The Mercedes — Benz OM612.962 is a 2,697 cc, inline — five, turbocharged diesel engine produced between 1998 and 2006. It was part of the second — generation common — rail diesel family, introducing high — pressure direct injection and piezoelectric injectors for improved efficiency and refinement. Featuring a compacted graphite iron (CGI) block and DOHC valvetrain, it delivered 120 kW (163 PS) and 370 Nm of torque, balancing performance with durability for executive ap…
Production years 1998–2002 meet Euro 3 standards; 2003–2006 models meet Euro 4 depending on market .
The Mercedes-Benz OM612.962 is a 2,697 cc inline-five turbocharged diesel engineered for executive sedans and wagons (1998–2006). It combines common-rail direct injection with a variable geometry turbocharger (VGT) to deliver refined performance and improved fuel economy. Designed to meet Euro 3 and later Euro 4 standards, it balances modern emissions control with mechanical robustness.
| Parameter | Value | Source |
|---|---|---|
Displacement | 2,697 cc | |
Fuel type | Diesel | |
Configuration | Inline-5, DOHC, 20-valve | |
Aspiration | Turbocharged | |
Bore × stroke | 88.0 mm × 94.0 mm | |
Power output | 120 kW (163 PS) @ 4,200 rpm | |
Torque | 370 Nm @ 1,800 rpm | |
Fuel system | Mercedes-Benz CRS 2.0 common-rail (up to 1,600 bar) | |
Emissions standard | Euro 3; later models Euro 4 | |
Compression ratio | 17.0:1 | |
Cooling system | Water-cooled | |
Turbocharger | Garrett GT1749V variable geometry turbo (VGT) | |
Timing system | Double-row roller chain (DOHC) | |
Oil type | Refer to vehicle handbook / manufacturer specification | |
Dry weight | 215 kg |
The Mercedes-Benz OM612.962 was used across Mercedes-Benz's W210 and W211 platforms with longitudinal mounting and no licensing partnerships. This engine received EGR cooler revisions in 2003 to improve carbon resistance, creating limited interchangeability with earlier OM612 variants. 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 OM612.962 is mechanically robust and capable of high mileage when properly maintained. Its common-rail system offers improved efficiency and refinement over earlier indirect-injection engines. Common issues like injector failure occur predictably at high mileage (250,000+ km) and are serviceable. Using quality oil (MB 229.3) and clean diesel fuel is essential for reaching 350,000 km or more.
The most common issues are injector coking or failure, EGR valve and cooler clogging, and turbocharger actuator sticking. Coolant leaks from the EGR cooler are also frequent in older examples. These are wear items rather than design flaws, and all are well-understood with OEM repair procedures. Regular servicing significantly extends component life.
The OM612.962 was used exclusively in the Mercedes-Benz E-Class lineup: the W210 E270 CDI (1998–2002) and the W211 E280 CDI (2003–2006). It was not used in other Mercedes models or licensed to other manufacturers. Pre-2003 models meet Euro 3; 2003+ models meet Euro 4 depending on market.
Aftermarket ECU tuning is common on the OM612962 platform, but increasing boost or altering engine parameters accelerates component wear, impacts emissions compliance, and may void vehicle warranties. Any modifications should be evaluated carefully by a qualified specialist.
In real-world driving, the OM612.962 achieves approximately 7.0–8.0 L/100 km (40–35 mpg UK) in mixed conditions. Highway efficiency improves to around 6.5 L/100 km (43 mpg UK). While less efficient than modern diesels, its economy is strong for a 2.7L five-cylinder of its era, especially in well-maintained examples.
Yes. The OM612.962 is an interference engine. If the timing chain fails or jumps, the pistons will contact the valves, causing severe internal damage. The double-row chain is durable, but inspection is recommended beyond 250,000 km. Any timing-related noise should be investigated immediately to prevent catastrophic failure.
Mercedes-Benz specifies MB 229.3 (SAE 5W-40) engine oil for the OM612.962. This low-ash formulation is critical for protecting the common-rail injection system, turbocharger, and emissions components. Oil should be changed every 15,000 km or annually to ensure optimal longevity and prevent DPF/EGR issues.
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.