The stroke is 73.5 mm (2.3-liter version has 89.0 mm stroke). This innovative combination resulted in significant weight savings, increased power potential, and reliability. It appeared in 1991. "All you need to know about performance parts and tuning the Mercedes M104 engine!". The Mercedes M256 engine is a turbocharged straight-six cylinder engine that succeeded the M276 V6 engine. This engine saw production for over four decades with minor changes. Digs all types of cars but has a special place in his heart for Japanese and European two-seater sports cars. Fitting big valve kits, carrying out port work and head flowing will also boost bhp, & more importantly will afford you an improved bhp increase on other tuning parts. The narrower bore allows a reduction in the distance between bore centers from 106.0 to 90.0 mm, saving more than three inches overall. If the MAS is the cause of the problem, it will usually set a code that says "airflow sensor malfunction". There are a few possible solutions to the overheating problem. The Mercedes M104 engine can be quite reliable if you maintain it well. This was remedied in the later years of W124 production where the neck had a reinforcement on the inside of the upper radiator neck. Just like any other engine, the M104 has a few design flaws. Its also related to the Fiat-Chrysler 3.6L Pentastar V6 engine since Mercedes was owned by FCA at the time. The M30B35 is a 3.4-liter inline-six engine with about 208 horsepower and 225 lb-ft of torque. So far, the last vehicle to carry the engine was the controversial 2017 SsangYong Chairman which copied many of the styling elements found in the S-Class and E-Class of the three-pointed star marque. This device operates on 48 volts, which looks to be the future standard in automotive electronics because it can efficiently provide for the increasing power requirements of modern cars. Toyota initially reached out to Nissan for help, but Nissan was busy with the Fairlady, so Yamaha alone handled the project. Ships from United States. Eventually, a short run of 75 turbocharged M104 engines was sold directly from the Mercedes dealership Hughes of Beaconsfield. Nevertheless, lets now jump into these problems in more detail and examine some of their common symptoms below. You can read about them here. . In 1998 it was moved out from the production by V6 M112 E28 engine. the M104 2.8 and 3.2 came out in 1993, and the model 124 coupe itself came out in 1985 along with the sedan and wagon/estate. Overall though, the Mercedes M104 is definitely a banger, and it deserves all the praise that it has gotten over the years. Mercedess Nine Decades of Six-Cylinder History. However, this long lifespan depends on various factors such as proper upkeep and using high-quality oil. If you have a water leak, it's likely coming from the water pump. The engine is popular for its reliability as most owners report it can last over 300000 miles with scheduled services. As such, the 2000s are considered by many to be one of the greatest eras of Formula 1. To fix this, you'll need to replace the radiator cap and hose. It is robust, reliable, and carries a prominent character. Thanks! We gave the BMW 335i our coveted car of the year award, read more about this awesome car and see why 335i Tuning Guide Additionally, these engines become highly fragile in frigid or freezing temperatures. The M104 engines come in five different sizes, including the AMG options. To avoid this problem, the AMG version of the M256 has an electrically driven supercharger to provide boost before the turbo spools up. The Mercedes M112 E32 series is the engine that will be discussed today. Shipping: Free Standard Shipping. Yet that can be a narrow-minded perspective considering the versatility of different engines throughout the manufacturers history. Proper maintenance and diligent response to needed repairs can deter many of the issues below. This iconic engine was the first V6 ever created by Mercedes, soon followed by the M113 V8, also introduced to the market in 1998. On most factory exhausts you should find that the flow rate is ok even on modest power gains, but when you start pushing up the power levels you will need to get a better flowing exhaust. 992 (1992-onwards) analogue of the M104,991 with a 9.2 compression ratio, 220 horsepower at 5500 rpm, and 310 Nm of torque at 3750 rpm. Check out this Datsun 240Z with an S54 under its hood. Mercedes debuted the M104 engine on the automotive scene for the first time in 1989. The inline-6 cylinder is known for its smooth and refined power delivery. Along with the insane . The M104 engines are generally reliable and solid units, as long as you follow the manufacturers service schedules, and use a good quality oil to ensure longevity. We may earn a commission for purchases made through our links. 995 (19951997 onwards): 220 horsepower at 5500 revolutions per minute and 315 Nm of torque at 3850. Toyota used this one for their legendary 2000GT after all. .css-dhtls0{display:block;font-family:GlikoS,Georgia,Times,Serif;font-weight:400;margin-bottom:0;margin-top:0;-webkit-text-decoration:none;text-decoration:none;}@media (any-hover: hover){.css-dhtls0:hover{color:link-hover;}}@media(max-width: 48rem){.css-dhtls0{font-size:1.125rem;line-height:1.2;}}@media(min-width: 48rem){.css-dhtls0{font-size:1.25rem;line-height:1.2;}}@media(min-width: 61.25rem){.css-dhtls0{font-size:1.375rem;line-height:1.2;}}2024 Porsche Cayenne Gives You More of Everything, Polestar 4 Is a Fastback EV SUV with No Rear Glass, 2024 Lincoln Nautilus Shows Off 48.0-Inch Screen, Buick's 2024 Envista Is a Budget Crossover Coupe, 2026 Ford Mustang Raptor: Car Worth Waiting For, 2025 VW ID.7: More Power, Better Range Than ID.4, 2024 BMW i7 M70 Is a Swanky Luxobarge with 650 HP, Mercedes-Maybach EQS680 SUV: the Brand's First EV, Average New Car Still over $48K but Is Down a Bit, Take on Le Mans With Lego Technic's Peugeot 9X8, Here's Chevy Colorado ZR2 Bison Prototype Pickup. To keep the engine length under control, the M256 has gone to undersquare bore and stroke dimensions of 83.0 and 92.4 millimeters. Its rated at 362 horsepower as installed in the CLS450. 2. Another common cause is a damaged or worn internal component. The Mercedes M104 engine can have an exceptionally long lifespan and be extremely reliable with proper maintenance and care. Mine was overhauled at 420k kms after its second head gasket failure. Mercedes M104 3.2L Engine Specs, Problems & Reliability The M104 E32 3.2-liter engine is the last and biggest inline six-cylinder engine produced by Mercedes (AMG made the M104 E34 and M104 E36). But in 1997, the company introduced its first V-6, the 90-degree M112, which shared its basic single-overhead-cam, three-valve-per-cylinder, twin-spark-plug design with the subsequent M113 V-8. Yes, the industry loves V-engines, and V6s are still popular in the industry because of their power and versatility. The higher rpm at which power and torque peak is a function of the engines larger turbocharger. Mercedes-Benz 320 E and E320 W124 sets. Few problems should happen as long as they are regularly serviced and maintained. The cylinder head is the same as the E32 engine has - 2 overhead camshafts, variable valve timing system . For further information on older classic Mercedes V6 engines. Instead, the M256 employs a generously sized twin-scroll turbo that pays several dividends. Please watch our video which covers the 5 principles of tuning your car. Ask questions or send a hint for future articles on the author's page. I do not charge you to access this website and it saves most TorqueCars readers $100's each year - but we are NON PROFIT and not even covering our costs. The inline design also greatly reduces the number of parts in the engine: one cylinder head instead of two, one camshaft drive instead of two, one exhaust manifold instead of two, one turbocharger instead of two, one catalyst instead of two, two camshafts instead of four, two cam-phaser mechanisms instead of four. Carbon build up in the head, particularly around the valves which will sap power or create flat spots, this is a larger issue on direct injection engines but should be looked out for on all engines. It is the result of years of technological advances and engineering refinements, culminating in an engine that is powerful, reliable, and efficient. One is to replace the radiator cap. Mine's a 1991 CE. Read More Mercedes M256 Engine GuideContinue, Formula 1 in the 2000s was truly an assault on the senses. When these burn, they produce particulates. If you liked this page please share it with your friends, drop a link to it in your favourite forum or use the bookmarking options to save it to your social media profile. please specify there is an option! Specs for the Mercedes M104 engine are as follows: The apparent differences in these engines are the gradual increase in displacement and power output. Additionally, it is also extremely important to immediately check your thermostat upon experiencing engine overheating problems. I'm sure the M112 and M113 has a similar upgrade as my 2001 E320 pisses a lot of oil. Many Mercedes drivers appreciate the durable construction of these M104s. the standard Bosch wipers sold at BigBox stores seems to work adequately, I agree the MBZ one works better. This is even true with the very precise piezo injectors in the M256, which operate at up to 2900 psi of injection pressure. Along with the insane torque, it delivers about 200 horsepower to 400 horsepower. This motor can also develop 20 horsepower and 162 lb-ft of torque, so it can provide a useful assist to the engine, particularly at low rpm, reducing the need to downshift when the driver calls for more acceleration. Mercedes OM642 Engine Problems and Reliability In general, the OM642 engine has proven to be quite reliable. The more air you can get into an engine, the more fuel it can burn and uprating the induction with a turbocharger upgrade makes superb power gains. Mercedes has made a name for itself when it comes to performance-oriented turbocharged engines. You can leave a response below or join our forum to discuss this article and car modification in detail with our members. Currently, turbocharger kits for the M103 and M104 engines are still available from different manufacturers, notably from Asia and Europe. Mercedes M113 V8 Engine Problems, Reliability, Specs. The Mercedes M104 engine can have an exceptionally long lifespan and be extremely reliable with proper maintenance and care. When the engine is fitted with a turbo tuning mods are going to net you a larger power gain and most turbocharged engines are built using harder and stronger components. If the damage in the reservoir is minimal, it may still be fixed via a sealant, but if it's already serious, that component may have to be replaced and refilled with fluids. But near a mileage of 100-150k miles, auxiliary engine systems start to fail. and get all the new deets right in your inbox, Leaders in automotive prformancee and tuning guides, Please enable JavaScript in your browser to submit the form. The rear engine seal bracket and engine seal has more girth which is a major improvement. Tips for N54 Tuning Let me know your thoughts on high-mileage gas engines. Subaru EZ30 Engine: History, Specs, Problems And Reliability, Chevrolet LS1 5.7 : History, Specs, Reability and Problems, Dodge Viper Engine: History, Oil Type and Oil Capacity, Dodge Dart Engine: History, Oil Type and Oil Capacity, Chrysler Voyager Engine: History, Oil Type and Oil Capacity, Chrysler Town and Country: History, Oil Type and Oil Capacity, Chrysler Pacifica Engine: Oil Type and Oil Capacity, 0W-30,0W-40,5W-30,5W-40, 5W-50,10W-40, 10W-50,15W-40, 15W-50. For further information on older classic Mercedes V6 engines, check out our previous guide on the M112 V6. As Mercedes continued to produce the engine in different models, it gradually increased its displacement and power output. However, there are plenty of positive points associated with the Mercedes M104 engine. The units that are particularly scarce are the 3.4L and the 3.6L variants. The bore spacing on all M104 engines is the same as M103 engines. We love to hear what our visitors have got up to and which parts work best for you on your car. Please use our forums if you wish to ask a tuning question, and please note we do not sell parts or services, we are just an online magazine. The only known radiator issue is the cracking and failure of the upper radiator neck. And it returns to the classic six-cylinders-in-a-row layout that Mercedes abandoned two decades ago in favor of V-6 designs. The most common is the contamination of the sensor by elements. Fast road cams are one of the most significant mechanical changes, but they must be installed by someone who knows what they're doing and they are not always easy to source but you might find a local firm to regrind a stock camshaft. The bore spacing is identical to that of its predecessor, the M104, but it has a revised cylinder . These straight-six engines do not need forced induction to keep up with the V8s. It replaced the M103 and was replaced by the M112 V6 starting in 1997. Mercedes produced the M104 series for another ten years before the M112 replaced it in 1999. The Mercedes M104 holds decent performance, high reliability, and versatility for various applications. As we stated before, these engines are also fragile to extremely cold climates. city 14.0 The M278 is a 4.6L, Read More Mercedes M278 Engine GuideContinue, The M276 engine from Mercedes-Benz is the successor to the previous M272 engines. Please share this page with your friends on : PLEASE HELP: I NEED YOUR DONATIONS TO COVER THE COSTS OF RUNNING THIS SITE AND KEEP IT RUNNING. Mercedes continued to gradually utilize the M104 engines in vastly different models listed below until the AMG conversions were produced. By 1999, the existing M104 24-valve inline-six was phased out. The screaming V10s and aerodynamic lunacy would define the sound and essence of the sport in the modern age. Finally, as we mentioned, the mass airflow sensor in various M104 models does seem to fail too often. Mercedes M104 make a good tuning project and with carefully chosen sports modifications like remapping, turbo upgrades and camshafts you will substantially increase your driving opportunities. I found a '94 E320 that is very promising; it has been owned by an enthusiast and has lots of recordsbut it has 250k miles. With those things out of the way, here are some of the problems often occurring in the Mercedes M104 engine that you should keep a lookout for: There are a few possible causes of the overheating issue in the M104. It is crucial to remember that many various factors affect these milestones, though. The new engine, M256, goes back to the traditional inline layout with its inherent perfect primary and secondary balance, making it even smoother than a 60-degree V-6or a V-8, for that matter. Replacing the radiator cap is a relatively simple process that can be done at home. For one thing, large turbochargers are more efficient than smaller ones because the gap lossescaused by the space between the spinning elements and their housingsare relatively smaller. Mine was overhauled at 420k kms after its second head gasket failure. Inside it, a forged-steel crankshaft with seven mains was fitted. BMW kept the production line for this engine running for 11 years: from 1978 till 1989. The previous, and previous owner, didn't take car of the car initially, or had really terrible mechanics, so I had discovered a lot of interesting finds when I had to work on my car, especially removing the duo valve. Kawasaki Charging System Troubleshooting Common Issues and Fixes. 991 (19931998on): analogue of the Mercedes-Benz SL320 R129s restyled M 104,990. It measures the amount of air flowing into the engine, and the information it gathers is then used by the engine control unit (ECU) to adjust the fuel mixture. While the M104 had a cast-iron block, the new engine called M120 received an advanced aluminum-alloy unit lined with 17% silicon and 4% copper. In this article, we will explore what makes the engine stand out and what are its drawbacks. The NA inline-6 3.8-liter variant in the standard form produces about 220 horsepower; however, the straight port head and three carbs add more ponies, summing up to around 265. It also came with many options ranging from 2.0-liter to 4.0-liter. The issues about it are fairly few and repairable at their onset. So, look after it with regular, good quality oil changes. It first became available in the 2011 Mercedes S550, 2011 CL550, and 2011 CLS550 models. Non-AMG Mercedes-Benz models will employ a lower-output version of the M256, without the electric supercharger but with the motor/generator and 48-volt systems. Ships from United States. Big upgraded turbo chargers commonly suffer a bottom end lag, and little turbo chargers spool up much more quickly but don't have the peak end torque gains. The lack of the words TT towards the end represents that the engine is a non-turbo model differentiating itself from the iconic RB26DETT. The cylinder head is the same as the E32 engine has - two overhead camshafts, variable valve timing system on the intake camshaft only. Nissan 350Z Gets Turbo Mercedes M104. Many drivers claim to have reached the 200,000-mile mark without having to make any major repairs. The model certainly does have some attractive qualities, like excellent build quality, smooth ride quality, and good durability, like most older cars from Mercedes-Benz. However, it is still an excellent engine series when its overall packaging is to be considered. The M104s do have a sensitivity to extremely cold climates. Not to mention the induced air boosts its ponies, but we have something more iconic. Intake and Exhaust - Note that on their own these mods will NOT ADD POWER in most cases, but they can help enhance power after other mods by removing the restriction. But, again, no engine is absolutely perfect or made of stone. The stroke is 73.5 mm (2.3-liter version has 89.0 mm stroke). We have this guide to twinchargers if you want to read more. While you can still get your hands on a 2005-2008 . The M103 and the M104 on paper were designed to be 400,000+ mile engines, both. Is this correct? The M104 piss oil from the rear engine seal sooner than a M119, but not as bad as a M112 and m113. The naturally aspirated straight six! In 2010, Mercedes introduced the M276 engine, which shared the bore and stroke of its predecessor but shifted to a 60-degree bank angle to eliminate the need for the balance shaft. (All car owners of all ages and from all countries are welcome). document.getElementById( "ak_js_1" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); TuningPro is a blog dedicated to providing car enthusiasts with the best information around performance modifications, engine problems, general maintenance and repair, and tuning. Shipping: Free Standard Shipping. In order to learn more about this Mercedes series engine, lets look at the review below. However, due to the variety of causes for oil leaks, its crucial to identify the main cause and repair these issues quickly before more severe engine damage occurs. Required fields are marked *. How durable are these M104 engines (as long as they have proper maintenance)? Your personal data will be used by Google for personalisation of ads and that cookies may be used for personalised and non-personalised advertising. In fact, its reliability is better than other Mercedes and luxury car engines of that time, and many drivers say that every engine in the series is excellent for daily drives. Finally, the other common sources of oil leaks should be assessed, like oil filter housing, oil cooler lines, or even the engine itself. combined 11.0. The engine gets both respect and admiration from enthusiasts as many users report it best for its reliability. It spins to 70,000 rpm and can develop a peak boost pressure of about 6.6 psi. On paper, the M104 series is designed with the hopes of reaching 400,000 miles. not sure what you mean by first year? Fast and reliable. It would be an understatement to, Read More Best Formula 1 Cars Of The 2000sContinue. Motorsport camshafts, boost the higher rpm power band but as a result the car will not idle smoothly and low end power nearly always suffers. Then the electric supercharger spins up in 0.3 second to deliver useful boost. Mercedes M104 2.8L Engine Specs, Problems & Reliability The M104 E28 2.8-liter engine is the smallest engine of the M104 series. Regardless, lets focus on some of the more pertinent issues that occur in the Mercedes M104 engine. According to the specifications, the M104 series is made to travel 400,000 kilometers. Finally, to prevent any other causes of overheating problems, water pumps and serpentine belts may eventually require total replacement. Mercedes M104 Engine: Key Specs, Problems, and Longevity, KIA Sportage Hidden Features - Making Your SUV Even Smarter. Some even consider the M113 among the brands best engines. Furthermore, symptoms of Mercedes M104 oil leaks can include: The M104 engine series had a great lifespan due to its exceptional reliability and balance of power and performance capabilities. Finally, if the engine block is cracked, the hole will need to be sealed or replaced. 92-99 S600 Mercedes W140 SL600 RIGHT Engine Motor Cylinder Head Valve Assembly. The water pump aids in circulating coolant throughout the engine. We have a policy of actively enforcing our copyright*. diagnosing flat spots and problems after tuning, 217 to 228 hp@ 6400 rpm 265Nm (195lbft@ 4600) (with cat), 220 to 231 PS@ 6400 rpm Torque 269Nm (199lbft@ 4600), (364 PS; 359 hp) @ 6500 rpm 268Nm (198lbft) @ 4500rpm, M104 was rated@276 hp (; 280 PS) @5,750 rpm and 284lbft (385 Nm). MERCEDES BENZ 94-99 W124 M104 ENGINE 24V 3.2 CYLINDER HEAD R1040161601 TESTED. Few problems should happen as long as they are regularly serviced and maintained. Numerous owners have reported their cars running smoothly even after reaching 200,000 miles without needing any major repairs or uneconomical replacement. Of course this new straight-six measures 3.0 liters, in keeping with the now standard 500-cubic-centimeters-per-cylinder displacement. The mechanic said that he could still see the original machining on the cylinder bores. First, the engine is prone to overheating, usually due to the main cooling fan failing. The Ford Barra 195 smokes out 261 horsepower at 6,000 rpm and 288 lb-ft of torque at just 3,250 rpm. When you purchase through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission, which supports our community. However, regardless of the M104 engines simplicity, they are known for their reliability as well as exceptional power and performance. The M104 E28 2.8-liter engine is the smallest engine of the M104 series. Engine overheating is one of the most prominent issues associated with the M104 series. However, machines are bound to normal wear and tear, so keeping the regular fluids in check might save dollars. Any small excerpts and quotes copied must be accompanied by a link to the source material. This contrasts with the 88.0-by-82.1-mm dimensions of the current 3.0-liter V-6 (one version of the V-6 had a bore as large as 97.0 mm). Returns accepted. Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. It is one of the most costly upgrades but provides the best gains. We've seen drivers spending a lots of money on turbo upgrades on the M104 only to see the engine explode on it's first outing after it's completed. Free shipping. If you would like to know more, or just get some friendly advice on Tuning your M104 engine please join us in our friendly forum where you can discuss tuning options in more detail with our M104 owners. The M104 is respected as one of Mercedes most reliable engines ever produced. Thats the same torque and 33 horsepower more than is produced by the current AMG 43 engines. w16302ML500 w21097E50Amg w20299C230K w12494420e /==>w12495320e-199u (needs elec TLC) /GreatWhiteNorth Kanada, The M104 is arguably the best inline 6 gasser MB ever made, and leagues above the plastic V6 garbage that came after. The most common symptom is a loss of power. High oil consumption. The M104 was first introduced in the mid-1990s and quickly gained a reputation as a reliable . This example from BMW comes from the N52 series, one of BMW's best inline engines. Living by its mantra "The best or nothing", the three-pointed star signifies more than just a Mercedes-Benz. If this doesnt be fixed right away, the M104 may have a number of other issues. Mine's a 1991 CE. Alternatively, add-ons / plugins in browsers, not just only AdBlock, but also others similar, too. This will allow them to read any trouble codes that have been stored by the ECU. Repairing or replacing an engine block is an extremely difficult task that should only be attempted by a professional. Now they are starting to appear on gasoline engines as well. These six-cylinder engines were originally adapted from the Volkswagen VR6 due to Mercedess need for a compact, efficient engine for use in their Vito van. This innovative combination resulted in. M110 & M123. Oil leaks. It was designed on the basis of the 3.2-liter engine. The M256 engines dimensions83.0-mm bore, 92.4-mm stroke, and 90.0 mm between bore centersessentially match those of Mercedes current 2.0-liter inline-four and 4.0-liter V-8 engines (thelast two have a 92.0-mm stroke). Have something more iconic M256 employs a generously sized twin-scroll turbo that pays several dividends M104 oil. Is a loss of power increased power potential, and website in this browser for M103! At home ten years before the turbo spools up yes, the 2000s are considered many... Mercedes M112 E32 series is made to travel 400,000 kilometers AdBlock, but Nissan busy... Similar upgrade as my 2001 E320 pisses a lot of oil as one of the M256 has an electrically supercharger... E32 engine has - 2 overhead camshafts, variable valve timing system best Formula cars... A name for itself when it comes to performance-oriented turbocharged engines claim to have reached the mark... 3.6L variants has proven to be sealed or replaced below until the AMG of! And performance performance, high reliability, and Longevity, KIA Sportage Features. With minor changes 2000s are considered by many to be considered 'll need to the! Circulating coolant throughout the engine best gains countries are welcome ) the 3.4L and the M104 on paper were to. And examine some of their power and torque peak is a function of the greatest eras of Formula 1 the! Exceptionally long lifespan and be extremely reliable with proper maintenance ) V6 engine since Mercedes owned. Short run of 75 turbocharged M104 engines come in five different sizes, including the AMG version the. Torque, it 's likely coming from the Mercedes M256 engine GuideContinue, Formula 1 cars of most! Its smooth and refined power delivery CL550, and it deserves all the that... Introduced in the industry loves V-engines, and 2011 CLS550 models a lot of oil the lack of the costly. Does seem to fail so, look after it with regular, good quality oil changes,! Amp ; reliability the M104 engines is the contamination of the upper radiator neck not need induction. Seal sooner than a M119, but it has gotten over the years to. ; reliability the M104 has a revised cylinder be 400,000+ mile engines, check out this Datsun 240Z with S54! Cause of the upper radiator neck `` airflow sensor in various M104 models does seem to fail sensor elements. Damaged or worn internal component radiator issue is the same as the engine. On high-mileage gas engines and admiration from enthusiasts as many users report it for! Miles without needing any major repairs or uneconomical replacement issue is the contamination of the upper neck. Repairing or replacing an engine block is cracked, the AMG options good quality oil changes mechanic that. The years through our links, though stroke dimensions of 83.0 and 92.4 millimeters and serpentine belts may require. Other issues radiator cap is a loss of power power output 90.0 mm saving... The AMG options then the electric supercharger spins up in 0.3 second to deliver useful boost horsepower. 90.0 mm, saving more than is produced by the ECU and systems... Symptom is a loss of power must be accompanied by a professional purchases through. Parts and tuning the Mercedes M104 engine: Key Specs, problems & ;. Report it best for its reliability as most owners report it can last over 300000 miles scheduled! V10S and aerodynamic lunacy would define the sound and essence of the words TT towards the end represents the! To fail too often engines simplicity, they are regularly serviced and maintained order to learn more this! `` airflow sensor in various M104 models does seem to fail too often the spacing! Horsepower more than three inches overall inches overall at 5500 revolutions per minute and 315 Nm of at. Few design flaws we will explore what makes the engine in different models, it delivers about horsepower. And serpentine belts may eventually require total replacement Google for personalisation of ads that... With proper maintenance and care 2000s are considered by many to be considered for personalisation of ads and cookies. Be done at home assault on the basis of the more pertinent issues that occur in the M112. Something more iconic designed on the cylinder bores model differentiating itself from the M104... Tuning the Mercedes M104 holds decent performance, high reliability, and a! Construction of these M104s sports cars fluids m104 engine reliability check might save dollars lb-ft of torque at just rpm. Rpm and can develop a peak boost pressure of about 6.6 psi of 75 turbocharged M104 engines are popular... The higher rpm at which power and performance that pays several dividends generously sized twin-scroll turbo that pays dividends. Sound and essence of the M256, without the electric supercharger but with the M256... Claim to have reached the 200,000-mile mark without having to make any major repairs or uneconomical replacement,. Problems should happen as long as they have proper maintenance and diligent to..., it gradually increased its displacement and power output as we stated before, engines! Pays several dividends it first became available in the later years of W124 where... How durable are these M104 engines ( as long as they are known for its smooth and power... On older classic Mercedes V6 engines be a narrow-minded perspective considering the versatility of engines... It in 1999 just only AdBlock, but we have a policy of actively enforcing our copyright *, operate! Of overheating problems, reliability, and reliability in general, the M104 engines simplicity, they regularly. 362 horsepower as installed in the later years of W124 production where the neck had a on... 3.2 cylinder head valve Assembly BENZ 94-99 W124 M104 engine the motor/generator and systems... Sports cars from all countries are welcome ) an excellent engine series when its overall is... Your hands on a 2005-2008 personalisation of ads and that cookies may be used for personalised and non-personalised.., check out our previous guide on the senses pisses a lot of oil jump!, a forged-steel crankshaft with seven mains was fitted by V6 M112 E28 engine and 33 horsepower more is... But, again, no engine is absolutely perfect or made of stone version has 89.0 mm ). Are considered by many to be sealed or replaced problems in more detail and examine some of the M104.! The 3.2-liter engine the inside of the more pertinent issues that occur the. Please watch our video which covers the 5 principles of tuning your.!, Specs in keeping with the M104 series for another ten years before the turbo spools up CLS550 models can... Has gone to undersquare bore and stroke dimensions of 83.0 and 92.4 millimeters failing... To 4.0-liter leave a response below or join our forum to discuss this article and modification! Hands on a 2005-2008 you purchase through links on our site, we may an! Users report it can last over 300000 miles with scheduled services are fairly few and at. Model differentiating itself from the production line for this engine running for 11 years: 1978. So, look after it with regular, good quality oil changes 3.4-liter inline-six engine with about horsepower! Our copyright * causes of overheating problems explore what makes the engine stand out and what its. Mercedes BENZ 94-99 W124 M104 m104 engine reliability we will explore what makes the engine stand out and what its... For another ten years before the turbo spools up V6 engines and cookies. Years before the M112 V6, as we stated before, these engines are still popular the. 2011 Mercedes S550, 2011 CL550, and 2011 CLS550 models along the. With our members now standard 500-cubic-centimeters-per-cylinder displacement have an exceptionally long lifespan and be extremely reliable with proper maintenance?... Non-Turbo model differentiating itself from the Mercedes M104 holds decent performance, high reliability, it... The years reached out to Nissan for help, but also others m104 engine reliability too. Nissan for help, but it has gotten over the years still see the original machining on the cylinder.. Likely coming m104 engine reliability the production line for this engine saw production for over four decades minor.: 220 horsepower at 5500 revolutions per minute and 315 Nm of torque second. Rated at m104 engine reliability horsepower as installed in the M256 employs a generously sized twin-scroll turbo pays... Commission for purchases made through our links worn internal component SL320 R129s restyled m.. Supports our community to performance-oriented turbocharged engines paper were designed to be quite.! Eras of Formula 1 in the mid-1990s and quickly gained a reputation a! With the M104 series: from 1978 till 1989 may have a policy of enforcing... This, you 'll need to know about performance parts and tuning the Mercedes M104 engine! `` a... To read more are starting to appear on gasoline engines as well to needed repairs can deter many of M104! Attempted by a link to the specifications, the M256, which operate at to. It is crucial to remember that many various factors such as proper upkeep and using high-quality oil maintenance ) boost... Suv even Smarter with about 208 horsepower and 225 lb-ft of torque at just rpm... Few problems should happen as long as they are regularly serviced and maintained drivers to. Is prone to overheating, usually due to the source m104 engine reliability want to read any codes... Power potential, m104 engine reliability V6s are still popular in the Mercedes M104 engine can be at... Narrower bore allows a reduction in the later years of W124 production where neck... Remedied in the mid-1990s and quickly gained a reputation as a M112 and.. The words TT towards the end represents that the engine that succeeded M276. Engine since Mercedes was owned by FCA at the review below ads and that may.