The Mercedes-Benz OM615.940 is a 3,199 cc, inline-five, turbocharged diesel engine produced between 2000 and 2005. It features indirect injection via a pre-chamber system and a SOHC valvetrain with mechanical valve clearance adjustment. Delivering 100 kW (136 PS) at 4,200 rpm and 330 Nm of torque at 1,800 rpm, it was engineered for commercial and fleet applications requiring durability and strong pulling power. The inline-five configuration provides smooth power delivery ideal for urban and highway use.
Fitted to the W210 E-Class (E270 CDI) and selected Vito (W639) commercial variants, the OM615.940 was designed for sustained operation in taxi and delivery fleets. It meets Euro 3 emissions standards through optimized combustion, exhaust gas recirculation (EGR), and a diesel particulate filter (DPF), representing an emissions technology upgrade over earlier OM606 units.
One documented concern is high-pressure fuel pump failure, particularly under high-load conditions or with poor fuel quality. This issue is highlighted in Mercedes-Benz Service Information Bulletin 07 07 00, which attributes premature wear to water contamination and particulate ingress in non-ULSD fuels. Later production batches introduced an improved fuel filter housing with enhanced water separation to reduce pump failures.
Production years 2000–2005 meet Euro 3 standards (VCA UK Type Approval #VCA/EMS/5684).
The Mercedes-Benz OM615.940 is a 3,199 cc inline-five diesel engine engineered for commercial applications (2000–2005). It combines indirect injection with a robust SOHC valvetrain to deliver reliable, low-maintenance performance. Designed to meet Euro 3 standards, it balances durability with improved emissions control.
| Parameter | Value | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Displacement | 3,199 cc | |
| Fuel type | Diesel | |
| Configuration | Inline-5, SOHC, 10-valve | |
| Aspiration | Turbocharged | |
| Bore × stroke | 97.0 mm × 108.0 mm | |
| Power output | 100 kW (136 PS) @ 4,200 rpm | |
| Torque | 330 Nm @ 1,800 rpm | |
| Fuel system | Bosch inline injection pump, indirect injection (pre-chamber) | |
| Emissions standard | Euro 3 | |
| 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 | 220 kg |
The turbocharged inline-five design provides strong mid-range torque ideal for loaded driving but requires strict adherence to 30,000 km oil change intervals to prevent main bearing and chain 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-2002 units benefit from revised fuel filter housing per SIB 07 07 00, reducing pump failure risk. EGR and DPF systems require periodic cleaning to maintain emissions compliance.
Oil Specs: Requires SAE 10W-40, ACEA B2/B3 specification (Mercedes-Benz SIB 07 07 00). Compatible with MB 229.1.
Emissions: Euro 3 certification applies to all production years (2000–2005) (VCA Type Approval #VCA/EMS/5684).
Power Ratings: Measured under DIN 70020 standards. Output consistent across all markets (Mercedes-Benz Group PT-2000).
Mercedes-Benz Technical Information System (TIS): Docs A18736, A18918, SIB 07 07 00
VCA Type Approval Database (VCA/EMS/5684)
SAE International: DIN 70020 Engine Power Measurement Standard
The Mercedes-Benz OM615.940 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 2002 the facelifted W210 models adopted improved fuel filtration to address pump reliability, 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 A18736). The 8th VIN digit indicates engine type ('7' for OM615 series). Pre-2002 models have a ribbed oil pan; post-2002 units feature a smooth pan and revised fuel filter housing. Critical differentiation from OM615.939: OM615.940 is turbocharged with KKK K27 turbo (OM615.939 is naturally aspirated). Service parts require model year verification—fuel pumps for pre-2002 OM615.940 engines are not interchangeable with later revisions due to filtration improvements (Mercedes-Benz SIB 07 07 00).
The OM615.940's primary reliability risk is high-pressure fuel pump failure, with elevated incidence in vehicles operated in regions with poor fuel quality or infrequent filter changes. Internal Mercedes-Benz field reports from 2002 noted a significant number of pre-2002 units requiring pump replacement before 180,000 km, while VCA MOT data links fuel contamination to early pump wear. Infrequent fuel filter changes and use of non-ULSD fuels increase wear, making proper fuel system maintenance critical.
Analysis derived from Mercedes-Benz technical bulletins (2000-2005) and UK DVSA failure statistics (2001-2006). Repair procedures should follow manufacturer guidelines.
Find answers to most commonly asked questions about MERCEDES-BENZ OM615940.
Comprehensive technical documentation and regulatory references
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GOV.UK: Vehicle Approval & V5C
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DVLA: Engine Changes & MoT
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Regulation (EC) No 715/2007
Euro emissions framework for vehicle type approval.
Commission Regulation (EU) 2017/1151
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