The Mercedes-Benz OM642.932 is a 2,987 cc, V6 twin-turbo diesel engine produced between 2008 and 2013. It features sequential turbocharging with low- and high-pressure variable geometry turbos, common-rail direct injection, and DOHC valvetrain with 24 valves. In standard applications it produces 195 kW (265 PS) and up to 620 Nm of torque, designed for high-performance luxury sedans and SUVs requiring strong low-end response and sustained highway power.
Fitted to key platforms including the W212 E-Class, W221 S-Class, and W166 ML-Class, the OM642.932 was engineered for dynamic driving and towing capability. Emissions compliance was achieved via exhaust gas recirculation (EGR), diesel particulate filter (DPF), and selective catalytic reduction (SCR) in BlueTEC variants, meeting Euro 5 standards across its production run (VCA UK Type Approval #VCA/EMS/5682).
One documented reliability concern is high-pressure fuel pump (HPFP) wear under sustained high-load operation, 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.
All production years (2008–2013) meet Euro 5 emissions standards (VCA UK Type Approval #VCA/EMS/5682).
The Mercedes-Benz OM642.932 is a 2,987 cc V6 twin-turbo diesel engineered for performance-oriented luxury and SUV platforms (2008–2013). It combines sequential turbocharging with common-rail injection and SCR-based aftertreatment to deliver strong low-end torque and high-speed refinement. Designed exclusively for Euro 5 compliance, it balances performance with emissions control 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 | 195 kW (265 PS) | |
| Torque | 620 Nm @ 1,600–2,400 rpm | |
| Fuel system | Bosch CRS 3.0 common-rail (up to 1,800 bar) | |
| Emissions standard | Euro 5 | |
| 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 | 204 kg |
The sequential twin-turbo system delivers aggressive low-end response and strong high-speed pull, 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. 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: All units meet Euro 5 standards (VCA Type Approval #VCA/EMS/5682). No Euro 4 variants exist for this specific model.
Power Ratings: Measured under ISO 1585 standards. Full 195 kW output requires functional SCR system and EU5 diesel fuel (Mercedes-Benz TIS Doc. A36514).
Mercedes-Benz Technical Information System (TIS): Docs A35724, A36109, SIB 22 2010
VCA Type Approval Database (VCA/EMS/5682)
ISO International Standards: ISO 1585 Road Vehicles - Engine Test Code
The Mercedes-Benz OM642.932 was used across Mercedes-Benz's W212/W221/W166 platforms with longitudinal mounting and shared design principles with Chrysler’s high-output 3.0L CRD engines in North American markets. This engine received platform-specific adaptations-reinforced engine mounts in the W166 and revised cooling routing in the W221-and from 2009, the facelifted W212 BlueTEC models adopted enhanced 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 A35754). The 8th VIN digit indicates engine type ('B' for OM642 series). All OM642.932 units are BlueTEC-equipped with AdBlue tank and injector. Critical differentiation from OM629: OM642.932 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 OM642.932'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 13% 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 OM642932.
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