
Mercedes-Benz T1 engines
Mercedes-Benz T1 is a German small truck class car produced in a van / truck body by Mercedes-Benz. Years of release – 1977-1995. The Bremen Transporter is the name of a large family of light-duty vehicles produced under this series. It was first manufactured in Bremen, then produced in parts at various German factories. Since 1987, the car has also been produced in India in the back of a minibus under the name Force LCV.
The Mercedes-Benz T1 was offered with 5 engines between 1977 and 1988 (1 petrol, 4 diesel). Displacement ranges from 0.6 to 3.0 liters, power output from 55 to 136 hp. All of them use a timing chain. 1 is turbocharged. The longest rated lifespan belongs to the Mercedes OM616 (about 800,000 km).
Mercedes-Benz T1 engines by generation
| Engine | Years | Volume | Power | Fuel | Timing | Oil | Lifespan |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Mercedes-Benz T1 W601 1977–1988 | |||||||
| Mercedes OM615 | 1977–1985 | 2.0–2.2 L R4 | 55–60 hp | diesel | chain | ||
| Mercedes OM617 | 1981–1988 | 0.6–3.0 L R5 | 80–125 hp | diesel | chain | 6.5 L | |
| Mercedes OM616 | 1982–1988 | 2.4 L R4 | 65–75 hp | diesel | chain | 6.5 L | ~800,000 km |
| Other Mercedes-Benz T1 engines generation not specified | |||||||
| Mercedes M102 | 1980–1993 | 1.8–2.3 L R4 | 86–136 hp | petrol | chain | 4.5–5 L | ~400,000 km |
| Mercedes OM601 | 1983–2000 | 2.0–2.3 L R4 | 72–98 hp | diesel, NA / turbo | chain | 6 L | ~500,000 km |
Mercedes-Benz T1 engine FAQ
What engines were used in the Mercedes-Benz T1?
Mercedes-Benz T1 W601 (1977–1988): Mercedes OM615, Mercedes OM617 and Mercedes OM616.
Which Mercedes-Benz T1 engine is the most durable?
By rated service life the most durable Mercedes-Benz T1 engines are: Mercedes OM616 — about 800,000 km; Mercedes OM601 — about 500,000 km; Mercedes M102 — about 400,000 km. Actual lifespan depends heavily on maintenance and oil change intervals.
How much oil does the Mercedes-Benz T1 engine take?
Engine oil capacity with filter: Mercedes M102 — 4.5–5 L (5W-40); Mercedes OM601 — 6 L (5W-40); Mercedes OM616 — 6.5 L (10W-40, MB 228.1/229.1); Mercedes OM617 — 6.5 L (10W-40, MB 228.1/229.1).
Does the Mercedes-Benz T1 have a timing belt or chain?
Timing chain: Mercedes M102, Mercedes OM601, Mercedes OM615, Mercedes OM616 and Mercedes OM617.
Was the Mercedes-Benz T1 available with a diesel engine?
Yes: Mercedes OM601, Mercedes OM615, Mercedes OM616 and Mercedes OM617.
Engine details


Mercedes OM616
This is a very reliable and hardy diesel engine with just a huge resource and the most famous weak point is the…

Mercedes OM617
Diesel engines until 1979 often had cracks in the block in the region of the fifth cylinder and the crankshaft burst. There…

Mercedes M102
The most famous engine problem is camshaft wear at 150,000 km.

Mercedes OM601
These diesel engines are very reliable, provided that high-quality fuel and oil are used.
Models with the same engines
- Mercedes-Benz E-Class 4 shared engines
- Mercedes-Benz G-Class 3 shared engines
- Mercedes-Benz C-Class 2 shared engines
- Mercedes-Benz 190 1 shared engine
- Mercedes-Benz S-Class 1 shared engine
- Mercedes-Benz Sprinter 1 shared engine
- Mercedes-Benz Vito/Viano/V-Class 1 shared engine