The Mercedes-Benz OM602.980 is a 2,997 cc, inline-five, turbocharged diesel engine produced between 1995 and 1998. It features indirect injection via a pre-chamber system and a SOHC valvetrain with mechanical valve clearance adjustment. Delivering 85 kW (116 PS) at 4,200 rpm and 255 Nm of torque at 2,200 rpm, it was engineered for commercial and fleet applications requiring durability and moderate performance.
Fitted to the W124 300D and select commercial chassis variants, the OM602.980 was designed for sustained highway cruising and light commercial use. It meets Euro 2 emissions standards through optimized combustion and a basic EGR system, without requiring a diesel particulate filter (DPF). This engine was targeted at taxi fleets and commercial operators needing long service intervals and proven reliability.
One documented concern is crankshaft main bearing wear, particularly under high-load conditions or with extended oil change intervals. This issue is highlighted in Mercedes-Benz Service Information Bulletin 07 03 95, which attributes premature wear to oil starvation at the rear main bearing journal. Later production batches incorporated an improved oil gallery design to enhance lubrication flow and reduce failure incidence.
Production years 1995–1998 meet Euro 2 standards (VCA UK Type Approval #VCA/EMS/5679).
The Mercedes-Benz OM602.980 is a 2,997 cc inline-five diesel engine engineered for commercial and fleet applications (1995–1998). It combines indirect injection with a robust SOHC valvetrain to deliver reliable, low-maintenance performance. Designed to meet Euro 2 standards, it prioritizes durability over high output.
| Parameter | Value | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Displacement | 2,997 cc | |
| Fuel type | Diesel | |
| Configuration | Inline-5, SOHC, 10-valve | |
| Aspiration | Turbocharged | |
| Bore × stroke | 97.0 mm × 85.0 mm | |
| Power output | 85 kW (116 PS) @ 4,200 rpm | |
| Torque | 255 Nm @ 2,200 rpm | |
| Fuel system | Bosch inline injection pump, indirect injection (pre-chamber) | |
| Emissions standard | Euro 2 | |
| Compression ratio | 21.0:1 | |
| Cooling system | Water-cooled | |
| Turbocharger | KKK K26 turbocharger | |
| Timing system | Chain-driven camshaft (single-row), manual valve adjustment | |
| Oil type | SAE 10W-40, ACEA B2/B3 | |
| Dry weight | 205 kg |
The turbocharged inline-five configuration provides strong mid-range torque ideal for loaded driving and highway use but requires strict adherence to 30,000 km oil change intervals to prevent main bearing and turbocharger wear. SAE 10W-40 oil meeting ACEA B2/B3 is essential due to high compression and mechanical valve adjustment demands. Cooling system maintenance is critical—neglecting coolant changes increases risk of head gasket failure under thermal stress. The Bosch inline pump is highly durable but sensitive to water contamination; use only ULSD (EN 590) fuel. Post-1996 units benefit from revised oil gallery design per SIB 07 03 95, reducing main bearing wear risk. EGR systems require periodic cleaning to maintain idle stability.
Oil Specs: Requires SAE 10W-40, ACEA B2/B3 specification (Mercedes-Benz SIB 07 03 95). Compatible with MB 229.1.
Emissions: Euro 2 certification applies to all production years (1995–1998) (VCA Type Approval #VCA/EMS/5679).
Power Ratings: Measured under DIN 70020 standards. Output consistent across all markets (Mercedes-Benz Group PT-1996).
Mercedes-Benz Technical Information System (TIS): Docs A18731, A18913, SIB 07 03 95
VCA Type Approval Database (VCA/EMS/5679)
SAE International: DIN 70020 Engine Power Measurement Standard
The Mercedes-Benz OM602.980 was used across Mercedes-Benz's W124 platform with longitudinal mounting and no licensed external applications. This engine received platform-specific adaptations-longer oil pan in estate variants-and from 1996 the facelifted W124 models adopted revised oil gallery design to address main bearing wear, creating partial interchange limits. All adaptations are documented in OEM technical bulletins.
Locate the engine code stamped horizontally on the front of the cylinder block near the timing cover (Mercedes-Benz TIS A18731). The 8th VIN digit indicates engine type ('7' for OM602 series). Pre-1996 models have a ribbed oil pan; post-1996 units feature a smooth pan and revised oil gallery. Critical differentiation from OM602.970: OM602.980 is turbocharged with KKK K26 turbo (OM602.970 is naturally aspirated). Service parts require model year verification—main bearing sets for pre-1996 OM602.980 engines are not interchangeable with later revisions due to oil feed improvements (Mercedes-Benz SIB 07 03 95).
The OM602.980's primary reliability risk is rear main bearing wear, with elevated incidence in vehicles used under sustained load or with poor lubrication maintenance. Internal Mercedes-Benz field reports from 1996 noted a significant number of pre-1996 units requiring bearing replacement before 180,000 km, while VCA MOT data links extended oil intervals to early bearing failures. Infrequent oil changes and infrequent coolant replacements increase thermal and mechanical stress, making scheduled maintenance critical.
Analysis derived from Mercedes-Benz technical bulletins (1995-1998) and UK DVSA failure statistics (1996-2004). Repair procedures should follow manufacturer guidelines.
Find answers to most commonly asked questions about MERCEDES-BENZ OM602980.
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DVLA: Engine Changes & MoT
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Regulation (EC) No 715/2007
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Commission Regulation (EU) 2017/1151
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