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 desi…
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 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.
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.
The most common questions about engine codes, what they mean, how to find them and how this database works
Yes, the OM607.952 is durable when properly maintained. Early models (1998–2000) are prone to main bearing wear if service procedures are not followed, but post-2001 revisions significantly improved bearing durability. With regular oil changes using MB 229.3 spec oil and adherence to warm-up/cool-down cycles, many examples exceed 300,000 km.
The most documented issues are main bearing wear (especially pre-2001), turbocharger failure from oil coking, injection pump drive shaft wear, and EGR/particulate trap clogging. These are all addressed in Daimler service documentation, with the bearing issue being the most critical if not managed proactively.
The OM607.952 was used exclusively in the W163 ML-Class (ML320 CDI, 1998–2001) and W639 Vito (315D, 1999–2004). It replaced earlier OM606 variants and was not used in any other Mercedes platforms or licensed to other manufacturers.
Limited tuning potential exists due to its mechanically injected design. Power increases are typically achieved through injection pump recalibration, yielding modest gains of +10–15 PS. Significant upgrades require forced induction or electronic conversion, which is complex and not OEM-supported.
In real-world conditions, the OM607.952 achieves approximately 10.5–12.0 L/100km (27–24 mpg UK) in the ML320 CDI. Highway cruising can reach up to 30 mpg UK. Fuel economy is consistent due to mechanical injection and conservative tuning, though heavier W163 models see higher consumption in urban driving.
No. The OM607.952 is a non-interference engine. If the timing chain fails, pistons will not contact valves, preventing catastrophic internal damage. However, timing chain replacement is still recommended at 250,000 km or if wear is detected to maintain injection and valve timing accuracy.
Mercedes specifies 15W-40 oil meeting MB 229.3 standard. This high-viscosity oil is essential for protecting main bearings and maintaining hydraulic stability in the mechanical injection system. Oil changes should occur every 15,000–20,000 km or annually to prevent sludge and bearing wear.
Comprehensive technical documentation and regulatory references
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MERCEDES-BENZ Official Site
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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)
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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.
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