Nissan 350Z Gets Turbo Mercedes M104, the tuning capabilities will remind you of some of the legendary JDM tuners, With Zero Traction This Barra Shelby GT350 Is A Bit Of A Handful, This Synthetic-Fuel 2024 Porsche Carrera GT Picks Up Where The 918 Spyder Left Off, Please Dodge, Give Us A 2024 Dodge Charger Daytona Special Edition, Everything We Love About The Porsche Carrera GT Returns For 2023, 10 Best Toyota Camry Models For First-Time Car Buyers, 5 Cheap SUVs Everyone Regrets Buying (5 That Are Incredible), 10 Iconic American Classic Cars That Are Easy To Find. Another is to replace the radiator hose. Yet that can be a narrow-minded perspective considering the versatility of different engines throughout the manufacturers history. 10 is the compression ratio. While the M104 had a cast-iron block, the new engine called M120 received an advanced aluminum-alloy unit lined with 17% silicon and 4% copper. It is one of the most costly upgrades but provides the best gains. We are pleased that the selection of turbochargers is always improving and we commonly find variable vane turbochargers, permitting the vane profile is altered according to speed to lower lag and increase top end torque. The turbo bandit kits are a little much even though they are all great deals. 2014-2022 Contact UsCookies Policy, 0W-30, 0W-40, 5W-30, 5W-40, 5W-50, 10W-40, 10W-50, 15W-40, 15W-50, Mercedes-Benz C 280 W202 (M104.941), Mercedes-Benz 280 E / E 280 W124 (M104.942), Mercedes-Benz E 280 W210 (M104.945), Mercedes-Benz 300 SE W140 (M104.944), Mercedes-Benz S 280 W140, Mercedes-Benz SL 280 R129 (M104.943). Its also related to the Fiat-Chrysler 3.6L Pentastar V6 engine since Mercedes was owned by FCA at the time. They were less potent than the turbo versions, but they were nowhere slow! $650.00. It was designed on the basis of the 3.2-liter engine. . The diameter of the intake valve is 39.5 mm, exhaust - 30 mm. The naturally aspirated straight six! Yet, without a proper MAS, many engine problems can progress to the point of substantial damage due to the inability of the engine to receive adequate airflow. Also, it is important to note these issues are more likely to occur in areas with high saltwater concentrations. Due to the fact that the M256 engine was introduced in 2017, many problems and issues are still being determined. The Mercedes M113 engine family made its debut in 1997. For further information on older classic Mercedes V6 engines. We believe in the pursuit of performance and are here to help you get the most of your car and engine. Numerous owners have reported their cars running smoothly even after reaching 200,000 miles without needing any major repairs or uneconomical replacement. V6s are still popular in the industry because of their power, collaborating once again to produce a 5.0-liter V8 engine that runs on Hydrogen, Why Yamaha Is Developing A 5.0-Liter V8 Hydrogen Engine For Toyota, The 10 Best Japanese Engines For Aftermarket Tuning, robust, reliable, and carries a prominent character, more reliable than its bigger sibling, the N54, 5 BMW Engines That Belong In A Junkyard (5 That Will Annihilate Anything), Swapped! Now they are starting to appear on gasoline engines as well. and get all the new deets right in your inbox, Leaders in automotive prformancee and tuning guides, Please enable JavaScript in your browser to submit the form. This is because a competition cam causes a very lumpy idle, and makes the car more prone to stall or jerk along in stop start traffic, sadly though many ignore this and end up ruining a perfectly good car and having to revert back to a fast road, or OEM cam profile. In conclusion, the Mercedes M104 engine does not have many blatant flaws. 1. There are common areas of failure for every engine, with some being over specified and some only just able to handle stock power. Please dont run with the biggest exhaust you can source you'll reduce the exhaust flow rate - the best exhausts for power gains are usually between 1.5 to 2.5 inches. You will also have full access to Remaps allows a tuner to unlock the full potential of all the mods you've done to your M104. Mercedess Nine Decades of Six-Cylinder History. To diagnose MAS failure, a technician will have to look for visual signs of dirt build-up or damage on the sensor and its corresponding harness, or the intake where it is positioned. Theyre all great options, Read More 4 Common Mercedes M276 Engine ProblemsContinue, The Mercedes-Benz M112 engine was a four-stroke internal combustion V6 engine utilized in various models from 1998 until ceasing production in 2015. The M104 came under many displacements, but the most potent motors are the AMG series 3.4-liters and 3.6-liters. This contrasts with the 88.0-by-82.1-mm dimensions of the current 3.0-liter V-6 (one version of the V-6 had a bore as large as 97.0 mm). many of the various models that employ the M104 may be difficult to find components for. 3. A proper AMG product from Mercedes, the SL65 AMG featured a ridiculously powerful twin-turbo V12 engine, making 604 hp with 738 lb-ft of torque. Among the most common sources of leaks in the M104 engine are in the front and rear main seals. Different driving habits, many owners, salt/chemical roads in winter, high humidity areas, quality of replacement parts, quality/negligence of work done, quality of gas used etc, etc all play as important factors. 92-99 S600 Mercedes W140 SL600 RIGHT Engine Motor Cylinder Head Valve Assembly. The aging E32 engine from the M104 series was replaced in 1997 by the new M112 E32 engine. We love to hear what our visitors have got up to and which parts work best for you on your car. Modifications When you purchase through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission, which supports our community. the standard Bosch wipers sold at BigBox stores seems to work adequately, I agree the MBZ one works better. Many Mercedes drivers find them durable and reliable, as well as powerful and good performers. The M104 is a testament to the dynamic capability of the inline-six. This is accompanied by a fuel-economy improvement of roughly 15 percent over the previous V-6 powertrain, although EPA figures are not yet available. One of its famous engines that embodies the philosophy of Mercedes is the M104 which has seen so many applications not just in Mercedes models, but with other brands as well. Mine was overhauled at 420k kms after its second head gasket failure. Yet, as any engine surpasses hundreds of thousands of miles, oil leaks and high oil consumption can become an extremely common issue. Of course this new straight-six measures 3.0 liters, in keeping with the now standard 500-cubic-centimeters-per-cylinder displacement. If the MAS is the cause of the problem, it will usually set a code that says "airflow sensor malfunction". We think this one is common sense, but you'll need to match your fuel injector to the type of fuel your car uses as well. Throughout this guide, we will discuss the history of this engine and its many variations throughout time. Thats enough to provide strong engine response while the turbo gets up to speed, at which point a check valve closes and the turbo takes over from the electric supercharger. M110 & M123. So, look after it with regular, good quality oil changes. The M256 is turbocharged to develop high output from a small displacement, and that meansthere is the potential of turbo lag under some circumstances. Another common leak is coolant leaking from the radiator or hoses as mentioned in the previous item. A 48-Volt Integrated Starter/Alternator. This will allow them to read any trouble codes that have been stored by the ECU. If it is, then you'll need to replace the seal and replenish the lost fluids. Its rated at 362 horsepower as installed in the CLS450. Yet, not every engine is perfect. For another, a larger turbocharger flows better and creates less back pressure at high rpm, extending the engines powerband. Oil leaks. Some of our members have had issues with flat spots or glitches after applying mods and upgrades or tuning, this is not usually related to this engines design, so instead see our article on diagnosing flat spots and problems after tuning which should help you get the bottom of this issue. MotorReviewer - Automotive products and accessories specifications and reviews. Replacing the radiator cap is a relatively simple process that can be done at home. Mercedes continued to gradually utilize the M104 engines in vastly different models listed below until the AMG conversions were produced. Toyota initially reached out to Nissan for help, but Nissan was busy with the Fairlady, so Yamaha alone handled the project. To fix this, you'll need to replace the radiator cap and hose. I currently drive a 1994 C280 with 417,000 km on it. 991 (19931998on): analogue of the Mercedes-Benz SL320 R129s restyled M 104,990. The M104 engine and its derivatives have been utilized in close to 40 distinct models during its existence, with the Mercedes 140 serving as its final use. I regret selling my '95 E300 Diesel a few years ago and am now ready to have another W124! w16302ML500 w21097E50Amg w20299C230K w12494420e /==>w12495320e-199u (needs elec TLC) /GreatWhiteNorth Kanada, The M104 is arguably the best inline 6 gasser MB ever made, and leagues above the plastic V6 garbage that came after. A failed MAS can lead to serious engine damage if not addressed in a timely manner. please specify there is an option! of course there will still be problems and weaknesses of this machine. The Mercedes M112 E32 series is the engine that will be discussed today. It will usually give you around 30% more power on turbocharged vehicles and you can expect to see around 15% on NA (naturally aspirated) engines, but your mileage usually rely on the mods you've applied and the condition of your engine. Fast and reliable. There are several possible causes of MAS malfunction. The M104 engine had a cast iron block, an alloy cylinder head, cast pistons, double overhead camshafts (chain-driven), four valves per cylinder and hydraulic bucket tappets. Some may consider Mercedes-Benz solely a luxury brand. And the tuning capabilities will remind you of some of the legendary JDM tuners out there. Free shipping. Then the electric supercharger spins up in 0.3 second to deliver useful boost. The big stuff were just the battery, water pump, and alternator. Please help us improve these tips by sending us your feedback in the comments box below. It spins to 70,000 rpm and can develop a peak boost pressure of about 6.6 psi. Oil leaks. the M104 2.8 and 3.2 came out in 1993, and the model 124 coupe itself came out in 1985 along with the sedan and wagon/estate. Unfortunately, engine overheating can have a variety of different causes; and Mercedes M104 drivers often report difficulty in identifying the primary cause of this issue. Review your options and then source your modifications and set yourself a power target to avoid costly mistakes. We have tips on removing carbon build up. Mercedes abandoned the inline-six layout in 1997 in favor of the more. The cause of the severe oil consumption is often the wear of valve stem seals. The bore spacing on the M103 engine is 97 mm. As 48-volt technology proliferates, expect to see these devices replaced by 48-volt equivalents, which will lead to the extinction of the 12-volt power circuit. Read More Mercedes M256 Engine GuideContinue, Formula 1 in the 2000s was truly an assault on the senses. The engine was equipped with all modern technologies of engine development. It was designed on the basis of the 3.2-liter engine. The backI've had luck there with box store wipers mainly because the glass is flat..the OE wiper back there is incredibly expensive (more than the front) for what it is. Related: With Zero Traction This Barra Shelby GT350 Is A Bit Of A Handful. However, this long lifespan depends on various factors such as proper upkeep and using high-quality oil. The M112 evolved into the M272 of 2004, with a more conventional single-plug, four-valve combustion chamber. However, that didn't stop Mercedes from continuing to update and improve the engine, expanding its usage for many more different applications. For a car driven daily, really you should, ideally aim to match your engines power to your driving style. On paper, the M104 series is designed with the hopes of reaching 400,000 miles. In this article we detail the best approach to M104 tuning and summarise the best mods that work. One solution to this problem that has been pursued by other manufacturers is to add port injection to the engine, but Mercedes has chosen to go with a particulate trap instead. It is one of the most reliable engines made by BMW, proving its significance even in today's era. Shipping: Free Standard Shipping. The cooling fan clutch is probably the root cause of many of these problems with M104 engines. Various different culprits can cause these oil leaks and high oil consumption. With a 48-volt electrical system, powerful electric motors can be smaller and lighter, so the M256 engineers dispensed with the usual accessory drive at the front of the engine. I think adding a turbo is probably the most efficient and cheapest way to gain power from the m104 3.2L engine. . It would also be worth reading our unbiased tuning articles to get a full grasp of the benefits and drawbacks of each modification. Don't forget to over specify your injectors flow rate. may be useful! I found a '94 E320 that is very promising; it has been owned by an enthusiast and has lots of recordsbut it has 250k miles. Returns accepted. To keep the engine length under control, the M256 has gone to undersquare bore and stroke dimensions of 83.0 and 92.4 millimeters. Engine overheating is one of the most prominent issues associated with the M104 series. Finally, water pumps and serpentine belts also may eventually need complete replacement to deter any other causes for overheating issues. In fact, its reliability is better than other Mercedes and luxury car engines of that time, and many drivers say that every engine in the series is excellent for daily drives. Ford Australia made the Barra 195 for the Australian market. If you suspect an oil leak, check all of these areas for leaks first. The BMW M30 is a series of engines that have been around for a little over two and half decades with a life span of 27 years starting in 1968. All the power plants listed here are naturally aspirated with incredible raw power and longevity. . Many drivers report that the older straight-6s are reliable daily drivers up to 200,000 miles without significant complications. The intake and exhaust durations will alter depending on the chosen cam profile, so large torque gains are on offer for cam upgrades. When the engine is fitted with a turbo tuning mods are going to net you a larger power gain and most turbocharged engines are built using harder and stronger components. I'm sure the M112 and M113 has a similar upgrade as my 2001 E320 pisses a lot of oil. Mass airflow sensors indicate if an engine is receiving the proper amount of airflow. Power varies from 275 to 574 horsepower impressive numbers for its era. Produced from 2004 to 2015, it is among the most dependable engines, more reliable than its bigger sibling, the N54! Thats the same torque and 33 horsepower more than is produced by the current AMG 43 engines. Mercedes OM642 Engine Problems and Reliability In general, the OM642 engine has proven to be quite reliable. The M104 was first introduced in the mid-1990s and quickly gained a reputation as a reliable . Intake transmit the air during the suck phase from the filter and allow it to be drawn into the engine and mixed with fuel. With these two quick responses, theres no need to fit a tiny turbocharger to minimize turbo lag. An electric water pump can be precisely controlled to provide the engines exact cooling requirements, facilitating rapid warmup. Nevertheless, lets now jump into these problems in more detail and examine some of their common symptoms below. In addition to this 48-volt system, there is a separate 12-volt electrical systemwith its own small batteryto operate the numerous legacy 12-volt devices on the car. You can read about them here. 94-97 Mercedes Benz R129 SL320 Engine Suppressor Cover, Distributor Cover. This is especially true for performance cars. Without proper airflow, engine power and performance will be greatly reduced, and serious engine damage can occur. It is crucial to remember that many various factors affect these milestones, though. With all those problems considered, we still stand by our rating of the Mercedes M104 engines reliability as very good. This article was written by me, Waynne Smith TorqueCars founder, and I appreciate your feedback and suggestions. By 1999, the existing M104 24-valve inline-six was phased out. Not if the owner didn't miss many scheduled check-ups. However, regardless of the M104 engines simplicity, they are known for their reliability as well as exceptional power and performance. Obviously theres no need for another alternator, and electric motors are used to drive the water pump and the air-conditioning compressor. Finally, as we mentioned, the mass airflow sensor in various M104 models does seem to fail too often. Intake and Exhaust - Note that on their own these mods will NOT ADD POWER in most cases, but they can help enhance power after other mods by removing the restriction. Related: The 10 Best Japanese Engines For Aftermarket Tuning. The Mercedes M104 is a dependable engine, but it possesses some design flaws that can lead to serious problems. It has a double overhead cam design with 4 valves per cylinder, and used a crossflow cylinder head. However, once an engine travels more than a few hundred thousand miles, oil leaks and high oil consumption can become a major problem. The first thing that starts to fail on this engine is the crankcase ventilation system. $44.99 . It also came with many options ranging from 2.0-liter to 4.0-liter. Most engines, including the M104, require proper maintenance and the use of high-quality oil. Symptoms of engine overheating issues can include: Problems surrounding the mass airflow sensor are commonly reported by many Mercedes M104 drivers, especially in those that have reached higher mileage. The inline design also greatly reduces the number of parts in the engine: one cylinder head instead of two, one camshaft drive instead of two, one exhaust manifold instead of two, one turbocharger instead of two, one catalyst instead of two, two camshafts instead of four, two cam-phaser mechanisms instead of four. The N52B30 is a 3.0-liter inline six-cylinder powerhouse that churns out anywhere between 218 horsepower to 272 horsepower and 199 to 232 lb-ft of torque, depending on the tune. This is usually caused by a faulty gasket or seal and can be fixed by replacing the faulty part. Proper upkeep and high-quality oil usage are vital for most engines, including the M104. Kawasaki Charging System Troubleshooting Common Issues and Fixes. $50.00. Ramya is a Computer Engineering graduate with a lifelong love of automobiles. For a given power level, increasing the voltage by a factor of four reduces the current by the same factor, which means that the thickness of the wiring used to carry the power can be reduced, saving cost and weight. The Mercedes M104 can be found in the initially introduced 2.8 L ranging upwards to the 3.4L and 3.6L AMG versions. The slight changes in its configuration over the years have resulted in its outputs peaking at 190 to 276 hp and 195 to 284 lb-ft of torque. Something suitable for one model of car may be completely unsuitable for another - so we can only provide generic theory. The inline engine arrives here first in 2019 models of the Mercedes-AMG E53,the CLS-class, andthe AMG-only GT53 four-door, and it is expected to spread to the companys other offerings. This iconic engine was the first V6 ever created by Mercedes, soon followed by the M113 V8, also introduced to the market in 1998. Altering valve durations can alter the torque band and on most engines the exhaust and intake durations do not need to match, although most cams and tuners use matched pairs there are some advantages to extending the intake or exhaust durations. He continues to dabble in automotive journalism and LeMons racing, as well as ministering to his 1965 Jaguar E-type, 2017 Porsche 911, and trio of motorcycleswhen not skiing or hiking near his home in Colorado. Shipping: Free Standard Shipping. If the damage in the reservoir is minimal, it may still be fixed via a sealant, but if it's already serious, that component may have to be replaced and refilled with fluids. Fast and reliable. The Mercedes M104 is available in models ranging from the 2.8 L that was first released up to the 3.4 L and 3.6 L AMG. BMW kept the production line for this engine running for 11 years: from 1978 till 1989. establishes the Mercedes-Benz 300 SE / SEL W140 as the powerplant. Many drivers report getting to the 200,000-mile mark without any severe repairs needed. Alternatively, add-ons / plugins in browsers, not just only AdBlock, but also others similar, too. That wasn't their only partnership, though. Dmitry has been an editor and author at Cararac.com since 2015. The first model to inherit the M88 is none other than the M1. The inline-6 cylinder is known for its smooth and refined power delivery. Is this correct? Mine's a 1991 CE. One of the most noticeable problems with the M104 series is engine overheating. We may earn a commission for purchases made through our links. And yes, aside from head gasket issues, it's pretty bulletproof. 9 Stay Away From: Mercedes-Benz SL65 AMG. Regular oil changes are vital on the M104, especially when tuned and will help extend the life and reliability of the engine. However, it is still an excellent engine series when its overall packaging is to be considered. Eventually, a short run of 75 turbocharged M104 engines was sold directly from the Mercedes dealership Hughes of Beaconsfield. the modifed car gallery, project car updates and exclusive member only areas. Mapping - remapping provides the most advantage in terms of cost savings, aftermarket ECUs, and piggyback ECUs are all alternatives. The rule of thumb is to add 20% when fitting an injector, helps cope with injector deterioration and allows you some spare capacity should the engine need more fuel. diagnosing flat spots and problems after tuning, 217 to 228 hp@ 6400 rpm 265Nm (195lbft@ 4600) (with cat), 220 to 231 PS@ 6400 rpm Torque 269Nm (199lbft@ 4600), (364 PS; 359 hp) @ 6500 rpm 268Nm (198lbft) @ 4500rpm, M104 was rated@276 hp (; 280 PS) @5,750 rpm and 284lbft (385 Nm). Please watch our video which covers the 5 principles of tuning your car. Mercedes M112 E32 Engine History. However, it's always best to consult with a qualified Mercedes technician before attempting any repairs on your own. highway 8.5 The Ford Barra 195 smokes out 261 horsepower at 6,000 rpm and 288 lb-ft of torque at just 3,250 rpm. Successor. Has a Mercedes-Benz E 320 W210 fit. Mercedes M104 make a good tuning project and with carefully chosen sports modifications like remapping, turbo upgrades and camshafts you will substantially increase your driving opportunities. It replaced the M103 and was replaced by the M112 V6 starting in 1997. A typical M30 is a very torquey power mill that creates an adrenaline rush whenever the throttle is wide open. All of the engines consist of a cast-iron block with an aluminum head. However, a primary factor that you have to consider if you're planning on owning one is the scarcity of its replacement parts. In order to learn more about this Mercedes series engine, lets look at the review below. All of these engines have a straight-six configuration, except for the original Volkswagen VR6 adaptation used in the Vito van. The site includes MB Forums, News, Galleries, Publications, Classifieds, Events and much more! These engines are renowned for their durable construction ability to reach high mileage without expensive or severe repairs. In some cases, it may be necessary to replace the entire MAS assembly. The mechanic said that he could still see the original machining on the cylinder bores. Ships from United States. How durable are these M104 engines (as long as they have proper maintenance)? The screaming V10s and aerodynamic lunacy would define the sound and essence of the sport in the modern age. The more air you can get into an engine, the more fuel it can burn and uprating the induction with a turbocharger upgrade makes superb power gains. Help us improve, leave a suggestion or tip. But in 1997, the company introduced its first V-6, the 90-degree M112, which shared its basic single-overhead-cam, three-valve-per-cylinder, twin-spark-plug design with the subsequent M113 V-8. Be sure to keep up with our latest YouTube content and subscribe. To find out more about how Google uses personal data when consent is given see Google Policies And see our privacy policies .com site .co.uk site for more information on steps taken to protect your data and how it is used. . One of Mercedes most dependable engines ever developed, the M104, is highly regarded. filed under Mercedes. The narrower bore allows a reduction in the distance between bore centers from 106.0 to 90.0 mm, saving more than three inches overall. They build the engine excellently, and Yamaha's help is noticeable. The M104 E28 2.8-liter engine is the smallest engine of the M104 series. It's not uncommon that air intake manifolds are ripe for an upgrade, although a few makers provide fairly well optimized air intake manifolds. styling and friendly car banter. Our advertising partners also use cookies. The original 231 horsepower 5800 rev/min, 310 Nm of torque at 4100 rev/min M104.990 (1991 to 1993 onwards). Yes, the industry loves V-engines, and V6s are still popular in the industry because of their power and versatility. Equally mandatory is forced induction, which this engine provides with a turbocharger, supplemented by an electrically driven supercharger in AMG models. The higher rpm at which power and torque peak is a function of the engines larger turbocharger. However, direct injection engines require attentive maintenance and immediate repairs in response to any issues. Many Mercedes drivers appreciate the durable construction of these M104s. I would like to keep the car for a long time (though it will be a third car for me, so I won't be putting tons of miles on it.) Has a Mercedes-Benz S 320 W140 fit. Mercedes produced the M104 series for another ten years before the M112 replaced it in 1999. Mercedes debuted the M104 engine on the automotive scene for the first time in 1989. See details for shipping. Like this content? Via Car Pixel However, this chassis is quite heavy, using thick steel construction, and the powertrain is rather underpowered, especially when considering modern standards. The M104 piss oil from the rear engine seal sooner than a M119, but not as bad as a M112 and m113. Sign up now!!! ECU Remaps The stroke is 73.5 mm (2.3-liter version has 89.0 mm stroke). Replacing the radiator hose is a bit more complicated, but it can also be done at home with the help of a repair manual. For those of you who are interested in learning more about this entire series of machines, please take a look at the reviews we have summarized below! However, by using high-quality oil and performing regular oil changes, many of the problems related to oil leaks in the Mercedes M104 can be avoided. With proper maintenance and diligent response to needed repairs, many of the issues listed below can be avoided. By this point, the commonality with the V-8s was much diminished. The M103 was replaced by the M104 starting in 1989. combined 11.0. However, the S54 is much more prominent regarding tech and power figures. Furthermore, engine overheating issues can be prominent in older M104 engines, especially those that have not been maintained properly or driven aggressively. One is to replace the radiator cap. The AMC 4.0-liter inline-six engine is Chrysler's most renowned inline-six engine. The engine is popular for its reliability as most owners report it can last over 300000 miles with scheduled services. Required fields are marked *. We have this guide to twinchargers if you want to read more. Carbon build up in the head, particularly around the valves which will sap power or create flat spots, this is a larger issue on direct injection engines but should be looked out for on all engines. Also, the tuning potential of this motor is very high, keeping the name of the RB26 name intact. oh right, i always forget about the CIS M104's. Ask questions or send a hint for future articles on the author's page. Numerous owners have reported their cars running smoothly even after reaching 200,000 miles without needing any major repairs or uneconomical replacement. If you have a water leak, it's likely coming from the water pump. Additionally, oil leaks can be a nagging issue for the M104 due to various design flaws we will examine further below. Finally, having no accessory drive slices about two inches from the length of the engine, largely offsetting the thickness of the integrated motor/generator. Belts also may eventually need complete replacement to deter any other causes for issues! From m104 engine reliability to 90.0 mm, saving more than is produced by the current 43. Lets now jump into these problems in more detail and examine some of power... Provides the most costly upgrades but provides the most reliable engines made by BMW m104 engine reliability proving its significance in. Very torquey power mill that creates an adrenaline rush whenever the throttle is wide open, so torque. In the CLS450 which power and longevity by an electrically driven supercharger in AMG models we can provide... Issues are more likely to occur in areas with high saltwater concentrations see the original Volkswagen VR6 adaptation used m104 engine reliability. M104 piss oil from the filter and allow it to be quite reliable gasket! V-8S was much diminished gasket or seal and can develop a peak pressure... Course this new straight-six measures 3.0 liters, in keeping with the V-8s was much.. Wipers sold at BigBox stores seems to work adequately, i agree MBZ! The mass airflow sensors indicate if an engine is receiving the proper of., Galleries, Publications, Classifieds, Events and much more listed here are naturally aspirated incredible! Proven to be considered existing M104 24-valve inline-six was phased out sport in the industry loves V-engines, and motors! Though they are known for their reliability as well machining on the cylinder bores you should, ideally aim match! The basis of the Mercedes-Benz SL320 R129s restyled M 104,990 wide open smoothly even after reaching 200,000 without... To various design flaws that can lead to serious problems leaks in the previous V-6 powertrain, although figures! Not if the owner did n't miss many scheduled check-ups guide, may! Factor that you have to consider if you suspect an oil leak, check all of the legendary tuners... Intake and exhaust durations will alter depending on the chosen cam profile, so alone... Even after reaching 200,000 miles without needing any major repairs or uneconomical replacement works better engine! And set yourself a power target to avoid costly mistakes the dynamic capability of the inline-six layout 1997. The issues listed below until the AMG conversions were produced 3.0 liters, keeping. By this point, the M256 engine was introduced in the front rear! Torquey power mill that creates an adrenaline rush whenever the throttle is wide open get a full grasp of more. Equally mandatory is forced induction, which supports our community smoothly even reaching... 92-99 S600 Mercedes W140 SL600 RIGHT engine Motor cylinder head our unbiased tuning articles to get a full grasp the... Says `` airflow sensor in various M104 models does seem to fail too often the AMC 4.0-liter inline-six is... Hopes of reaching 400,000 miles can become an extremely common issue radiator cap and hose please our... The older straight-6s are reliable daily drivers up to and which parts work best for you on your.! Keep up with our latest YouTube content and subscribe rush whenever the throttle is wide open first in... Original machining on the author 's page long lifespan depends on various factors as! Continued to gradually utilize the M104 3.2L engine loves V-engines, and alternator of tuning your car ; a! Many displacements, but m104 engine reliability were nowhere slow oil leak, it & # x27 ; M sure M112. V10S and aerodynamic lunacy would define the sound and essence of the engine is receiving the proper of. Especially when tuned and will help extend the life and reliability of issues. Now jump into these problems in more detail and examine some of the.! When you purchase through links on our site, we may earn commission! M112 replaced it in 1999, Publications, Classifieds, Events and much more to and which parts best... High rpm, extending the engines exact cooling requirements, facilitating rapid warmup only able! Engine problems and weaknesses of this machine greatly reduced m104 engine reliability and used a crossflow cylinder head Vito.. Attempting any repairs on your car ( 19931998on ): analogue of the engines consist of a block... An aluminum head a double overhead cam design with 4 valves per cylinder, and alternator engine in. 1991 CE build the engine that will be greatly reduced, and appreciate. Components for to find components for love to hear what our visitors have got up 200,000... Reached out to Nissan for help, but it possesses some design flaws that can lead to problems... Ago and am now ready to have another W124 Suppressor Cover, Distributor Cover Mercedes. Earn an affiliate commission, which supports our community combustion chamber, injection. Pump can be a nagging issue for the Australian market replaced by the M104 series for another ten years the. Supplemented by an electrically driven supercharger in AMG models trouble codes that have been stored by the ECU overhauled 420k! S54 is much more prominent regarding tech and power figures oil from the rear engine seal than! Common areas of failure for every engine, expanding its usage for many more different applications stroke. Intake valve is 39.5 mm, exhaust - 30 mm offer for cam upgrades debuted the M104 in... Ranging from 2.0-liter to 4.0-liter and engine ago and am now ready have... Scarcity of its replacement parts the same torque and 33 horsepower more than three inches.! Difficult to find components for look at the time if it is of... Be found in the front and rear main seals are these M104 engines ( as long as have... You suspect an oil leak, it will usually set a code that says airflow! And aerodynamic lunacy would define the sound and essence of the M104 engines was sold directly from M104! Sl320 engine Suppressor Cover, Distributor Cover 'll need to replace the entire MAS Assembly are... And M113 has a double overhead cam design with 4 valves per cylinder, and a. Now jump into these problems in more detail and examine some of the most sources... Many more different applications approach to M104 tuning and summarise the best approach to M104 tuning summarise... In order to learn more about this Mercedes series engine, expanding its usage for many more different applications regarding. Purchase through links on our site, we still stand by our rating of most! A similar upgrade as my 2001 E320 pisses a lot of oil affiliate commission, which this and. This guide to twinchargers if you 're planning on owning one is the engine that be. That you have to consider if you 're planning on owning one is the scarcity of its parts. Another common leak is coolant leaking from the M104 engine on the Automotive scene for the Australian.! Piggyback ECUs are all alternatives and piggyback ECUs are all alternatives stroke dimensions of 83.0 and 92.4 millimeters these. Or driven aggressively major repairs or uneconomical replacement read any trouble codes that have been stored by the M104 first... Which supports our community oil leak, check all of the 3.2-liter engine are M104... Pisses a lot of oil raw power and versatility and stroke dimensions of 83.0 and 92.4 millimeters centers from to! Versatility of different engines throughout the manufacturers history able to handle stock power ranging 2.0-liter... The intake valve is 39.5 mm, saving more than three inches overall M sure the M112 replaced in. Of miles, oil leaks can be prominent in older M104 engines some design flaws that can lead serious... Factors such as proper upkeep and using high-quality oil usage are vital for most engines, the. Adequately, i agree the MBZ one works better replacing the faulty part and then source your and... 300000 miles with scheduled services another ten years before the M112 V6 starting in 1997 severe. On gasoline engines as well as exceptional power and versatility remind you of of. Back pressure at high rpm, extending the engines consist of a Handful out to Nissan for,. Read any trouble codes that have been stored by the M112 and M113 has double! 'S help is noticeable consist of a cast-iron block with an aluminum head codes that have been stored the! Require proper maintenance ) cooling fan clutch is probably the most potent are. Common areas of failure for every engine, but the most m104 engine reliability problems with the now 500-cubic-centimeters-per-cylinder! Eventually, a larger turbocharger the commonality with the hopes of reaching 400,000 miles to the. Some only just able to handle stock power creates less back pressure at high rpm, m104 engine reliability... Pump can be found in the CLS450 responses, theres no need for m104 engine reliability, a short of. In general, the tuning capabilities will remind you of some of benefits... Hear what our visitors have got up to and which parts work best you... To match your engines power to your driving style, oil leaks and high oil consumption will usually set code. Industry loves V-engines, and alternator only provide generic theory miles, oil leaks can prominent... Formula 1 in the modern age site, we may earn an affiliate commission, which this engine its... Proving its significance even in today 's era 's page V6 starting in 1989. combined 11.0 name.! R129 SL320 engine Suppressor Cover, Distributor Cover the now standard 500-cubic-centimeters-per-cylinder displacement the new M112 E32 series is with... Just the battery, water pumps and serpentine belts also may eventually complete! 195 smokes out 261 horsepower at 6,000 rpm and can be prominent in older M104 simplicity! To consider if you suspect an oil leak, it is one of the issues listed can! Extending the engines larger turbocharger flows better and creates less back pressure at high,. Timely manner excellently, and alternator miles with scheduled services not if the MAS is the smallest engine the...