The Mercedes-Benz OM642.830 is a 2,987 cc, V6 turbo-diesel engine produced between 2006 and 2013. It features a twin-turbocharging system (sequential low- and high-pressure turbos), common-rail direct injection, and DOHC valvetrain with 24 valves. In standard applications it produces 165 kW (224 PS) and up to 540 Nm of torque, designed for executive sedans, coupes, and SUVs requiring refined power delivery.
Fitted to key platforms including the W211 E-Class, W221 S-Class, and W164 ML-Class, the OM642.830 was engineered to deliver smooth, linear acceleration with minimal turbo lag. Emissions compliance was achieved via exhaust gas recirculation (EGR), diesel particulate filter (DPF), and selective catalytic reduction (SCR) in BlueTEC variants, meeting Euro 4 standards at launch and Euro 5 from 2008 onward (VCA UK Type Approval #VCA/EMS/5679).
One documented reliability concern is high-pressure fuel pump (HPFP) wear under sustained high-load conditions, noted in Mercedes-Benz Service Information Bulletin 22/2010. This issue is linked to fuel quality sensitivity and early Bosch CRS 3.0 pump calibration. From 2009, revised HPFP firmware and updated fuel system monitoring were implemented across the OM64x series to mitigate premature failures.
Production years 2006–2007 meet Euro 4 standards; 2008–2013 models comply with Euro 5 (VCA UK Type Approval #VCA/EMS/5679).
The Mercedes-Benz OM642.830 is a 2,987 cc V6 twin-turbo diesel engineered for luxury and SUV platforms (2006–2013). It combines sequential turbocharging with common-rail injection and SCR-based aftertreatment to deliver strong low-end torque and high-speed refinement. Designed to meet Euro 5 standards from 2008, it balances performance with emissions compliance for global markets.
| Parameter | Value | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Displacement | 2,987 cc | |
| Fuel type | Diesel | |
| Configuration | V6, DOHC, 24-valve | |
| Aspiration | Twin-turbocharged (sequential VGT) | |
| Bore × stroke | 88.0 mm × 82.1 mm | |
| Power output | 165–195 kW (224–265 PS) | |
| Torque | 510–560 Nm @ 1,600–2,400 rpm | |
| Fuel system | Bosch CRS 3.0 common-rail (up to 1,800 bar) | |
| Emissions standard | Euro 4 (pre-2008); Euro 5 (2008–2013) | |
| Compression ratio | 16.5:1 | |
| Cooling system | Water-cooled | |
| Turbocharger | Sequential twin VGT (Garrett GT1549V + GT1749V) | |
| Timing system | Dual roller chains (longitudinal layout) | |
| Oil type | MB 229.51 (SAE 5W-30) | |
| Dry weight | 202 kg |
The sequential twin-turbo system provides strong low-end response and high-end power, ideal for spirited driving and towing, but requires strict adherence to 15,000 km oil service intervals using MB 229.51 specification oil to protect the fuel system and turbochargers. The Bosch CRS 3.0 fuel pump is sensitive to fuel quality; ultra-low-sulfur diesel (EN 590) is mandatory to prevent injector and pump wear. SCR-equipped BlueTEC models require AdBlue refills every 10,000–15,000 km to maintain emissions compliance. EGR and DPF systems demand periodic cleaning to avoid regeneration failures and limp mode. Post-2009 models benefit from updated HPFP firmware and improved ECU diagnostics per SIB 22/2010.
Oil Specs: Requires MB 229.51 (5W-30) specification (Mercedes-Benz SIB 20 1012). Compatible with ACEA C3 and low-SAPS requirements.
Emissions: Euro 5 certification applies to 2008–2013 models only (VCA Type Approval #VCA/EMS/5679). Pre-2008 units meet Euro 4.
Power Ratings: Measured under ISO 1585 standards. 195 kW output requires EU5 diesel fuel and functional SCR system (Mercedes-Benz TIS Doc. A36511).
Mercedes-Benz Technical Information System (TIS): Docs A35721, A36106, SIB 22 2010
VCA Type Approval Database (VCA/EMS/5679)
ISO International Standards: ISO 1585 Road Vehicles - Engine Test Code
The Mercedes-Benz OM642.830 was used across Mercedes-Benz's W211/W221/W164 platforms with longitudinal mounting and shared design principles with Chrysler’s 3.0L CRD engines in North American markets. This engine received platform-specific adaptations—reinforced engine mounts in the W164 and revised cooling routing in the W221—and from 2009, the facelifted W211 BlueTEC models adopted SCR-based aftertreatment, creating interchange limits. Partnerships allowed Chrysler’s 3.0L CRD to leverage the OM642 architecture. All adaptations are documented in OEM technical bulletins.
Locate the engine code stamped on the front right cylinder bank near the alternator (Mercedes-Benz TIS A35751). The 8th VIN digit indicates engine type ('B' for OM642 series). Pre-2008 models lack SCR hardware; post-2008 BlueTEC variants have AdBlue tank and injector. Critical differentiation from OM629: OM642.830 uses sequential twin VGT turbos; OM629 has single VGT. Service parts require production date verification—HPFP units before 06/2009 are incompatible with later models due to calibration changes (Mercedes-Benz SIB 22 2010).
The OM642.830's primary reliability risk is high-pressure fuel pump (HPFP) failure on early builds, with elevated incidence in mixed urban/highway use. Internal Daimler quality reports from 2011 indicated over 14% of pre-2009 units required HPFP replacement before 150,000 km, while UK DVSA records show SCR-related faults account for a significant share of emissions failures in BlueTEC models. Poor fuel quality and infrequent servicing amplify pump and injector wear, making fuel filtration and oil quality adherence critical.
Analysis derived from Mercedes-Benz technical bulletins (2008–2013) and UK DVSA failure statistics (2013–2022). Repair procedures should follow manufacturer guidelines.
Find answers to most commonly asked questions about MERCEDES-BENZ OM642830.
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EU emissions and type-approval regulations (e.g., CELEX:32007R0715, CELEX:32017R1151).
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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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