The Mercedes-Benz OM629.910 is a 3,008 cc, V6 turbo-diesel engine produced between 2005 and 2011. It features common rail direct injection, variable geometry turbocharging (VGT), and dual overhead camshafts (DOHC) per cylinder bank. In standard output, it delivered 170 kW (231 PS) and 540 Nm of torque, serving as a core powerplant in Mercedes' executive and luxury SUV lineup.
Fitted to models including the W211 E-Class, W221 S-Class, and W164 ML-Class, the OM629.910 was engineered for smooth refinement, strong mid-range pulling power, and long-distance cruising capability. Emissions compliance was achieved via exhaust gas recirculation (EGR) and a diesel particulate filter (DPF), enabling Euro 4 compliance for all production years, with certain later builds meeting early Euro 5 criteria in select markets.
One documented reliability concern is high-pressure fuel pump (HPFP) degradation, particularly under sustained high-load operation. This issue, referenced in Daimler Service Bulletin 22/2008, stems from wear in the CP3.3 injection pump’s internal cam ring and roller tappets. From 2009, revised pump calibration and updated lubricity specifications were introduced to mitigate premature wear.
Production years 2005–2009 meet Euro 4 standards; 2010–2011 models may have Euro 5 compliance depending on market (VCA UK Type Approval #VCA/EMS/5678).
The Mercedes-Benz OM629.910 is a 3,008 cc V6 turbo-diesel engineered for executive and luxury SUV applications (2005–2011). It combines common-rail direct injection with a variable-geometry turbocharger to deliver refined power delivery and responsive torque. Designed to meet Euro 4 (and select Euro 5) standards, it balances performance with regulatory compliance.
| Parameter | Value | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Displacement | 3,008 cc | |
| Fuel type | Diesel | |
| Configuration | V6, DOHC, 24-valve | |
| Aspiration | Turbocharged | |
| Bore × stroke | 88.0 mm × 82.1 mm | |
| Power output | 170 kW (231 PS) @ 3,600 rpm | |
| Torque | 540 Nm @ 1,600–2,400 rpm | |
| Fuel system | Bosch CP3.3 common-rail (up to 1,800 bar) | |
| Emissions standard | Euro 4; later models Euro 5 (market-dependent) | |
| Compression ratio | 16.8:1 | |
| Cooling system | Water-cooled | |
| Turbocharger | Single variable-geometry turbo (Garrett GT1749V) | |
| Timing system | Dual chain (wet sump, front-mounted) | |
| Oil type | MB 229.51 (SAE 5W-30) | |
| Dry weight | 215 kg |
The V6 configuration provides smooth, linear power delivery ideal for highway cruising but demands strict adherence to 15,000 km oil change intervals using MB 229.51–spec oil to maintain high-pressure fuel system longevity. Use of substandard diesel fuel with poor lubricity can accelerate CP3.3 pump wear, particularly in high-temperature or high-load conditions. Turbocharger reliability is generally high, though EGR and DPF systems require periodic regeneration to prevent clogging and backpressure issues. Pre-2009 models should be inspected for early CP3.3 pumps; post-2009 revisions include improved cam ring hardening. Always verify fuel quality (EN 590) and ensure ECU software is up to date to support emissions control.
Oil Specs: Requires MB 229.51 (5W-30) specification (Mercedes SIB 22/2008). Not compatible with ACEA A/B standards.
Emissions: Euro 4 certification applies to all 2005–2009 models (VCA Type Approval #VCA/EMS/5678). Euro 5 compliance applies to select 2010–2011 export models.
Power Ratings: Measured under DIN 70020 standards. Output consistent across fuel qualities meeting EN 590 (Daimler TIS Doc. A27500).
Mercedes-Benz Technical Information System (TIS): Docs A26800, A27210, A27045, SIB 22/2008
VCA Type Approval Database (VCA/EMS/5678)
SAE International: DIN 70020 Engine Power Measurement Standard
The Mercedes-Benz OM629.910 was used across Mercedes-Benz's W211/W221/W164 platforms with longitudinal mounting and shared architecture with Chrysler 3.0L diesel variants in North American markets. This engine received platform-specific adaptations—reinforced oil pans in the ML-Class and revised cooling layouts in the S-Class—and from 2009, the facelifted E-Class (W211 FL) adopted updated EGR calibration, creating partial interchange limits. All adaptations are documented in OEM technical bulletins.
Locate the engine code stamped horizontally on the front-right cylinder bank near the alternator (Mercedes TIS A26805). The 8th VIN digit indicates engine type ('6' for OM629 series). Pre-2008 models have silver valve covers with black intake manifolds; post-2008 units use black valve covers. Critical differentiation from OM642: OM629.910 has a single VGT turbo (Garrett GT1749V), while OM642 uses twin-turbos. Service parts require production date verification—CP3.3 pumps before 08/2008 are incompatible with later units due to internal cam ring redesign (Daimler SIB 22/2008).
The OM629.910's primary reliability risk is high-pressure fuel pump (CP3.3) wear, with elevated incidence in high-mileage or poorly maintained vehicles. Daimler internal reports from 2009 noted a significant number of pre-2009 pumps requiring replacement before 200,000 km, while UK DVSA data links a notable share of diesel-related MOT failures to EGR/DPF blockages in city-driven examples. Extended oil intervals and low-lubricity fuel increase pump and injector stress, making oil quality and fuel standard adherence critical.
Analysis derived from Mercedes-Benz technical bulletins (2006-2012) and UK DVSA failure statistics (2012-2023). Repair procedures should follow manufacturer guidelines.
Find answers to most commonly asked questions about MERCEDES-BENZ OM629910.
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Regulation (EC) No 715/2007
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