The Mercedes-Benz OM606.912 is a 3,199 cc, inline-six, turbocharged diesel engine produced between 1998 and 2002. It features indirect injection via a pre-chamber system and a SOHC valvetrain with mechanical valve clearance adjustment. Delivering 110 kW (150 PS) at 4,200 rpm and 350 Nm of torque at 1,800 rpm, it was engineered for commercial and fleet applications requiring durability and strong low-end pulling power.
Fitted to the W210 E-Class (E240 D) and select Vito (W639) commercial variants, the OM606.912 was designed for sustained highway operation 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 operators and fleet managers needing proven reliability and ease of maintenance.
One documented concern is turbocharger bearing wear, particularly under high-load conditions or with extended oil change intervals. This issue is highlighted in Mercedes-Benz Service Information Bulletin 07 06 98, which attributes premature wear to oil starvation at the turbine end under thermal soak conditions. Later production batches introduced an improved oil return line routing and upgraded turbocharger seals to enhance lubrication and reduce failure incidence.
Production years 1998–2002 meet Euro 2 standards (VCA UK Type Approval #VCA/EMS/5681).
The Mercedes-Benz OM606.912 is a 3,199 cc inline-six diesel engine engineered for commercial and fleet applications (1998–2002). 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 | 3,199 cc | |
| Fuel type | Diesel | |
| Configuration | Inline-6, SOHC, 12-valve | |
| Aspiration | Turbocharged | |
| Bore × stroke | 97.0 mm × 108.0 mm | |
| Power output | 110 kW (150 PS) @ 4,200 rpm | |
| Torque | 350 Nm @ 1,800 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 K27 turbocharger | |
| Timing system | Chain-driven camshaft (single-row), manual valve adjustment | |
| Oil type | SAE 10W-40, ACEA B2/B3 | |
| Dry weight | 225 kg |
The turbocharged inline-six configuration provides strong low-RPM torque ideal for loaded driving and highway use but requires strict adherence to 30,000 km oil change intervals to prevent turbocharger and main bearing 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-2000 units benefit from revised oil return routing per SIB 07 06 98, reducing turbo 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 06 98). Compatible with MB 229.1.
Emissions: Euro 2 certification applies to all production years (1998–2002) (VCA Type Approval #VCA/EMS/5681).
Power Ratings: Measured under DIN 70020 standards. Output consistent across all markets (Mercedes-Benz Group PT-1998).
Mercedes-Benz Technical Information System (TIS): Docs A18733, A18915, SIB 07 06 98
VCA Type Approval Database (VCA/EMS/5681)
SAE International: DIN 70020 Engine Power Measurement Standard
The Mercedes-Benz OM606.912 was used across Mercedes-Benz's W210 and W639 platforms with longitudinal mounting and no licensed external applications. This engine received platform-specific adaptations-reinforced mounts in the W639 and revised oil pan in the W210-and from 2000 the facelifted W210 models adopted improved oil return lines to address turbo lubrication issues, 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 A18733). The 8th VIN digit indicates engine type ('6' for OM606 series). Pre-2000 models have a ribbed oil pan; post-2000 units feature a smooth pan and revised oil return line. Critical differentiation from OM606.911: OM606.912 is turbocharged with KKK K27 turbo (OM606.911 is naturally aspirated). Service parts require model year verification—turbochargers for pre-2000 OM606.912 engines are not interchangeable with later revisions due to lubrication improvements (Mercedes-Benz SIB 07 06 98).
The OM606.912's primary reliability risk is turbocharger bearing wear, with elevated incidence in vehicles used under sustained load or with poor lubrication maintenance. Internal Mercedes-Benz field reports from 2000 noted a significant number of pre-2000 units requiring turbo replacement before 200,000 km, while VCA MOT data links extended oil intervals to early turbo failures. Infrequent oil changes and infrequent coolant replacements increase thermal and mechanical stress, making scheduled maintenance critical.
Analysis derived from Mercedes-Benz technical bulletins (1998-2002) and UK DVSA failure statistics (1999-2005). Repair procedures should follow manufacturer guidelines.
Find answers to most commonly asked questions about MERCEDES-BENZ OM606912.
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