To drive a Mercedes-Benz is to get behind the wheel of the world's quintessential luxury car, each of which comes powered by a robust and carefully crafted engine from the brand. Mercedes-Benz engines are known to be among the most sturdy engines from luxury brands. This longevity props up innovative engine technologies, ensuring that you, as a Benz driver, receive the same outstanding performance for years and years to come.
No matter how durable Benz engines might be, there could come a time when they fall victim to wear and tear or a rare manufacturing defect and require replacement. Make sure you know all you need to know about Benz engines, like where to source them, their unique technologies, notable engine series, and how to take care of them, so that you'll be ready to seek out a replacement and maintain it (or your current engine) in prime condition.
Sourcing Mercedes Benz Engines (OEM vs. Aftermarket)
When you purchase a brand new Benz, it comes with an Original Equipment Manufacturer (OEM) engine made by Mercedes-Benz or its authorized manufacturers. Engines made by third-party manufacturers and usable in Benzs fall under the "Aftermarket" parts category.
Unless the engine of your Benz is out of production and impossible to find, we recommend investing in an original Benz engine to return your car to its original level of performance. Because of the more stringent levels of manufacturing, you'll likely get more use out of an OEM replacement. When installing aftermarket engines, not only will they not be covered by Mercedes-Benz's warranty, but they could also void the warranty and damage the vehicle. Moreover, they might not even fit into your Benz's engine bay properly. When it comes to an expensive part like the engine, it's prudent to avoid taking chances and to go with the original.
Types of Mercedes Benz Engines
Gasoline Engines
Gasoline engines are lighter, higher revving, quieter, and require less maintenance. This makes them the ideal candidate to power the vast majority of automobiles. Mercedes Benz gasoline engine sizes range from 0.6L to 7.7L, and layouts from straight-threes all the way up to V12s.
Diesel Engines
Diesel engines offer better acceleration, fuel efficiency, and hauling potential. As such, in addition to being used in passenger cars, they are also widely applied in heavy vehicles. Benz diesel engines range between 0.8 to 15.6L and feature layouts running the gamut from inline one-cylinders to V12.
Engines Used in Hybrid Cars
The main advantages of hybrids are cleaner emissions and greater fuel efficiency. Mercedes-Benz hybrid vehicles include plug-ins and mild hybrids. These feature hybrid systems that use gasoline or diesel engines in addition to electric motors and batteries, like the 48V mild hybrid system that utilizes a 2.0L inline four-cylinder turbocharged petrol found in the 2023 GLC300.
Notable Mercedes Benz Engine Series
CGI Engines & BlueEFFICIENCY Technology
CGI, or Charged Gasoline Injection, is Mercedes-Benz's designation of petrol engines with direct injection technology. These will typically have higher torque and lower fuel consumption than typical engines.
Specific Benz engines are labeled with "BlueEFFICIENCY," Benz's trademark for their most eco-friendly and fuel-efficient cars that feature a suite of fuel-saving and pollutant-reducing modifications. These engines have been incorporated with CGI technologies to optimize fuel consumption.
CDI & BlueTEC Series
Developed in 1997 and continuing to see use today, CDI, or Common Rail Diesel Injection, is a range of Benz diesel engines that feature direct injection technology. CDI engines have lower fuel consumption compared to standard diesels.
BlueTEC engines are Benz diesel engines that feature an advanced NOx-reducing technology. In addition to reducing emissions, this allows them to achieve 20 to 30% better fuel efficiency.
AMG Performance Series
The high-performance branch of Mercedes-Benz, AMG, uses either modified Mercedes-Benz engines or those developed independently in the AMG models. One of the most iconic AMG engines is the roaring 6.2L V8 eight-cylinder Mercedes-AMG M156, found in AMGs between 2006 and 2011 and capable of over 600 horsepower.
Maintenance & Care of Your Mercedes Benz Engine
To realize your Benz engine's fullest potential, both in terms of performance and longevity, you must pay attention and care for it properly. Given the high cost of an engine replacement, you'll be doing a favor for your Benz engine and your wallet.
Key Routine Maintenance Tasks
Here are some simple maintenance tasks that you can do yourself to keep your vehicle in good condition:
1. Regularly change the engine oil to keep the parts lubricated.
2. Check and maintain the coolant levels.
3. Be aware of any leaks and address them promptly.
4. Replace the spark plugs, wires, and fuel filters when necessary.
Common Issues & How to Address Them
You might encounter these common engine issues along the course of ownership of your Benz. One might be engine overheating, which can be due to a leak in the cooling system, a bad radiator fan, a faulty water pump, a faulty thermostat, or low engine oil levels. Another is engine noises due to anything from a bearing to a timing shaft problem. Fixes for these will involve repairing or replacing the necessary parts or topping up engine oil. If significant damage to the engine has already occurred, you may need to replace the entire unit.
The M278 and M276 are two widely used engines found in Benzs from 2010 to 2020. While generally reliable, they have been said to develop oil leaks and timing chain tensioner and cam adjuster issues. The M157, the AMG version of the M278 used during the same period, has also been reported to develop the same problems and cylinder scoring (which can be expensive to repair).
Are Mercedes Benz Engines Expensive?
The high-quality materials and advanced technologies used and applied in Mercedes-Benz engines drive up their cost, so you should expect to pay more for a Benz engine.
Where to Buy Genuine Mercedes Benz Engines Online
Brand-new OEM crate engines can be purchased directly from your country's Benz and OEM parts retailers. On the other hand, second-hand Benz engines can be a cost-effective alternative. These are in great condition and at affordable prices here at BE FORWARD Auto Parts.
Happy with the part I ordered. Shipping and communication could be a little better. Overall pretty happy.