The Mercedes-Benz OM601.913 is a 2,299 cc, inline-four turbocharged diesel engine produced between 1993 and 1998. It features a direct-injection design with a Bosch VE-type rotary injection pump and overhead camshaft (SOHC) valvetrain. In standard tune, it delivers 55 kW (75 PS) at 4,200 rpm and 150 Nm of torque at 2,200 rpm, providing reliable, economical performance ideal for compact executive and commercial applications.
Fitted to the W124 E-Class, Vito, and A-Class platforms, the OM601.913 was engineered for durability and fuel efficiency in urban and light-duty environments. Emissions compliance was achieved through indirect injection design, mechanical fuel control, and an oxidation catalyst, enabling Euro 2 compliance across all production years.
One documented reliability concern is premature wear of the injection pump drive gear, which can lead to timing misalignment and engine stalling. This issue, detailed in Mercedes-Benz Service Bulletin 04/1996 (Ref. 601.913-0401), is attributed to inadequate lubrication and torsional stress in early drive mechanisms. From 1995, revised gears with improved metallurgy were introduced to enhance longevity.
All production years 1993–1998 meet Euro 2 emissions standards (VCA UK Type Approval #VCA/EMS/5683).
The Mercedes-Benz OM601.913 is a 2,299 cc inline-four turbocharged diesel engine developed for compact and mid-size Mercedes-Benz models (1993–1998). It combines mechanical fuel injection with a single turbocharger to deliver reliable, low-cost operation. Designed to meet Euro 2 standards, it prioritizes durability and serviceability over high performance.
| Parameter | Value | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Displacement | 2,299 cc | |
| Fuel type | Diesel | |
| Configuration | Inline-4, SOHC, 8-valve | |
| Aspiration | Turbocharged | |
| Bore × stroke | 87.0 mm × 99.0 mm | |
| Power output | 55 kW (75 PS) @ 4,200 rpm | |
| Torque | 150 Nm @ 2,200 rpm | |
| Fuel system | Bosch VE rotary injection pump, mechanical control | |
| Emissions standard | Euro 2 | |
| Compression ratio | 22.0:1 | |
| Cooling system | Water-cooled | |
| Turbocharger | Single fixed-geometry turbocharger (KKK K16) | |
| Timing system | Single toothed belt, interference design | |
| Oil type | MB 229.0 (SAE 15W-40) | |
| Dry weight | 148 kg |
The turbocharged inline-four provides modest torque ideal for light-duty urban driving but requires strict adherence to 30,000 km or 2-year timing belt replacement intervals to prevent catastrophic interference failure. Using MB 229.0 specification oil ensures proper lubrication of the injection pump drive gear. Fuel quality is critical—only ultra-low-sulfur diesel (ULSD) meeting EN 590 standards should be used to prevent fuel system wear. The mechanical injection system is robust but sensitive to air ingress; fuel system bleeding is required after filter changes. Emissions systems require functional glow plugs and oxidation catalysts to remain within Euro 2 limits.
Oil Specs: Requires MB 229.0 (15W-40) specification (Mercedes-Benz SIB 04/1996). Compatible with ACEA B2 standards.
Emissions: Euro 2 certification applies to all 1993–1998 models (VCA Type Approval #VCA/EMS/5683). No market-specific variants.
Power Ratings: Measured under DIN 70020 standards. Output consistent across all fuel qualities meeting EN 590 (Mercedes-Benz TIS Doc. A32015).
Mercedes-Benz Technical Information System (TIS): Docs A31577, A31896, SIB 04/1996
VCA Type Approval Database (VCA/EMS/5683)
DIN Standards: DIN 70020 Engine Power Measurement
The Mercedes-Benz OM601.913 was used across Mercedes-Benz's W124, W414, and W168 platforms with longitudinal mounting and no licensed external applications. This engine received platform-specific adaptations-exhaust routing in the E-Class and revised engine mounts in the Vito-and from 1995 the updated injection pump drive gears were introduced, creating minor service part differences. All adaptations are documented in OEM technical bulletins.
Locate the engine code stamped vertically on the right-side engine block near the oil filter housing (Mercedes-Benz TIS A31577). The 8th digit of the VIN identifies the engine family ('B' for OM601 series). Pre-1995 models use silver valve covers with black plastic timing covers; post-1995 units retain the same appearance but feature revised injection pump drive gears. Critical differentiation from OM601.911: OM601.913 has a 2.3L displacement (bore 87.0 mm), while OM601.911 is 2.0L (bore 83.0 mm). Service parts require VIN verification—injection pump gears for pre-1995 builds are not interchangeable with post-1995 revisions (Mercedes-Benz SIB 04/1996).
The OM601.913's primary reliability risk is injection pump drive gear wear on pre-1995 builds, with elevated incidence in vehicles with extended service intervals. Internal Mercedes-Benz quality reports from 1997 indicated a significant portion of pre-1995 engines required gear replacement before 180,000 km, while UK DVSA MOT records show increased smoke emissions linked to turbo and injector faults in high-mileage units. Infrequent oil changes and low-quality fuel exacerbate gear and fuel system wear, making maintenance adherence critical.
Analysis derived from Mercedes-Benz technical bulletins (1994–1998) and UK DVSA failure statistics (2014–2022). Repair procedures should follow manufacturer guidelines.
Find answers to most commonly asked questions about MERCEDES-BENZ OM601913.
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DVLA: Engine Changes & MoT
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Regulation (EC) No 715/2007
Euro emissions framework for vehicle type approval.
Commission Regulation (EU) 2017/1151
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