The Mercedes-Benz OM651.960 is a 2,143 cc, inline-four turbo-diesel engine produced between 2011 and 2016. It features common rail direct injection, variable geometry turbocharging (VGT), and DOHC valvetrain with 16 valves. In high-output form, it delivers 150 kW (204 PS) and 500 Nm of torque, providing strong low-end performance ideal for mid-size executive and SUV applications.
Fitted to the W204 C-Class (C300 CDI), W207 C-Class Coupe (C300 CDI), and X204 GLK-Class (GLK300 CDI), the OM651.960 was engineered for enhanced driving dynamics and improved fuel efficiency over its predecessor. Emissions compliance was achieved via cooled exhaust gas recirculation (EGR), diesel particulate filter (DPF), and selective catalytic reduction (SCR) with AdBlue injection, meeting Euro 5 standards across all markets during its production run.
One documented reliability concern is high-pressure fuel pump (HPFP) internal wear, particularly in early production units. This issue, highlighted in Mercedes-Benz Service Information Bulletin 20/2011, is attributed to insufficient lubricity in early ultra-low-sulfur diesel formulations. From 2013, revised HPFP internals and updated fuel additive specifications were introduced to improve durability.
All production years 2011–2016 meet Euro 5 standards (VCA UK Type Approval #VCA/EMS/8902). No Euro 6 variant of the OM651.960 was produced.
The Mercedes-Benz OM651.960 is a 2,143 cc inline-four turbo-diesel engineered for mid-size executive and SUV platforms (2011–2016). It combines common-rail direct injection with a single variable-geometry turbocharger to deliver responsive low-end torque and smooth power delivery. Designed exclusively to meet Euro 5 standards, it balances performance with regulated emissions compliance via SCR/AdBlue technology.
| Parameter | Value | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Displacement | 2,143 cc | |
| Fuel type | Diesel | |
| Configuration | Inline-4, DOHC, 16-valve | |
| Aspiration | Turbocharged | |
| Bore × stroke | 83.0 mm × 99.0 mm | |
| Power output | 150 kW (204 PS) @ 3,800 rpm | |
| Torque | 500 Nm @ 1,600–2,400 rpm | |
| Fuel system | Bosch CRS 2.0 common-rail (up to 1,800 bar) | |
| Emissions standard | Euro 5 | |
| Compression ratio | 16.5:1 | |
| Cooling system | Water-cooled | |
| Turbocharger | Single variable-geometry turbo (Garrett GT1749V) | |
| Timing system | Chain (long-life design, front-mounted) | |
| Oil type | MB 229.51 (SAE 5W-30) | |
| Dry weight | 168 kg |
The OM651.960 provides strong low-end torque ideal for highway overtaking and towing but requires adherence to 15,000 km oil change intervals using MB 229.51 specification oil to protect the HPFP and turbocharger. Use of EN 590 ultra-low-sulfur diesel is mandatory to prevent injector and pump damage. The Bosch CRS 2.0 system is sensitive to fuel contamination; pre-filter maintenance is advised in regions with variable fuel quality. Early HPFP units (pre-2013) should be inspected per SIB 20/2011; updated pumps with hardened components are recommended for longevity. SCR/AdBlue and DPF systems require periodic regeneration and inspection to maintain emissions compliance and prevent limp-mode events.
Oil Specs: Requires MB 229.51 (5W-30) specification (Mercedes-Benz SIB 20/2011). Not compatible with older 229.31 or ACEA A3/B4 oils.
Emissions: Euro 5 certification applies to all models (2011-2016) (VCA Type Approval #VCA/EMS/8902). No Euro 6 version exists.
Power Ratings: Measured under DIN 70020 standards. Output consistent across fuel grades meeting EN 590 (Mercedes-Benz TIS Doc. A36841).
Mercedes-Benz Technical Information System (TIS): Docs A36154, A36241, SIB 20/2011
VCA Type Approval Database (VCA/EMS/8902)
ISO 1585: Road vehicles — Engine test code — Net power
The Mercedes-Benz OM651.960 was used across Mercedes-Benz's W204/W207/X204 platforms with longitudinal mounting and no licensed external applications. This engine received platform-specific tuning variations-smooth idle control in the W207 and revised transmission mapping in the X204-and from 2013 incorporated HPFP durability updates per service bulletin, creating minor service part distinctions. All adaptations are documented in OEM technical bulletins.
Locate the engine ID plate mounted on the left-side cylinder head near the intake manifold (Mercedes-Benz TIS A36157). The 8th VIN digit indicates engine type ('K' for OM651 series). Pre-2013 models have a Bosch HPFP with black housing and serial prefix 0445 010 003; post-2013 units use a revised pump with silver housing and prefix 0445 010 007. Critical differentiation from OM646: OM651.960 has an inline-four configuration with front-mounted timing covers, while OM646 is a V8. Service parts require VIN and production date verification—HPFP kits for pre-2013 engines are not interchangeable with updated designs (Mercedes-Benz SIB 20/2011).
The OM651.960's primary reliability risk is high-pressure fuel pump degradation, with elevated incidence in high-mileage vehicles subjected to extended oil intervals. Internal Mercedes-Benz quality reports from 2013 indicated a notable share of pre-2013 pumps requiring replacement before 200,000 km, while UK DVSA records show diesel-related failures in W204/W207 models often trace to fuel system contamination. Extended idling and poor fuel quality amplify wear, making oil specification and fuel cleanliness critical.
Analysis derived from Mercedes-Benz technical bulletins (2011-2016) and UK DVSA failure statistics (2010-2020). Repair procedures should follow manufacturer guidelines.
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Regulation (EC) No 715/2007
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