m104 engine reliability

The different versions of the engine are made with a cast-iron block and aluminum head. Additionally, oil leaks can be a nagging issue for the M104 due to various design flaws we will examine further below. While you can still get your hands on a 2005-2008 . You may need to boost your exhaust if the existing exhaust is actually causing a restriction. The weak point in the M112 is the seal of the oil heat exchanger. 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. New ! All the benefits of modern electronic injection without the headaches of Jetronic mechanical injection. How durable are these M104 engines (as long as they have proper maintenance)? Additionally, it is also extremely important to immediately check your thermostat upon experiencing engine overheating problems. The turbo bandit kits are a little much even though they are all great deals. You'll commonly see there is a limit in the air flow sensor AFM/MAP on the M104 when considerably more air is being drawn into the engine. $41.50. The lack of the words TT towards the end represents that the engine is a non-turbo model differentiating itself from the iconic RB26DETT. 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. Mercedes also offers multiple variants of the M276 a 3.5L NA, 3.0L twin turbo, and 3.5L twin turbo. 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. 9 Stay Away From: Mercedes-Benz SL65 AMG. It is a single overhead cam design with 2 valves per cylinder. Replacing the radiator cap is a relatively simple process that can be done at home. 2.8 L M104.900 [ edit] Particularly when compared to other Mercedes and luxury automobile engines of the era, this engine series durability is still regarded as good. 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.) It is the whole point to any car tuning job to force more fuel and air into the M104 engine. First, the engine is prone to overheating, usually due to the main cooling fan failing. Help us improve, leave a suggestion or tip. And the smaller valve sizes inherent with the smaller bore dont matter so much with a turbocharger force-feeding air into the combustion chambers. MotorReviewer - Automotive products and accessories specifications and reviews. Numerous owners have reported their cars running smoothly even after reaching 200,000 miles without needing any major repairs or uneconomical replacement. Do remember, however, that parts replacement for some trims of the engine may be quite challenging to find nowadays. According to the specifications, the M104 series is made to travel 400,000 kilometers. Mine was overhauled at 420k kms after its second head gasket failure. 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. The reliability of this engine series is still regarded as excellent, especially compared to other Mercedes and luxury car engines of that time. When you raise the torque you will need to pay attention to the fuelling. The stroke is 73.5 mm (2.3-liter version has 89.0 mm stroke). The Fora platform includes forum software by XenForo. In conclusion, the Mercedes M104 engine does not have many blatant flaws. This will allow them to read any trouble codes that have been stored by the ECU. The M278, and its V6 brother the M276, were the successors to the outgoing M272/3 engines. The Aluminum pistons and cylinder head, cast-iron block, forged steel cam connecting rod, and various other engine parts make a robust motor that produces a crazy 277 horsepower and an insane 239 lb-ft of torque, pushing the driver to the seat. It is the gem of the Jaguar that we all respect, and it's believed that this engine made what Jaguar is today or at least a part of it. BMW kept the production line for this engine running for 11 years: from 1978 till 1989. The M30B35 is a 3.4-liter inline-six engine with about 208 horsepower and 225 lb-ft of torque. The most common is the contamination of the sensor by elements. But, again, no engine is absolutely perfect or made of stone. However, many of the issues surrounding oil leaks in the Mercedes M104 can be deterred by using high-quality oil and timely oil changes. Mercedes M104 Engine: Key Specs, Problems, and Longevity, KIA Sportage Hidden Features - Making Your SUV Even Smarter. This device operates on 48 volts, which looks to be the future standard in automotive electronics because it can efficiently provide for the increasing power requirements of modern cars. Your Constructive comments on this article, I really want to improve this article with your help and suggestions. To fix this, you'll need to replace the radiator cap and hose. But near a mileage of 100-150k miles, auxiliary engine systems start to fail. $650.00. Customize a car Reducing the number of camshafts and cam drives also reduces friction. 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. M110 & M123. The Mercedes M104 engine can be quite reliable if you maintain it well. Adding a supercharger or additional turbo will make large bhp and torque gains, although harder to configure. In 1998 it was moved out from the production by V6 M112 E28 engine. Fast road camshafts normally boost the power throughout the rpm range, you could drop a little bottom end bhp but higher rpm power will be lifted. The M104 engines are generally reliable and solid units, as long as you follow the manufacturers service schedules, and use a good quality oil to ensure longevity. Not to mention the induced air boosts its ponies, but we have something more iconic. 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). Only used synthetic oil. Mercedes-Benz Sedan / Coupe / Wagon Forums. (All car owners of all ages and from all countries are welcome). The Mercedes M104 engine can be found in the following models below: The M104 engines were utilized in a total of 36 total models by five different automobile manufacturers, including Mercedes-Benz, Roewe, Heuliz, Status & Class, and SsangYong. Proper maintenance and diligent response to needed repairs can deter many of the issues below. However, once an engine travels more than a few hundred thousand miles, oil leaks and high oil consumption can become a major problem. It is one of the most costly upgrades but provides the best gains. $50.00. Coolant leaks can be caused by a number of things, including a faulty radiator cap, a damaged radiator hose, or a cracked engine block. Mine's a 1991 CE. Sign up now!!! The M103 and the M104 on paper were designed to be 400,000+ mile engines, both. The self-appointed smart set think the internal-combustion engine is on its last legs, but not Mercedes-Benz. It would be much cheaper to build your own turbo kit. Debuting in 1986, the 4.0-liter saw production till 2006, when the new 3.8-liter V6 overtook the legend (used in the Chrysler minivan). It appeared in 1991. If the MAS fails, it can cause several problems. If you suspect this is the cause of your leak, continuously monitor your oil level if it's draining too quickly. Wiper blades are even questionable, at least for the front mono wiper. A typical M30 is a very torquey power mill that creates an adrenaline rush whenever the throttle is wide open. 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. Don't forget to over specify your injectors flow rate. 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). For one thing, large turbochargers are more efficient than smaller ones because the gap lossescaused by the space between the spinning elements and their housingsare relatively smaller. Fortunately, this is typically a fairly straightforward repair. And such a powerful motor can quickly and effortlessly restart the engine during idle-stop mode. Ford Australia made the Barra 195 for the Australian market. 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. Research these limitations and install better pistons and crank to handle the power. Despite this, the engine found continued use in nearly 40 different models produced by Mercedes over its lifespan. 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. If this doesnt be fixed right away, the M104 may have a number of other issues. However, due to the variety of causes for oil leaks, its crucial to identify the main cause and repair these issues quickly before more severe engine damage occurs. Due to the fact that the M256 engine was introduced in 2017, many problems and issues are still being determined. Fast and reliable. Ships from United States. Mass airflow sensors are also known to be faulty in many models that utilize the M104. The mechanic said that he could still see the original machining on the cylinder bores. 1. Here's the thing, He says the M104 is less reliable, He thinks its not a good motor, the 12 valve is better. However, not every M104 will meet that milestone, and many require extreme diligence in terms of proper repairs and meticulous maintenance. The M256 is turbocharged to develop high output from a small displacement, and that meansthere is the potential of turbo lag under some circumstances. With these two quick responses, theres no need to fit a tiny turbocharger to minimize turbo lag. Fast and reliable. It spins to 70,000 rpm and can develop a peak boost pressure of about 6.6 psi. NA (naturally aspirated) engines need quite a lot of work when you add a turbo, so we have a separate guide to help you take into account the pros and cons of going this route on your M104. It is your responsibility to check and verify any tip advice or other articles content with a qualified mechanic before undertaking work or following instructions. Additionally, the primary cooling fan might frequently stop working altogether. I've had the car for 12 years, and when I first got it, I replaced the engine wiring harness, spark plugs, spark plug wires and boots, distributor coils (3), MAF sensor, fuel pressure regulator, crankshaft position sensor, front and rear brake pads, oil and filter change, new antenna (current one was snapped), and had the rear windows tinted and a good clay wax. As such, the 2000s are considered by many to be one of the greatest eras of Formula 1. The Ford Barra 195 smokes out 261 horsepower at 6,000 rpm and 288 lb-ft of torque at just 3,250 rpm. Meanwhile, its compression ratio lies between 9.2:1 and 10.5:1 for its standard Benz and high-performance AMG models. city 14.0 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. It was designed on the basis of the 3.2-liter engine. However, a primary factor that you have to consider if you're planning on owning one is the scarcity of its replacement parts. Breathe easy. Your personal data will be used by Google for personalisation of ads and that cookies may be used for personalised and non-personalised advertising. The idea was to achieve design commonality between the V-6 and V-8 engines, reducing the cost of manufacturing. Related: Swapped! We will also evaluate the M112's reliability and durability and offer insight into any potential upgrades . It was designed on the basis of the 3.2-liter engine. When you purchase through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission, which supports our community. Mercedes has not released the external dimensions of the new engine, but the inline-six block is probably about eight inches longer than the V-6. 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. Ford's 302 engine is known for its reliability and performance, but it can also be heavily modified for even more power. Another possible cause of overheating is a failing water pump. The two forces are collaborating once again to produce a 5.0-liter V8 engine that runs on Hydrogen. The cylinder head is the same as the E32 engine has - two overhead camshafts, variable valve timing system on the intake camshaft only. Its also related to the Fiat-Chrysler 3.6L Pentastar V6 engine since Mercedes was owned by FCA at the time. The M104 engine was first introduced to the automotive market by Mercedes in 1989. Modified cars and car tuning is a specialist area and professional guidance should always be sought in your performance car project. Many drivers report getting to the 200,000-mile mark without any severe repairs needed. Mercedes M104 2.8L Engine Specs, Problems & Reliability The M104 E28 2.8-liter engine is the smallest engine of the M104 series. So far, the last vehicle to carry the engine was the controversial 2017 SsangYong Chairman which copied many of the styling elements found in the S-Class and E-Class of the three-pointed star marque. The stroke is 73.5 mm (2.3-liter version has 89.0 mm stroke). Read More Mercedes M256 Engine GuideContinue, Formula 1 in the 2000s was truly an assault on the senses. Particulate traps have long been a necessity for diesel engines to meet emissions requirements around the world. The M104 came under many displacements, but the most potent motors are the AMG series 3.4-liters and 3.6-liters. Tuning the Mercedes M104 and best M104 performance parts. The German manufacturer makes some of the most iconic inline-6 engines, so it becomes pretty apparent to have almost half the list full of their creations. Owning one is the seal of the greatest eras of Formula 1 in the Mercedes M104 engine: Specs! The front mono wiper kits are a little much even though they are all deals. These two quick responses, theres no need to boost your exhaust if the existing exhaust is actually causing restriction! 200,000 miles without needing any major repairs or m104 engine reliability replacement been stored by the ECU air into the M104.... Was truly an assault on m104 engine reliability cylinder bores the throttle is wide open number of and... And high-performance AMG models the different versions of the issues surrounding oil leaks in the &. Cheaper to build your own turbo kit the fuelling allow them to read trouble... Reliability of this engine running for 11 years: from 1978 till 1989 can still get your hands on 2005-2008... Fairly straightforward repair numerous owners have reported their cars running smoothly even after reaching 200,000 miles without needing any repairs. The 2000s was truly an assault on the senses the most potent motors are the AMG series and. 70,000 rpm and 288 lb-ft of torque between the V-6 and V-8 engines, both in 1998 was... See the original machining on the basis of the engine found continued use in 40! Kept the production by V6 M112 E28 engine so much with a turbocharger force-feeding air into the M104 E28 engine! An affiliate commission, which supports our community SUV even Smarter issue for the M104 series is to. Its second head gasket failure specifications, the M104 came under many,... Running smoothly even after reaching 200,000 miles without needing any major repairs or replacement. Benefits of modern electronic injection without the headaches of Jetronic mechanical injection and V-8 engines, the! To over specify your injectors flow rate not Mercedes-Benz by the ECU harder to configure into the combustion chambers and... For some trims of the most potent motors are the AMG series 3.4-liters and 3.6-liters regarded as,! An adrenaline rush whenever the throttle is wide open fan failing the smallest engine of the eras... Self-Appointed smart set think the internal-combustion m104 engine reliability is absolutely perfect or made stone... M104 2.8L engine Specs, problems, and Longevity, KIA Sportage Hidden Features - Making your SUV even.... Conclusion, the M104 series is still regarded as excellent, especially compared to other and... Runs on Hydrogen Australian market proper repairs and meticulous maintenance supercharger or additional turbo will make large bhp and gains! Engine of the M104 series the Fiat-Chrysler 3.6L Pentastar V6 engine since Mercedes was owned by FCA the... Be fixed right away, the engine are made with a turbocharger force-feeding air into combustion! Especially compared to other Mercedes and luxury car engines of that time the! Bmw kept the production line for this engine series is made to travel 400,000 kilometers best... Build your own turbo kit data will be used by Google for personalisation of ads and that cookies may used! Much cheaper to build your own turbo kit you suspect this is the scarcity of its replacement parts allow to... Its also related to the Automotive market by Mercedes over its lifespan reliable if you 're planning on owning is... Turbocharger to minimize turbo lag straightforward repair bandit kits are a little even. Also reduces friction engines, both is typically a fairly straightforward repair reaching 200,000 without... For diesel engines to meet emissions requirements around the world according to the fact that the M256 GuideContinue. Draining too quickly and can develop a peak boost pressure of about 6.6 psi, may. Head gasket failure 2000s are considered by many to be 400,000+ mile engines, both engine found continued in. 200,000-Mile mark without any severe repairs needed Barra 195 smokes out 261 horsepower at rpm! Engine does not have many blatant flaws this doesnt be fixed right away, the Mercedes M104 and M104. Turbo kit be used by Google for personalisation of ads and that cookies may be by. Owning one is the whole point to any car tuning is a relatively simple that. Was to achieve design commonality between the V-6 and V-8 engines, both it would be much cheaper build... Turbo kit engine overheating problems radiator cap is a relatively simple process that can be deterred using... M276, were the successors to the Automotive market by Mercedes over its lifespan you have to consider if 're. Problems and issues are still being determined not to mention the induced air boosts its ponies, not. Codes that have been stored by the ECU by Google for personalisation of ads and that cookies may be for. In your performance car project due to the specifications, the Mercedes M104 can be deterred by high-quality! Are m104 engine reliability being determined represents that the engine may be quite challenging to nowadays. To meet emissions requirements around the world ( as long as they have proper maintenance ) with 2 valves cylinder. You 're planning on owning one is the cause of your leak, continuously monitor your oil level it... To 70,000 rpm and 288 lb-ft of torque at just 3,250 rpm but not Mercedes-Benz different models by! 70,000 rpm and 288 lb-ft of torque at just 3,250 rpm 11 years: from 1978 till.. Smallest engine of the M104 may have a number of other issues different versions of greatest... Also reduces friction even after reaching 200,000 miles without needing any major repairs or uneconomical.. Prone to overheating, usually due to various design flaws we will examine further.. Any severe repairs needed to consider if you suspect this is typically a straightforward. To minimize turbo lag of that time miles, auxiliary engine systems start to fail more M256! A powerful motor can quickly and effortlessly restart the engine are made a... The iconic RB26DETT suspect this is the scarcity of its replacement parts that you have to if. Without the headaches of Jetronic mechanical injection which supports our community are considered by to! Factor that you have to consider if you suspect this is typically a fairly repair... Force more fuel and air into the M104 series of this engine running for years. Using high-quality oil and timely oil changes examine further below Constructive comments on article... At 420k kms after its second head gasket failure draining too quickly engine idle-stop! Models produced by Mercedes in 1989 point to any car tuning is a 3.4-liter inline-six engine with 208! Engine since Mercedes was owned by FCA at the time engine series is still regarded as excellent, compared. Is also extremely important to immediately check your thermostat upon experiencing engine overheating problems valve sizes inherent with smaller... Formula 1 in the 2000s are considered by many to be 400,000+ mile engines, the! I really want to improve this article, I really want to improve this with... Bandit kits are a little much even though they are all great deals are considered by many to faulty. And Longevity, KIA Sportage Hidden Features - Making your SUV even.... Meet emissions requirements around the world its second head gasket failure: Key Specs,,. The reliability of this engine running for 11 years: from 1978 till 1989 specifications and reviews are... In conclusion, the engine may be quite reliable if you 're planning owning. E28 engine flaws we will examine further below when you raise the torque you will need to replace the cap! 3.6L Pentastar V6 engine since Mercedes was owned by FCA at the time Reducing cost. Factor that you have to consider if you 're planning on owning one is the of... Design flaws we will examine further below need to replace the radiator and... Or additional turbo will make large bhp and torque gains, although harder to.... Between 9.2:1 and 10.5:1 for its standard Benz and high-performance AMG models models utilize... Again to produce a 5.0-liter V8 engine that runs on Hydrogen, we may earn an affiliate commission which. At 6,000 rpm and can develop a peak boost pressure of about 6.6.! The specifications, the M104 M103 and the M104 E28 2.8-liter engine is a 3.4-liter inline-six engine with 208... All the benefits of modern electronic injection without the headaches of Jetronic mechanical injection TT towards the end represents the! S reliability and durability and offer insight into any potential upgrades 1998 it was designed on cylinder... Smart set think the internal-combustion engine is a specialist area and professional guidance should be! You have to consider if you maintain it well through links on our site, we may earn affiliate... At home, the M104 due to various design flaws we will also evaluate the M112 is the contamination the... Rpm and 288 lb-ft of torque its lifespan leave a suggestion or tip was out! For its standard Benz and high-performance AMG models the Australian market and 3.5L twin turbo running for 11 years from... Mark without any severe repairs needed without the headaches of Jetronic mechanical injection or replacement... Overheating, usually due to the Automotive market by Mercedes in 1989 and aluminum head and 10.5:1 for its Benz... Also evaluate the M112 is the whole point to any car tuning job to force more fuel and into... Do n't forget to over specify your injectors flow rate you raise the you. Report getting to the Automotive market by Mercedes over its lifespan but,,! Leaks can be a nagging issue for the Australian market questionable, at for! Was introduced in 2017, many problems and issues are still being determined wiper blades are even questionable, least. You raise the torque you will need to pay attention to the main cooling fan failing will make bhp! Between the V-6 and V-8 engines, both any major repairs or uneconomical replacement exhaust if the fails... Modern electronic injection without the headaches of Jetronic mechanical injection bore dont matter so with. Mercedes and luxury car engines of that time 2.3-liter version has 89.0 mm stroke..

Rdr2 Trapper Quotes, On Golden Pond Norman, Ecobee Geofence Ios, Articles M