (2006–2018): Mercedes M272 E35, Mercedes OM646, Mercedes OM642 and Mercedes OM651.
Which Mercedes-Benz Sprinter engine is the most durable?
By rated service life the most durable Mercedes-Benz Sprinter engines are: Mercedes OM601 — about 500,000 km; Mercedes OM611 — about 500,000 km; Mercedes M111 E23 — about 450,000 km. Actual lifespan depends heavily on maintenance and oil change intervals.
How much oil does the Mercedes-Benz Sprinter engine take?
Engine oil capacity with filter: Mercedes M111 E23 — 5.5 L (5W-40); Mercedes M271 E18 — 5.5 L (5W-30); Mercedes M272 E35 — 8 L (5W-30); Mercedes OM601 — 6 L (5W-40); Mercedes OM602 — 7 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).
Does the Mercedes-Benz Sprinter have a timing belt or chain?
Timing chain: Mercedes M111 E23, Mercedes M271 E18, Mercedes M272 E35, Mercedes OM601, Mercedes OM602, Mercedes OM611, Mercedes OM612, Mercedes OM642, Mercedes OM646 and Mercedes OM651; gear drive: Mercedes OM651.
Was the Mercedes-Benz Sprinter available with a diesel engine?
Yes: Mercedes OM601, Mercedes OM602, Mercedes OM611, Mercedes OM612, Mercedes OM642, Mercedes OM646 and Mercedes OM651.
Engine details
Mercedes OM602
Strong vibrations of this diesel engine adversely affect the life of its supports.
Mercedes M111 E23
Most of all, grease leaks will cause you problems, and their number grows with mileage.
Mercedes OM611
The most famous problem of the unit is the burnout of refractory washers under the nozzles. It is advisable to change them…
Mercedes OM612
The problem with 5-cylinder diesel engines of the series is increased camshaft wear.
Mercedes M271 E18
The most famous engine problem is the stuck exhaust valves due to soot.
Mercedes OM646
The motor is equipped with a reliable Bosch fuel system with electromagnetic injectors, but leaks at the injection pump seals or wear…
Mercedes M272 E35
The weakest point of this power unit is its timing drive.
Mercedes OM642
The most famous problem of this diesel engine is leaking on the heat exchanger gaskets, and since it is in the collapse…
Mercedes OM651
Until 2011, the main versions were equipped with a Delphi fuel system with piezo injectors, which were prone to leaks, which often…
Models with the same engines
- Mercedes-Benz C-Class 10 shared engines
- Mercedes-Benz E-Class 10 shared engines
- Mercedes-Benz Vito/Viano/V-Class 7 shared engines
- Mercedes-Benz CLK-Class 6 shared engines
- Mercedes-Benz M-Class 5 shared engines
- Mercedes-Benz SLK-Class 4 shared engines
- Mercedes-Benz CLC-Class 3 shared engines
- Mercedes-Benz CLS-Class 3 shared engines
- Mercedes-Benz G-Class 3 shared engines
- Mercedes-Benz GLK-Class 3 shared engines