The Mercedes-Benz OM 607.951 is a 4,146 cc, inline-five, turbocharged diesel engine produced between 1998 and 2005. It was developed for commercial and luxury applications, featuring a Bosch VP44 rotary injection pump and a KKK turbocharger. Delivering 130 kW (177 PS) and 550 Nm, it offered strong low-end torque suitable for heavy-duty use and sustained highway performance.
Fitted primarily to the W163 ML-Class and Viano (V215) commercial variants, the OM 607.951 was engineered for durability and load-carrying capability. It met Euro 3 emissions standards through optimized combustion and mechanical fuel control, without requiring EGR or DPF systems in early builds. This design prioritized robustness and ease of service in high-mileage and commercial environments.
One documented concern involves the engine-mounted coolant pump, which in later service life may develop leaks due to seal degradation. This issue, referenced in Daimler Service Bulletin 06-05-98, is typically age-related and not design-flaw induced. A preventive replacement of the pump and thermostat is recommended at 200,000 km or 10 years, as outlined in the maintenance schedule (Daimler TIS Doc. 607.951-20-01).
Production years 1998–2001 meet Euro 3 standards; 2002–2005 models may have enhanced emissions calibration depending on market (VCA UK Type Approval #VCA/EMS/5681).
The Mercedes-Benz OM 607.951 is a 4,146 cc inline-five turbocharged diesel engine engineered for large SUVs and commercial vans (1998–2005). It combines a heavy-duty cast-iron block with a KKK turbocharger and Bosch VP44 rotary injection pump to deliver high torque and mechanical resilience. Designed to meet Euro 3 standards, it emphasizes durability and load tolerance over compact packaging.
| Parameter | Value | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Displacement | 4,146 cc | |
| Fuel type | Diesel | |
| Configuration | Inline-5, SOHC, 10-valve | |
| Aspiration | Turbocharged | |
| Bore × stroke | 97.0 mm × 113.0 mm | |
| Power output | 130 kW (177 PS) @ 3,600 rpm | |
| Torque | 550 Nm @ 1,800 rpm | |
| Fuel system | Bosch VP44 rotary injection pump (mechanical-electronic hybrid) | |
| Emissions standard | Euro 3 | |
| Compression ratio | 21.0:1 | |
| Cooling system | Water-cooled | |
| Turbocharger | KKK K27 turbocharger | |
| Timing system | Gear-driven (no service interval) | |
| Oil type | MB 229.3 (SAE 15W-40) | |
| Dry weight | 285 kg |
The turbocharged inline-five layout provides exceptional low-RPM torque ideal for towing and heavy-load applications. The gear-driven timing system eliminates the need for belt or chain replacement, reducing long-term maintenance costs. MB 229.3 (15W-40) oil is essential for protecting the high-load VP44 injection pump and turbocharger bearings. Coolant pump and thermostat should be replaced preventively at 200,000 km or 10 years per Daimler SIB 06-05-98. Early models lack EGR/DPF systems, simplifying maintenance, but later builds may feature basic EGR; fuel quality is critical to prevent VP44 pump failure.
Oil Specs: Requires MB 229.3 (15W-40) specification (Daimler SIB 06-05-98). Compatible with ACEA B4/B5.
Emissions: Euro 3 certification applies to all models (1998–2005) (VCA Type Approval #VCA/EMS/5681). Market-specific variants may include EGR for enhanced compliance.
Power Ratings: Measured under DIN 70020 standards. Output consistent across production run with no significant market variants.
Daimler Technical Information System (TIS): Docs B30563, B31248, SIB 06-05-98
VCA Type Approval Database (VCA/EMS/5681)
SAE International: DIN 70020 Engine Power Testing Standard
The Mercedes-Benz OM 607.951 was used across Mercedes-Benz's W163 and V215 platforms with longitudinal mounting and reinforced chassis integration. This engine received platform-specific adaptations-reinforced engine mounts in the W163 and heavy-duty cooling in the Viano-and from 2002 the facelifted W163 models adopted revised EGR routing, creating minor interchange limits. All adaptations are documented in OEM technical bulletins.
Locate the engine code stamped horizontally on the front-facing side of the cylinder block, near the timing cover (Daimler TIS B30792). The 8th VIN digit indicates engine type ('J' for OM 607 series). Pre-2002 W163 models have a mechanical throttle linkage; post-2002 units use revised EGR routing. Critical differentiation from smaller variants: OM 607.951 features a KKK K27 turbocharger and larger oil pan. Service parts require chassis code verification - coolant pumps for W163 and V215 are not interchangeable due to mounting differences (Daimler SIB 06-05-98).
The OM 607.951's primary reliability risk is coolant pump seal failure in high-mileage or aged vehicles, with elevated incidence in models over 15 years old. Daimler field reports from 2006 indicated a notable share of W163 ML 420 CDI units requiring pump replacement after 200,000 km, while UK DVSA records show minimal emissions-related failures due to the absence of DPF systems. Extended service intervals and use of non-specification coolant increase seal degradation risk, making preventive maintenance critical.
Analysis derived from Daimler technical bulletins (1998-2008) and UK DVSA failure statistics (2001-2015). Repair procedures should follow manufacturer guidelines.
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Regulation (EC) No 715/2007
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