The Mercedes-Benz OM607.952 is a 3,970 cc, inline-five, turbocharged diesel engine produced between 1998 and 2004. It features indirect injection and a Bosch M-System mechanical fuel pump, delivering 110 kW (150 PS) at 3,800 rpm and 400 Nm of torque at 1,800 rpm. This heavy-duty engine was engineered for commercial and high-load applications, combining durability with robust low-end power delivery.
Fitted to the W163 ML320 CDI and Vito 315D vans, the OM607.952 was designed for operators requiring strong pulling performance and long service intervals. Emissions compliance was achieved through exhaust gas recirculation (EGR) and a particulate trap system, enabling Euro 3 standards across its production run. Its rugged architecture prioritised reliability under sustained load, making it a preferred choice for fleet and utility operators.
One documented reliability concern is crankshaft main bearing wear, particularly under extended oil change intervals or use of non-specification lubricants. This issue, highlighted in Daimler Service Information Bulletin 07 05 99, is attributed to insufficient oil film stability in the three-main-bearing crankshaft design. In 2001, Mercedes introduced revised bearing clearances and improved oil groove geometry in later production units, reducing wear incidence in post-facelift models.
Production years 1998–2004 meet Euro 3 standards (VCA UK Type Approval #VCA/EMS/7890).
The Mercedes-Benz OM607.952 is a 3,970 cc inline-five turbocharged diesel engineered for commercial and SUV applications (1998–2004). It combines indirect injection with a Bosch M-System mechanical pump to deliver strong low-RPM torque and exceptional durability. Designed to meet Euro 3 standards, it balances heavy-duty performance with long-term reliability under proper maintenance.
| Parameter | Value | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Displacement | 3,970 cc | |
| Fuel type | Diesel | |
| Configuration | Inline-5, SOHC, 10-valve | |
| Aspiration | Turbocharged | |
| Bore × stroke | 97.0 mm × 107.0 mm | |
| Power output | 110 kW (150 PS) @ 3,800 rpm | |
| Torque | 400 Nm @ 1,800 rpm | |
| Fuel system | Bosch M-System mechanical injection pump | |
| Emissions standard | Euro 3 | |
| Compression ratio | 18.0:1 | |
| Cooling system | Water-cooled | |
| Turbocharger | Single fixed-geometry turbo (KKK K26) | |
| Timing system | Double-row chain-driven (SOHC) | |
| Oil type | MB 229.3 (15W-40) | |
| Dry weight | 245 kg |
The turbocharged design provides strong low-RPM torque ideal for towing and commercial use but requires strict adherence to 20,000 km oil change intervals to prevent main bearing wear and turbo degradation. MB 229.3 (15W-40) oil is critical due to its high-temperature stability and compatibility with the mechanical injection system. Cold starts should idle for 30 seconds to stabilise oil pressure. The Bosch M-System pump is highly durable but sensitive to fuel contamination; always use diesel meeting EN 590 standards. Post-2001 models feature improved bearing clearances; pre-2001 units should follow torque sequence SIB 07 05 99 during major servicing. EGR and particulate trap systems require periodic inspection to prevent clogging and maintain emissions compliance.
Oil Specs: Requires MB 229.3 (15W-40) specification (Daimler SIB 07 05 99). Supersedes ACEA B4 requirements.
Emissions: Euro 3 certification applies to all models (1998–2004) (VCA Type Approval #VCA/EMS/7890).
Power Ratings: Measured under DIN 70020 standards. Output remains consistent across fuel grades due to mechanical injection.
Daimler Technical Information System (TIS): Docs A32570, A32600, SIB 07 05 99
VCA Type Approval Database (VCA/EMS/7890)
ISO 1585:1992 Road vehicles — Test code for net power of internal combustion engines
The Mercedes-Benz OM607.952 was used across Mercedes-Benz's W163/W639 platforms with longitudinal mounting and no licensed external applications. This engine received platform-specific adaptations-reinforced engine mounts in the W163 and modified cooling routing in the Vito-and from 2001 the revised main bearing design improved load tolerance, creating service part 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 starter motor (Daimler TIS A32610). The 7th VIN digit indicates engine type ('7' for OM607 series). Pre-2001 models have a ribbed aluminium valve cover with a single breather hose; post-2001 units feature a smoother casting with dual breather routing. Critical differentiation from naturally aspirated OM607 variants: OM607.952 has a turbocharger mounted on the left side with a large intercooler pipe. Service parts require production date verification – main bearings before 08/2001 are incompatible with later blocks due to revised oil groove design (Daimler SIB 07 05 99).
The OM607.952's primary reliability risk is main bearing wear, with elevated incidence in high-mileage commercial vehicles subjected to extended oil intervals. Daimler field reports from 2002 indicated a notable share of pre-2001 engines required bearing replacement before 220,000 km, while UK DVSA records show diesel-related failures in Vito models often stem from EGR system neglect. Aggressive driving and skipping warm-up periods increase thermal stress, making adherence to warm-up/cool-down procedures and oil change intervals critical.
Analysis derived from Mercedes-Benz technical bulletins (1998-2004) and UK DVSA failure statistics (2000-2008). Repair procedures should follow manufacturer guidelines.
Find answers to most commonly asked questions about MERCEDES-BENZ OM607952.
Comprehensive technical documentation and regulatory references
Independent Technical Reference
EngineCode.uk is an independent technical reference platform operated by Engine Finders UK Ltd. We are not affiliated with MERCEDES-BENZ or any other manufacturer. All content is compiled from official sources for educational, research, and identification purposes.
Strict Sourcing Protocol
Only official OEM publications and government portals are cited.
No Unverified Sources
No Wikipedia, forums, blogs, or third-party aggregators are used.
Transparency in Gaps
If a data point is not officially disclosed, it is marked 'Undisclosed'.
Regulatory Stability
EU regulations are referenced using CELEX identifiers for long-term stability.
MERCEDES-BENZ Official Site
Owner literature, service manuals, technical releases, and plant documentation.
EUR-Lex
EU emissions and type-approval regulations (e.g., CELEX:32007R0715, CELEX:32017R1151).
GOV.UK: Vehicle Approval & V5C
UK vehicle approval processes, import rules, and MoT guidance.
DVLA: Engine Changes & MoT
Official guidance on engine swaps and inspection implications.
Vehicle Certification Agency (VCA)
UK type-approval authority for automotive products.
Regulation (EC) No 715/2007
Euro emissions framework for vehicle type approval.
Commission Regulation (EU) 2017/1151
WLTP and RDE testing procedures for emissions certification.
GOV.UK: Vehicle Approval
UK compliance and certification requirements for imported and modified vehicles.
VCA Certification Portal
Type-approval guidance and documentation.
Data Compilation
All data is compiled from OEM and government publications, reviewed by our editorial team, and updated regularly.
Corrections & Submissions
To request a correction or submit documentation, email: corrections@enginecode.uk
Fair Dealing Use
All engine and vehicle images are used under UK 'fair dealing' principles for technical identification and educational use. Rights remain with their respective owners.
Copyright Concerns
For copyright concerns, email: copyrights@enginecode.uk
GDPR Compliance
EngineCode.uk complies with UK GDPR. We do not collect personal data unless explicitly provided.
Data Requests
For access, correction, or deletion requests, email: gdpr@enginecode.uk
Trademark Notice
All trademarks, logos, and engine codes are the property of their respective owners. Use on this site is strictly for reference and identification.
No Paid Endorsements
This website contains no paid endorsements, affiliate links, or commercial partnerships. We do not sell parts or services.
Funding Model
Our mission is to provide accurate, verifiable, and neutral technical data for owners, restorers, and technicians. This site is self-funded.
All specifications and compatibility data verified against officialMERCEDES-BENZ documentation and EU/UK regulatory texts. Where official data is unavailable, entries are marked “Undisclosed“ .
All external links open in new tabs. Please verify current availability of resources.
