The Mercedes-Benz OM647.961 is a 2,987 cc, inline-five turbo-diesel engine produced between 2006 and 2011. It was developed as a high-torque, refined powerplant for mid-size luxury and commercial applications, featuring common-rail direct injection, variable geometry turbocharging (VGT), and double overhead camshafts (DOHC). In standard configuration, it delivered 140 kW (190 PS) and 440 Nm of torque, providing strong low-end pulling power ideal for daily driving and moderate load use.
Fitted to the Mercedes-Benz Vito (W639), Viano (W639), and Sprinter (W906), the OM647.961 was engineered for drivers seeking a balance of efficiency, durability, and towing capability. Emissions compliance was achieved through exhaust gas recirculation (EGR), a diesel particulate filter (DPF), and optimized combustion tuning, enabling Euro IV certification across its production run.
One documented concern is premature high-pressure fuel pump (HPFP) wear under extended high-load operation, highlighted in Daimler Service Information Bulletin 27/2007. Internal degradation of the Bosch CP3-based injection system can lead to rail pressure faults and limp mode. This issue was addressed through revised pump calibration and improved cooling strategies in post-2008 production units.
Production years 2006–2011 meet Euro IV emissions standards (VCA UK Type Approval #VCA/EMS/6782).
The Mercedes-Benz OM647.961 is a 2,987 cc inline-five turbo-diesel engineered for premium MPVs and light commercial vehicles (2006–2011). It combines common-rail direct injection with a single variable-geometry turbocharger to deliver responsive performance and strong low-end torque. Designed to meet Euro IV standards, it balances drivability with emissions control in a range of commercial and passenger applications.
| Parameter | Value | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Displacement | 2,987 cc | |
| Fuel type | Diesel | |
| Configuration | Inline-5, DOHC, 20-valve | |
| Aspiration | Turbocharged | |
| Bore × stroke | 83.0 mm × 92.0 mm | |
| Power output | 140 kW (190 PS) @ 3,800 rpm | |
| Torque | 440 Nm @ 1,600–2,400 rpm | |
| Fuel system | Bosch CRS 2.0 common-rail (up to 1,600 bar) | |
| Emissions standard | Euro IV | |
| Compression ratio | 17.0:1 | |
| Cooling system | Water-cooled | |
| Turbocharger | Single variable-geometry turbo (Garrett GT1749V) | |
| Timing system | Dual chain (front-mounted, long-life design) | |
| Oil type | MB 229.5 (SAE 5W-30) | |
| Dry weight | 194 kg |
The inline-five configuration delivers smooth, linear power ideal for commercial and passenger use but demands strict adherence to 15,000 km oil change intervals using MB 229.5 specification oil to maintain fuel pump longevity. The Bosch CRS 2.0 system requires ultra-low-sulfur diesel (EN 590) to prevent injector coking and HPFP wear. Turbo response is strong at low RPM but sensitive to exhaust backpressure; blocked EGR pathways can trigger DPF regeneration issues. Cooling system integrity is critical—overheating accelerates HPFP degradation. Post-2008 units benefit from revised pump calibration and improved airflow management per Daimler SIB 27/2007.
Oil Specs: Requires MB 229.5 (5W-30) specification (Mercedes-Benz SIB 27/2007). ACEA B5 compliance insufficient.
Emissions: Euro IV certification applies to all 2006–2011 models (VCA Type Approval #VCA/EMS/6782). No Euro V variants produced.
Power Ratings: Measured under DIN 70020 standards. Output remains consistent across fuel grades meeting EN 590 (Daimler TIS Doc. A37345).
Mercedes-Benz Technical Information System (TIS): Docs A36905, A37345, SIB 27/2007
VCA Type Approval Database (VCA/EMS/6782)
SAE International: J1349 Engine Power Test Code
The Mercedes-Benz OM647.961 was used across Mercedes-Benz's W639 and W906 platforms with longitudinal mounting and designated for commercial and MPV applications. This engine received platform-specific adaptations-higher-capacity oil cooler in the Sprinter 319 CDI and revised EGR calibration for extended idle duty-and from 2008 updated coolant routing to improve turbocharger longevity, creating minor service part differences. All adaptations are documented in OEM technical bulletins.
Locate the engine code stamped horizontally on the front-left cylinder block near the timing cover (Mercedes-Benz TIS A36905). The 8th VIN digit indicates engine type ('M' for OM647 series). Pre-2008 models have silver valve covers with black intake manifolds; post-2008 units feature revised coolant hoses routed away from turbocharger. Critical differentiation from OM647.940: OM647.961 has Bosch CRS 2.0 injection system with CP3 pump and Garrett GT1749V turbo; OM647.940 uses CP1 and smaller turbo. Service parts require build-date verification—fuel pumps before 06/2008 are incompatible with later calibrated ECUs (Daimler SIB 27/2007).
The OM647.961's primary reliability risk is high-pressure fuel pump degradation under sustained load, with elevated incidence in commercial and urban applications. Internal Daimler reports from 2009 noted increased HPFP failure rates in pre-2008 units exceeding 160,000 km, while VCA MOT data links turbocharger performance faults to EGR clogging in city-driven Viano models. Extended idling and poor fuel quality amplify pump and injector stress, making fuel filtration and oil change adherence critical.
Analysis derived from Mercedes-Benz technical bulletins (2006–2012) and UK DVSA failure statistics (2008–2016). Repair procedures should follow manufacturer guidelines.
Find answers to most commonly asked questions about MERCEDES-BENZ OM647961.
Comprehensive technical documentation and regulatory references
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MERCEDES-BENZ Official Site
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EUR-Lex
EU emissions and type-approval regulations (e.g., CELEX:32007R0715, CELEX:32017R1151).
GOV.UK: Vehicle Approval & V5C
UK vehicle approval processes, import rules, and MoT guidance.
DVLA: Engine Changes & MoT
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Vehicle Certification Agency (VCA)
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Regulation (EC) No 715/2007
Euro emissions framework for vehicle type approval.
Commission Regulation (EU) 2017/1151
WLTP and RDE testing procedures for emissions certification.
GOV.UK: Vehicle Approval
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VCA Certification Portal
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