Notify me of follow-up comments by email. However, machines are bound to normal wear and tear, so keeping the regular fluids in check might save dollars. 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. Also, the tuning potential of this motor is very high, keeping the name of the RB26 name intact. Chip Tuning The size of bore and shape and rate of flow of the Intake can make a big change to fuel mixing and power on the M104. Depending on its application, the bore of the engine can measure between 88.5 mm and 91.5 mm, and its stroke comes in sizes between 73.5 mm and 92.4 mm. The best wiper I've ever used was OE which are now very reasonable.probably because they're third-world made, but they work great. One is to replace the radiator cap. ECU Remaps The M104 piss oil from the rear engine seal sooner than a M119, but not as bad as a M112 and m113. Mercedes OM642 Engine Problems and Reliability In general, the OM642 engine has proven to be quite reliable. The turbo bandit kits are a little much even though they are all great deals. This iconic engine was the first V6 ever created by Mercedes, soon followed by the M113 V8, also introduced to the market in 1998. 994 (1993-onwards) analogue of the M104,990 with a different intake manifold, 231 horsepower at 5600 revolutions per minute, and 315 Nm of torque at 3750 revolutions per minute. Equally mandatory is forced induction, which this engine provides with a turbocharger, supplemented by an electrically driven supercharger in AMG models. When the driver presses on the accelerator to call for more output from the M256, the first reaction is immediate torque from the integrated starter/alternator. Furthermore, all M104 engines had camshafts . All issues and problems of the 2.8l engine are also the same as for the M104 3.2l engine. Sign up now!!! Head work - The goals of porting and flowing the head are to get air flowing into the engine while removing flow restrictions and turbulence. 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. establishes the Mercedes-Benz 300 SE / SEL W140 as the powerplant. In addition, many drivers report problems with oil leaks and high oil consumption. The engine also has a double-row timing chain and variable geometry intake manifold. 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. No reason to 'save' dollars/pennies on the front wiper because the OE's are very reasonable now. M112 E32 3.2l Engine Problems and Reliability 1. 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. Along with the insane . There are 148 horsepower and 129 lb-ft of torque acquainted with this NA inline-6 powerhouse that helps captivate drivers' enthusiasm on the straights and the corners. Once you've found the root of all your troubles, you can then decide whether you need to replace a part or simply seal the leak. The M104 engine was originally adapted from the Volkswagen VR6 for use in the Mercedes Vito van. 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. Yet that can be a narrow-minded perspective considering the versatility of different engines throughout the manufacturers history. Without proper airflow, engine power and performance will be greatly reduced, and serious engine damage can occur. Like the Jaguars' E-Type, this engine is also somewhat timeless. The longer stroke also produces less side thrust on the pistons, which reduces internal friction. Nissan 350Z Gets Turbo Mercedes M104. The Mercedes M104 engine can have an exceptionally long lifespan and be extremely reliable with proper maintenance and care. We have tips on removing carbon build up. The next variant is contaminated ventilation of crankcase gases. When these burn, they produce particulates. the standard Bosch wipers sold at BigBox stores seems to work adequately, I agree the MBZ one works better. These undersquare dimensions produce a more compact combustion chamber with a more favorable surface-to-volume ratio than an oversquare engine, reducing heat losses to the coolant. See details for shipping. Customize a car Mercedes makes some of the most fanatic cars on this planet and even crazier engines. Nine Things You Must Know about the New Mercedes Inline-Six, 2024 Porsche Cayenne Gives You More of Everything, the now standard 500-cubic-centimeters-per-cylinder displacement, Why 0.5-Liter Cylinders Will Soon Dominate Automotive Engine Design, First Drive: 2019 Mercedes-AMG CLS53 and Mercedes-Benz CLS450, 2019 Mercedes-AMG GT 4-Door: The More-Door AMG, Your Privacy Choices: Opt Out of Sale/Targeted Ads. I'm sure the M112 and M113 has a similar upgrade as my 2001 E320 pisses a lot of oil. The Mercedes M113 engine family made its debut in 1997. And the tuning capabilities will remind you of some of the legendary JDM tuners out there. The M104 engine was first introduced to the automotive market by Mercedes in 1989. Many drivers report getting to the 200,000-mile mark without any severe repairs needed. Engine power @ 5500 rpm: (258 PS; 255 hp) Torque @ 3750 rpm: 270Nm (199lbft), (231 PS; 228 hp @ 5500 rpm) 255Nm (188lbft) @ 4400rpm. Many drivers report getting to the 200,000-mile mark without any severe repairs needed. They build the engine excellently, and Yamaha's help is noticeable. 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 intake and exhaust durations will alter depending on the chosen cam profile, so large torque gains are on offer for cam upgrades. Do you need to consider any reliability factors for this solid-built engine? Its important to note that not every M104 driver will experience these issues; however, we found them common enough to be considered the main problems to keep an eye out for. The payoff for this technology is an output of 429 horsepower at 6100 rpm and 384 lb-ft of torque at 1800 revs in the version of the engine used in the AMG 53 models. Free shipping for many products! Has a Mercedes-Benz E 320 W210 fit. It can also recover energy during braking to charge its 0.9-kWh lithium-ion battery. 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). Has a Mercedes-Benz S 320 W140 fit. Something suitable for one model of car may be completely unsuitable for another - so we can only provide generic theory. And the electric A/C compressor can also deliver the cars cooling needsefficiently while maintaining cold air during extended idle stops. Due to the fact that the M256 engine was introduced in 2017, many problems and issues are still being determined. Mercedes also offers multiple variants of the M276 a 3.5L NA, 3.0L twin turbo, and 3.5L twin turbo. 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 debuted the M104 engine on the automotive scene for the first time in 1989. The water pump aids in circulating coolant throughout the engine. Yes, the industry loves V-engines, and V6s are still popular in the industry because of their power and versatility. Wiper blades are even questionable, at least for the front mono wiper. The Mercedes M104 is a well-rounded and highly dependable engine. The M104 engines have five different displacement sizes, including the special AMG options. 93-97 Mercedes R129 SL320 E320 M104 Engine Oil Level Dip Stick 1040100772 OEM. This example from BMW comes from the N52 series, one of BMW's best inline engines. If the water pump is failing, it will need to be replaced. Despite this, the engine found continued use in nearly 40 different models produced by Mercedes over its lifespan. This was remedied in the later years of W124 production where the neck had a reinforcement on the inside of the upper radiator neck. BMW kept the production line for this engine running for 11 years: from 1978 till 1989. The M103 was replaced by the M104 starting in 1989. Mercedes-Benz Sedan / Coupe / Wagon Forums. 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). In 1998 it was moved out from the production by V6 M112 E28 engine. Changing the water pump is a more difficult task that should be performed by a qualified mechanic. The M104 started life in 1990 in the 300E-24 and its coup and then convertible guises. The self-appointed smart set think the internal-combustion engine is on its last legs, but not Mercedes-Benz. The Aluminum pistons and cylinder head, cast-iron block, forged steel cam connecting rod, and various other engine parts make a robust motor that produces a crazy 277 horsepower and an insane 239 lb-ft of torque, pushing the driver to the seat. Be sure to keep up with our latest YouTube content and subscribe. Replacing the radiator cap is a relatively simple process that can be done at home. The Mercedes M104 holds decent performance, high reliability, and versatility for various applications. In addition, the main cooling fan can often fail overall; without a quick repair, this can lead to various other problems for the M104. The AMC 4.0-liter inline-six engine is Chrysler's most renowned inline-six engine. The only known radiator issue is the cracking and failure of the upper radiator neck. Free shipping. Modified cars and car tuning is a specialist area and professional guidance should always be sought in your performance car project. 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 aging E32 engine from the M104 series was replaced in 1997 by the new M112 E32 engine. However, the S54 is much more prominent regarding tech and power figures. Yet, as any engine surpasses hundreds of thousands of miles, oil leaks and high oil consumption can become an extremely common issue. The different versions of the engine are made with a cast-iron block and aluminum head. Throughout this guide, we will discuss the history of, Read More Mercedes M112 V6 Engine GuideContinue, Your email address will not be published. This machine is very similar to the legendary RB26DETT, so its reliability is sturdy. It would be much cheaper to build your own turbo kit. Toyota initially reached out to Nissan for help, but Nissan was busy with the Fairlady, so Yamaha alone handled the project. 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. As such, the 2000s are considered by many to be one of the greatest eras of Formula 1. High oil consumption. 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. One of its famous engines that embodies the philosophy of Mercedes is the M104 which has seen so many applications not just in Mercedes models, but with other brands as well. However, that did not stop Mercedes from continuing to update the M104 and expand its usage for many more different applications. Tips for N54 Tuning To fix this, you'll need to replace the radiator cap and hose. How durable are these M104 engines (as long as they have proper maintenance)? Your Constructive comments on this article, I really want to improve this article with your help and suggestions. Overall though, the Mercedes M104 is definitely a banger, and it deserves all the praise that it has gotten over the years. Don't forget to over specify your injectors flow rate. of course there will still be problems and weaknesses of this machine. In addition to this 48-volt system, there is a separate 12-volt electrical systemwith its own small batteryto operate the numerous legacy 12-volt devices on the car. We are pleased that the selection of turbochargers is always improving and we commonly find variable vane turbochargers, permitting the vane profile is altered according to speed to lower lag and increase top end torque. . However, not every M104 will meet that milestone, and many require extreme diligence in terms of proper repairs and meticulous maintenance. 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. Is that MB paper. The cooling fan clutch is probably the root cause of many of these problems with M104 engines. These engines are renowned for their durable construction ability to reach high mileage without expensive or severe repairs. The cause of the severe oil consumption is often the wear of valve stem seals. The Jaguar XK-6 does not need any introduction. $400.00. 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. Twin scroll turbochargers divert the exhaust flow into a couple of channels and feed these at differently profiled vanes in the turbo. Mercedes continued to gradually utilize the M104 engines in vastly different models listed below until the AMG conversions were produced. Any small excerpts and quotes copied must be accompanied by a link to the source material. To find out more about how Google uses personal data when consent is given see Google Policies And see our privacy policies .com site .co.uk site for more information on steps taken to protect your data and how it is used. 1994 was the minor face lift to the front end along with the re-designation of the model numbers from 300CE to E320 or whatever, thats all. 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. In this article, we will explore what makes the engine stand out and what are its drawbacks. It does not shy away from doing thousands of miles! Modified car insurance The Mercedes M112 E32 series is the engine that will be discussed today. Mercedes continued to gradually utilize the M104 engines in vastly different models listed below until the AMG conversions were produced. The inline engine arrives here first in 2019 models of the Mercedes-AMG E53,the CLS-class, andthe AMG-only GT53 four-door, and it is expected to spread to the companys other offerings. Its rated at 362 horsepower as installed in the CLS450. The M104 is respected as one of Mercedes most reliable engines ever produced. This supercharger, which is located downstream of the turbocharger, uses a centrifugal flow compressorlike the compressor side of a turbodriven by a 48-volt electric motor. Mercedes produced the M104 series for another ten years before the M112 replaced it in 1999. Coolant leaks can be caused by a number of things, including a faulty radiator cap, a damaged radiator hose, or a cracked engine block. Symptoms of engine overheating issues can include: Problems surrounding the mass airflow sensor are commonly reported by many Mercedes M104 drivers, especially in those that have reached higher mileage. Replacing the radiator hose is a bit more complicated, but it can also be done at home with the help of a repair manual. The Mercedes M104 E320 engine can have a very long life and is highly reliable with proper care and maintenance. That wasn't their only partnership, though. Additionally, worn valve stems can also be a common cause of nagging leaks and higher oil consumption. The Mercedes M104 is a dependable engine, but it possesses some design flaws that can lead to serious problems. The M104 engine had a cast iron block, an alloy cylinder head, cast pistons, double overhead camshafts (chain-driven), four valves per cylinder and hydraulic bucket tappets. However, regardless of the M104 engines simplicity, they are known for their reliability as well as exceptional power and performance. Dmitry has been an editor and author at Cararac.com since 2015. Mine's a 1991 CE. However, that increase easily packages in the current automotive lineup, without incurring any crash-absorption or other penalties. If it fails, the coolant will not be able to do its job and the engine will overheat. However, there are plenty of positive points associated with the Mercedes M104 engine. Meanwhile, its compression ratio lies between 9.2:1 and 10.5:1 for its standard Benz and high-performance AMG models. Nevertheless, there are a lot of advantages to the Mercedes M104 engine. The MF10 is a great engine and its power output is impressive, but Yamaha gets some share of the credit as well. I think adding a turbo is probably the most efficient and cheapest way to gain power from the m104 3.2L engine. Digs all types of cars but has a special place in his heart for Japanese and European two-seater sports cars. Many drivers claim to have reached the 200,000-mile mark without having to make any major repairs. Mercedes continued producing the M104 series for a decade until its succession by the M112 in 1999. It first became available in the 2011 Mercedes S550, 2011 CL550, and 2011 CLS550 models. 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. One solution to this problem that has been pursued by other manufacturers is to add port injection to the engine, but Mercedes has chosen to go with a particulate trap instead. The M256 engine, and its predecessor, the M104, are progressively . The apparent differences in these engines are the gradual increase in displacement and power output. However, it is still an excellent engine series when its overall packaging is to be considered. It would also be worth reading our unbiased tuning articles to get a full grasp of the benefits and drawbacks of each modification. highway 8.5 Thanks! Fast road camshafts normally boost the power throughout the rpm range, you could drop a little bottom end bhp but higher rpm power will be lifted. 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. 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. 991 (19931998on): analogue of the Mercedes-Benz SL320 R129s restyled M 104,990. 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. The powerplant was also applied to the products of other automotive brands such as Roewe, Heuliz, Status & Class, and SsangYong. For a better experience, please enable JavaScript in your browser before proceeding. Some may consider Mercedes-Benz solely a luxury brand. 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. For a given power level, increasing the voltage by a factor of four reduces the current by the same factor, which means that the thickness of the wiring used to carry the power can be reduced, saving cost and weight. Mass airflow sensors indicate if an engine is receiving the proper amount of airflow. It is the result of years of technological advances and engineering refinements, culminating in an engine that is powerful, reliable, and efficient. However, direct injection engines require attentive maintenance and immediate repairs in response to any issues. Please watch this video and subscribe to my YouTube channel. Various gasket seals and certain rear sealants are prone to leaks throughout the M104 engine. And yes, aside from head gasket issues, it's pretty bulletproof. It is the shape and material more than the bore size. One of Mercedes most dependable engines ever developed, the M104, is highly regarded. 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. 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. Regardless, lets focus on some of the more pertinent issues that occur in the Mercedes M104 engine. The cam profile plays a big part in the engines power output so cam upgrades make quite a large difference. And such a powerful motor can quickly and effortlessly restart the engine during idle-stop mode. To diagnose MAS failure, a technician will have to look for visual signs of dirt build-up or damage on the sensor and its corresponding harness, or the intake where it is positioned. You can read about them here. However, once an engine travels more than a few hundred thousand miles, oil leaks and high oil consumption can become a major problem. Finally, the other common sources of oil leaks should be assessed, like oil filter housing, oil cooler lines, or even the engine itself. Oil leaks. Mine was overhauled at 420k kms after its second head gasket failure. The Fora platform includes forum software by XenForo. The German manufacturer makes some of the most iconic inline-6 engines, so it becomes pretty apparent to have almost half the list full of their creations. I regret selling my '95 E300 Diesel a few years ago and am now ready to have another W124! The diameter of the intake valve is 39.5 mm, exhaust - 30 mm. We have a policy of actively enforcing our copyright*. 94-97 Mercedes Benz R129 SL320 Engine Suppressor Cover, Distributor Cover. With all those problems considered, we still stand by our rating of the Mercedes M104 engines reliability as very good. To avoid this problem, the AMG version of the M256 has an electrically driven supercharger to provide boost before the turbo spools up. 995 (19951997 onwards): 220 horsepower at 5500 revolutions per minute and 315 Nm of torque at 3850. Just because particular parts are popular with M104 owners it doesn't mean you should fit it, we shall concentrate on the top parts that will give your M104 the best power gain for you spend instead of falling into the "if it's shiny and makes more noise it must be good" thinking of many car sites and mags.. There are common areas of failure for every engine, with some being over specified and some only just able to handle stock power. 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. Another common cause is a damaged or worn internal component. not much else. Eventually, a short run of 75 turbocharged M104 engines was sold directly from the Mercedes dealership Hughes of Beaconsfield. With these two quick responses, theres no need to fit a tiny turbocharger to minimize turbo lag. Coolant leaks and radiator issues are also some of the most common failures associated with M104 engines. Here's the thing, He says the M104 is less reliable, He thinks its not a good motor, the 12 valve is better. Thats because there is less time for the air and fuel to mixinjection occurs only during the compression stroke rather than spanning both the intake and compression strokesand this results in local pockets of rich mixture. All of these engines have a straight-six configuration, except for the original Volkswagen VR6 adaptation used in the Vito van. Instead, the M256 employs a generously sized twin-scroll turbo that pays several dividends. See details for shipping. Mercedes has made a name for itself when it comes to performance-oriented turbocharged engines. Returns accepted. Straight-6 (not including M104.900 VW VR6 version), 89.9mm x 73.5mm (2.8L), 88.5mm x 80.2 (3.0L), 89.9mm x 84mm (3.2L), 91.5mm x 84mm (3.4L), 91mm x 92.4mm (3.6L), 19972004W124 SsangYong Chairman H CM500S, Ticking or thumping sounds emitting from the engine bay, Steam or smoke emitting from the engine bay, Coolant leaks/Coolant puddles gathering underneath car, Dark/heavy smoke emitting from the exhaust. In addition, parts may be difficult to source for many of the different models that use the M104. Check out this Datsun 240Z with an S54 under its hood. After serving as Technical Editor and Director, he was Editor-in-Chief from 1993 until his retirement from active duty in 2008. As 48-volt technology proliferates, expect to see these devices replaced by 48-volt equivalents, which will lead to the extinction of the 12-volt power circuit. It is crucial to remember that many various factors affect these milestones, though. Few problems should happen as long as they are regularly serviced and maintained. 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. Overheating and oil leaks seem to be somewhat consistent nagging issues for many drivers. Unfortunately, the Mercedes M104 engine is also a member of that club. Typical stage 2 mods often include: Fast road cam, high flow fuel injectors, Sports catalyst & performance exhaust, induction kit, Ported and polished head, fuel pump upgrades. Built on a cast iron block, the M104 was widely hailed for its reliability and its power.
