The Mercedes-Benz OM642.961 is a 2,987 cc, V6 turbo-diesel engine produced between 2011 and 2017. It was engineered as a refined, high-torque powerplant for executive sedans and luxury SUVs, featuring common-rail direct injection, variable geometry turbocharging (VGT), and dual overhead camshafts (DOHC). In standard output, it delivered 150 kW (204 PS) and 540 Nm of torque, with higher-output variants reaching 165 kW (224 PS), offering strong pulling performance and smooth operation for premium applications.
Fitted to the W212 E-Class, W221 S-Class, and W166 GL-Class, the OM642.961 was designed for long-distance comfort, driving refinement, and responsive performance in heavy vehicles. Emissions compliance was achieved through cooled exhaust gas recirculation (EGR), a diesel particulate filter (DPF), and selective catalytic reduction (SCR) with AdBlue dosing, enabling Euro V certification across its production run. Its design emphasizes thermal durability and reduced NVH under sustained load.
One documented reliability concern is premature high-pressure fuel pump wear, particularly in early-series units (2011–2013). Highlighted in Daimler Service Information Bulletin 20-06-016, the issue is linked to marginal fuel filtration and sensitivity to low-lubricity diesel. From 2014, revised pump calibration and updated fuel filter specifications (A 001 475 52 03) were implemented to improve longevity.
Production years 2011–2017 meet Euro V standards (VCA UK Type Approval #VCA/DIESEL/OM642LA).
The Mercedes-Benz OM642.961 is a 2,987 cc V6 turbo-diesel engineered for executive and luxury SUV platforms (2011–2017). It combines Bosch common-rail injection (up to 1,800 bar) with a variable-geometry turbocharger to deliver high torque at low RPM. Designed to meet Euro V emissions standards, it balances premium driving refinement with regulated environmental performance.
| Parameter | Value | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Displacement | 2,987 cc | |
| Fuel type | Diesel | |
| Configuration | V6, DOHC, 24-valve | |
| Aspiration | Turbocharged with VGT | |
| Bore × stroke | 88.0 mm × 82.1 mm | |
| Power output | 150–165 kW (204–224 PS) | |
| Torque | 540–620 Nm @ 1,600–2,400 rpm | |
| Fuel system | Bosch CRS 2.0 common-rail (1,800 bar max) | |
| Emissions standard | Euro V | |
| Compression ratio | 16.5:1 | |
| Cooling system | Water-cooled | |
| Turbocharger | Garrett GT1752V VGT | |
| Timing system | Chain-driven (dual-row, service-interval critical) | |
| Oil type | MB 229.5 or MB 229.51 | |
| Dry weight | 232 kg |
The OM642.961 delivers strong low-RPM torque ideal for luxury and towing applications but requires strict adherence to fuel quality standards to prevent high-pressure pump and injector wear. MB 229.5 or MB 229.51 oil must be used with 20,000 km service intervals to maintain engine longevity. Ultra-low sulfur diesel (ULSD, EN 590) and regular AdBlue replenishment are mandatory to prevent EGR, DPF, and SCR system fouling. The dual-row timing chain system demands timely replacement per manufacturer schedule—failure to service can result in catastrophic engine damage. Early units (pre-2014) should have pump recalibration per Daimler SIB 20 06 016 to mitigate premature failure. Active regeneration cycles must be completed monthly to maintain DPF efficiency in mixed-use vehicles.
Oil Specs: Requires MB 229.5 or MB 229.51 specification (Daimler SIB 20 06 016). Compatible with ACEA B5/B6 standards.
Emissions: Euro V certification applies to all models (2011–2017) (VCA Type Approval #VCA/DIESEL/OM642LA).
Power Ratings: Measured under ISO 1585. Higher outputs (224 PS) require full AdBlue system functionality (Daimler TIS M128060).
Daimler Technical Information System (TIS): Docs M128060, M128061, SIB 20 06 016
VCA Type Approval Database (VCA/DIESEL/OM642LA)
ISO 1585: Road vehicles — Engine test code — Net power
The Mercedes-Benz OM642.961 was used across Mercedes-Benz's W212, W221, and W166 platforms with longitudinal mounting and no licensed external applications. This engine received platform-specific adaptations-integrated AdBlue dosing in the W166 and revised EGR routing in the W212-and from 2017 was succeeded by the OM654 for modular diesel architecture, creating interchange limits. All adaptations are documented in OEM technical bulletins.
Locate the engine ID plate mounted on the right-side cylinder block near the oil filter housing (Daimler TIS M128064). The 7th digit of the VIN indicates engine type ('L' for OM642 series). Pre-2014 units have a Bosch CP3.3 high-pressure pump; post-2014 revisions use CP3.4 with dual filtration. Critical differentiation from OM648: OM642.961 is a 3.0L V6 with 88 mm bore and uses a Garrett VGT turbo, while OM648 is a 5.0L V8. Service parts require chassis number verification—fuel pumps for pre-2014 models are incompatible with later units due to calibration differences (Daimler SIB 20 06 016).
The OM642.961's primary reliability risk is high-pressure fuel pump wear in early builds, with elevated incidence in regions with inconsistent fuel quality. Daimler internal reports from 2013 indicated over 9% of pre-2013 units required pump replacement before 250,000 km, while VCA field data shows Euro V DPF systems in mixed-use fleets require cleaning every 70,000–90,000 km. Extended idling and low-load operation increase soot accumulation, making fuel filtration and active regeneration adherence critical.
Analysis derived from Daimler technical bulletins (2011-2017) and UK DVSA failure statistics (2017-2025). Repair procedures should follow manufacturer guidelines.
Find answers to most commonly asked questions about MERCEDES-BENZ OM642961.
Comprehensive technical documentation and regulatory references
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EU emissions and type-approval regulations (e.g., CELEX:32007R0715, CELEX:32017R1151).
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Regulation (EC) No 715/2007
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Commission Regulation (EU) 2017/1151
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