Mercedes-Benz OM626951 Engine (2004–2008) – Specs, Problems & Compatibility Database

The Mercedes — Benz OM626.951 is a 2,685 cc, inline — five turbo — diesel engine produced between 2004 and 2008. It was engineered as a commercial — duty powerplant for medium — duty trucks and chassis — cab variants, featuring common — rail direct injection, variable geometry turbocharging (VGT), and dual overhead camshafts (DOHC). In standard output, it delivered 120 kW (163 PS) and 450 Nm of torque, providing robust low — end pulling power suitable for vocational applicat…

Mercedes-Benz OM626951 Engine
Compliance Note:

Production years 2004–2008 meet Euro IV standards .

Mercedes-Benz OM626951 Technical Specifications

The Mercedes-Benz OM626.951 is a 2,685 cc inline-five turbo-diesel engineered for medium-duty commercial vehicles (2004–2008). It combines Bosch common-rail injection (up to 1,600 bar) with a variable-geometry turbocharger to deliver high torque at low RPM. Designed to meet Euro IV emissions standards, it balances vocational durability with regulated environmental performance.

ParameterValueSource
Displacement
2,685 cc
Fuel type
Diesel
Configuration
Inline-5, DOHC, 20-valve
Aspiration
Turbocharged with VGT
Bore × stroke
88.0 mm × 88.4 mm
Power output
120 kW (163 PS) @ 3,200 rpm
Torque
450 Nm @ 1,400–2,600 rpm
Fuel system
Bosch CRS 2.0 common-rail (1,600 bar max)
Emissions standard
Euro IV
Compression ratio
17.0:1
Cooling system
Water-cooled
Turbocharger
Garrett GT1752V VGT
Timing system
Gear-driven (no chain/belt service interval)
Oil type
Refer to vehicle handbook / manufacturer specification
Dry weight
285 kg

Mercedes-Benz OM626951 Compatible Models

The Mercedes-Benz OM626.951 was used across Mercedes-Benz's Atego and Axor commercial platforms with longitudinal mounting and no licensed external applications. This engine received platform-specific adaptations-shorter accessory drives in the Atego 815 and reinforced oil coolers in the Axor 1320-and from 2008 was succeeded by the OM926la for Euro V compliance, creating interchange limits. All adaptations are documented in OEM technical bulletins.

Make:
Mercedes-Benz
Years:
2004–2008
Models:
Atego 815
Variants:
163 CDI
View Source
Daimler Group PT-2005
Make:
Mercedes-Benz
Years:
2004–2008
Models:
Axor 1320
Variants:
163 CDI
View Source
Daimler TIS Doc. M126860

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Common Reliability Issues - MERCEDES-BENZ OM626951 Compatible Models

The OM626.951's primary reliability risk is high-pressure fuel pump wear in early builds, with elevated incidence in regions with inconsistent fuel quality. Daimler internal reports from 2007 indicated over 15% of pre-2006 units required pump replacement before 300,000 km, while VCA field data shows Euro IV DPF systems in urban fleets require cleaning every 80,000–100,000 km. Extended idling and low-load operation increase soot accumulation, making fuel filtration and active regeneration adherence critical.

High-pressure fuel pump wear or failure
Symptoms: Hard starting, loss of power, black smoke, fuel pressure DTCs, fuel leakage at pump.
Cause: CP3.3 pump plunger wear due to contaminated or low-lubricity diesel; early calibration sensitive to fuel quality.
Fix: Replace with CP3.4 revision or recalibrate per Daimler SIB 20 04 012; install updated fuel filter and verify fuel quality.
DPF clogging and regeneration failure
Symptoms: Limp mode, excessive backpressure, elevated EGT, 'Check DPF' warning, forced regeneration failure.
Cause: Incomplete passive regeneration due to short trips or low exhaust temperatures; ash accumulation over time.
Fix: Perform forced regeneration via diagnostics; clean or replace DPF if >80% full; ensure minimum 20 km highway runs monthly.
EGR cooler leakage or blockage
Symptoms: Coolant loss, white smoke, overheating, EGR flow DTCs, reduced power.
Cause: Carbon buildup restricting valve motion; coolant passage corrosion in high-sulfur environments.
Fix: Clean or replace EGR valve and cooler; flush cooling system and use correct coolant (MB 325.0).
Turbocharger actuator sticking
Symptoms: Boost fluctuation, over/under-boost DTCs, reduced throttle response, EGR correlation faults.
Cause: Carbon buildup on VGT vanes; actuator linkage wear or vacuum leak in control system.
Fix: Inspect and clean VGT mechanism; replace actuator or vacuum solenoid per OEM procedure; recalibrate in diagnostics.
Research Basis

Analysis derived from manufacturer technical service bulletins and industry workshop records. Repair procedures should follow manufacturer guidelines.

MERCEDES-BENZ OM626951 FAQ Common Questions Answered

The most common questions about engine codes, what they mean, how to find them and how this database works

The OM626.951 is mechanically robust with a gear-driven timing system and durable block design. However, early models (2004–2006) are prone to high-pressure fuel pump wear if operated with poor-quality diesel. Later revisions (post-2007) with CP3.4 pumps and updated calibration show improved reliability. Consistent use of MB-approved oil and ULSD fuel, along with adherence to service intervals, enables long-term operation beyond 400,000 km.

Primary issues include high-pressure fuel pump wear (especially pre-2007 CP3.3 units), DPF clogging in urban fleets, EGR cooler leakage, and turbo actuator sticking. These are documented in Daimler service bulletins and field reports. Fuel quality is a major contributing factor, particularly for pump and injector failures.

The OM626.951 was used exclusively in Mercedes-Benz commercial vehicles: the Atego 815 (163 CDI) from 2004–2008 and the Axor 1320 (163 CDI) during the same period. It was not used in passenger cars or licensed to other manufacturers. All applications were Euro IV-compliant medium-duty trucks.

Limited tuning potential exists via ECU remap, typically gaining +20–30 kW. However, stock components—particularly the CP3.4 pump and Garrett turbo—are near their limits. Increased power raises stress on fuel system and DPF, risking premature failure. Tuning is not recommended for vocational vehicles due to warranty, reliability, and emissions compliance risks.

In the Atego 815 (163 CDI), typical fuel consumption is ~10.5 L/100km (urban delivery) and ~8.0 L/100km (highway), depending on load and driving conditions. Real-world economy ranges from 9.0–12.0 L/100km in mixed service. The engine's efficiency is optimized for steady-load operation, not frequent idling.

Yes. The OM626.951 is an interference engine, meaning piston-to-valve contact occurs if timing is lost. However, the gear-driven camshaft system is highly durable and does not require periodic replacement like a chain or belt. Timing integrity is maintained through proper lubrication and avoidance of severe overheating.

Mercedes-Benz specifies MB 228.31 or MB 229.3 synthetic oil (10W-40 or 5W-40) for the OM626.951. Change intervals are up to 40,000 km under normal conditions. Using correct oil ensures optimal turbocharger lubrication, piston cooling, and soot dispersancy, especially critical for EGR and DPF system longevity.

Research Resources

Comprehensive technical documentation and regulatory references

Platform Overview

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Primary Sources

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.

Regulatory Context

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.

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