The Mercedes — Benz OM 611A is a 2,151 cc, inline — four, turbocharged diesel engine produced between 1998 and 2002. It was designed for compact executive applications, featuring a Bosch common — rail direct injection (CDI) system and a variable geometry turbocharger (VGT). Delivering 60 kW (82 PS) and 200 Nm, it offered refined low — end torque and improved fuel efficiency over previous indirect — injection units.
Fitted primarily to the W168 A — Class and V219 Vito models, t…
Production years 1998–2002 meet Euro 3 standards .
The Mercedes-Benz OM 611A is a 2,151 cc inline-four turbocharged diesel engine engineered for compact and light commercial vehicles (1998–2002). It combines Bosch common-rail direct injection with a variable geometry turbocharger to deliver responsive low-RPM performance and improved emissions control. Designed to meet Euro 3 standards, it represents Mercedes-Benz's early adoption of high-pressure injection in small-displacement diesels.
| Parameter | Value | Source |
|---|---|---|
Displacement | 2,151 cc | |
Fuel type | Diesel | |
Configuration | Inline-4, SOHC, 8-valve | |
Aspiration | Turbocharged | |
Bore × stroke | 88.0 mm × 88.3 mm | |
Power output | 60 kW (82 PS) @ 3,800 rpm | |
Torque | 200 Nm @ 1,400–2,600 rpm | |
Fuel system | Bosch CRS 2.0 common-rail direct injection (up to 1,600 bar) | |
Emissions standard | Euro 3 | |
Compression ratio | 18.0:1 | |
Cooling system | Water-cooled | |
Turbocharger | KKK K16 VGT turbocharger | |
Timing system | Chain-driven (service interval: 200,000 km) | |
Oil type | Refer to vehicle handbook / manufacturer specification | |
Dry weight | 165 kg |
The Mercedes-Benz OM 611A was used across Mercedes-Benz's W168 and W639 platforms with transverse mounting and shared architecture. This engine received platform-specific adaptations-shorter accessory drives in the W168 and reinforced cooling in the Vito-and from 2000 the facelifted W168 models adopted revised EGR routing, creating minor interchange limits. All adaptations are documented in OEM technical bulletins.
Engine Finders UK Ltd, which operates EngineCode.uk, can pass your enquiry to engine suppliers in the UK. The service is for vehicles in the United Kingdom, with UK delivery or fitting. This is a commercially connected service, and sending an enquiry does not confirm diagnosis or compatibility.
Diagnostic reminder: If a technician has recommended replacing the engine, you can send an enquiry to engine suppliers in the UK. Confirm the diagnosis first: an engine-code record does not diagnose a fault.
Field reports and technical service bulletins highlight component wear patterns under high-load operation. Adherence to manufacturer service intervals and approved fluid specifications is critical for long-term reliability.
Analysis derived from manufacturer technical service bulletins and industry workshop records. Repair procedures should follow manufacturer guidelines.
The most common questions about engine codes, what they mean, how to find them and how this database works
Yes, the OM 611A is generally reliable with proper maintenance. Early production units (pre-1999) had potential high-pressure fuel pump wear due to diesel lubricity issues, but later builds are robust. The timing chain requires inspection at 200,000 km. Using correct oil (MB 229.3 5W-40) and quality diesel greatly enhances longevity. With care, many engines exceed 300,000 km.
The most common issues are high-pressure fuel pump wear (early units), EGR valve coking, turbo actuator sticking, and valve cover oil seepage. These are typically age- or maintenance-related. Fuel pump issues were addressed via Daimler SIB 14-05-99. EGR and turbo components benefit from periodic cleaning. No DPF in early models reduces complexity.
The OM 611A was used in the W168 A 170 CDI (1998–2002) and W639 Vito 170 CDI (1999–2002) models. It provided efficient, refined performance for compact and light commercial applications. No other Mercedes-Benz models or external manufacturers used this specific variant.
Limited tuning potential exists due to the Bosch CRS 2.0 ECU. Power increases of 15–25 kW are possible via ECU remapping, but this may increase stress on the stock turbo and fuel system. Significant modifications are uncommon due to the engine's modest output and age. Tuning is not widely practiced or recommended for long-term reliability.
Fuel economy is good by late-1990s standards. In the W168 A 170 CDI, combined consumption is approximately 5.8–6.5 L/100km (49–43 mpg UK). Highway driving can achieve ~5.2 L/100km (54 mpg UK), while city driving may reach 7.0 L/100km (40 mpg UK). The common-rail system and VGT turbo contribute to efficient combustion.
Yes, the OM 611A is an interference engine. Due to its timing chain design and valve-to-piston clearance, a broken or jumped chain can result in piston-to-valve contact, causing severe internal damage. Regular inspection and replacement of the chain at 200,000 km (per Daimler TIS B30564) are essential to prevent catastrophic failure.
Mercedes-Benz specifies MB 229.3 (5W-40) oil for the OM 611A. This high-quality synthetic oil is critical for protecting the high-pressure common-rail fuel pump and turbocharger bearings. Change intervals are typically 15,000–20,000 km or annually. Using non-compliant oil can accelerate wear and lead to premature pump or injector failure.
Comprehensive technical documentation and regulatory references
EngineCode.uk is operated by Engine Finders UK Ltd. It provides engine-reference information and an optional commercial enquiry service. It is not an official manufacturer website. Check the record's sources and confirm vehicle-specific details before relying on it for parts, repairs or replacement.
Our editorial standard prioritises relevant manufacturer documentation and official regulatory sources. The sources and verification status for a record should be checked alongside the data.
A statement is not verified merely because a source is listed. Where supporting evidence is missing or conflicting, the record should identify that limitation. Please report unsupported or inconsistent information.
Transparency in gaps
A missing or unverified value does not mean the manufacturer has withheld it. We distinguish information not yet verified, information not available to us, and information explicitly not disclosed by the source.
Regulatory Stability
EU regulations are referenced using CELEX identifiers for long-term stability.
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
Official guidance on engine swaps and inspection implications.
Vehicle Certification Agency (VCA)
UK type-approval authority for automotive products.
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
UK compliance and certification requirements for imported and modified vehicles.
VCA Certification Portal
Type-approval guidance and documentation.
Records are subject to review and correction. Source links, dates and verification notes should be read with the technical information. Our Editorial and Sourcing Policy explains our standards and review process.
Found an error or missing source? Report a problem with this page. Include the field or statement concerned and a supporting source if available. You can also email corrections@enginecode.uk.
Copyright and permissions
Images and other material may be protected by copyright. Attribution does not by itself grant permission to reuse material. If you believe material on this site infringes your rights, contact copyrights@enginecode.uk with the page URL and details of your claim. We will review the material and take appropriate action.
Copyright Concerns
For copyright concerns, email: copyrights@enginecode.uk
Our Privacy Policy explains how Engine Finders UK Ltd uses information from visits, vehicle lookups, enquiries and messages. Our Cookie Policy explains cookies and similar technologies and how to change your choices.
For access, correction, or deletion requests, email: gdpr@enginecode.uk
Trademark Notice
All trademarks, logos, and engine codes are the property of their respective owners. Use on this site is strictly for reference and identification.
Ownership and commercial services
EngineCode.uk is owned and operated by Engine Finders UK Ltd. Alongside our reference content, we offer an optional replacement-engine enquiry service through Engine Finders and may identify relevant services provided by businesses connected with us. These commercial connections are disclosed. Using an enquiry service is not required to read our reference content.
Engine Finders UK Ltd operates this website. Our optional enquiry service has a commercial purpose. Our Ownership and Commercial Disclosure explains the relationship between the reference website and that service. Participating suppliers pay a fee or subscription to participate on the network and receive quote requests.
Use this record as a starting point for identification. Specifications and vehicle applications may contain errors or omissions. Confirm the exact engine variant and compatibility using vehicle-specific documentation and a qualified supplier or technician.
All external links open in new tabs. Please verify current availability of resources.