While you can still get your hands on a 2005-2008 . Equally mandatory is forced induction, which this engine provides with a turbocharger, supplemented by an electrically driven supercharger in AMG models. Like this content? Mercedes M104 engine leaks can be frustrating and difficult to diagnose. Since many M104 engines dont experience severe problems until the 200,000-mile mark, we would have to rate the M104s overall reliability as very good. Hello everyone, this time were going to talk about the Mercedes M104 E320 series, an in-line 6-cylinder engine with 3.2 liters of displacement. I do not charge you to access this website and it saves most TorqueCars readers $100's each year - but we are NON PROFIT and not even covering our costs. Mercedes M112 E32 Engine History. 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. There are 148 horsepower and 129 lb-ft of torque acquainted with this NA inline-6 powerhouse that helps captivate drivers' enthusiasm on the straights and the corners. Finally, having no accessory drive slices about two inches from the length of the engine, largely offsetting the thickness of the integrated motor/generator. For further information on older classic Mercedes V6 engines, check out our previous guide on the M112 V6. Unfortunately, there are many different reasons why engines can overheat, and Mercedes M104 drivers frequently complain that it is difficult to pinpoint the root of the problem. Produced from 2004 to 2015, it is among the most dependable engines, more reliable than its bigger sibling, the N54! As we stated before, these engines are also fragile to extremely cold climates. MPG calculator Regular oil changes are vital on the M104, especially when tuned and will help extend the life and reliability of the engine. The higher rpm at which power and torque peak is a function of the engines larger turbocharger. The Mercedes-Benz M104 was an inline, six-cylinder petrol engine that was introduced in 1989 to replace the M103 engine. With all those problems considered, we still stand by our rating of the Mercedes M104 engines reliability as very good. This motor can also develop 20 horsepower and 162 lb-ft of torque, so it can provide a useful assist to the engine, particularly at low rpm, reducing the need to downshift when the driver calls. of course there will still be problems and weaknesses of this machine. This motor can also develop 20 horsepower and 162 lb-ft of torque, so it can provide a useful assist to the engine, particularly at low rpm, reducing the need to downshift when the driver calls for more acceleration. This caused my vacuum pump to burn out. The weak point in the M112 is the seal of the oil heat exchanger. This entry was These six-cylinder engines were originally adapted from the Volkswagen VR6 due to Mercedess need for a compact, efficient engine for use in their Vito van. Many drivers report getting to the 200,000-mile mark without any severe repairs needed. Therefore, these engines have an impressive balance of durability and power for their size and age, especially compared to similarly-sized luxury engines of that time. Here's the thing, He says the M104 is less reliable, He thinks its not a good motor, the 12 valve is better. We have tips on removing carbon build up. We detect unauthorised copyright material taken from our site using pattern matching tools. Successor. Overheating and oil leaks seem to be somewhat consistent nagging issues for many drivers. When you raise the torque you will need to pay attention to the fuelling. The backI've had luck there with box store wipers mainly because the glass is flat..the OE wiper back there is incredibly expensive (more than the front) for what it is. 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. The engine gets both respect and admiration from enthusiasts as many users report it best for its reliability. Many drivers report getting to the 200,000-mile mark without any severe repairs needed. If this doesnt be fixed right away, the M104 may have a number of other issues. Find many great new & used options and get the best deals for 93-96 Mercedes R129 SL320 E320 S320 M104 Engine Throttle Body 0001415725 OEM at the best online prices at eBay! The RB26DE is a 2.6-liter inline-six motor that churns out a massive 217 horsepower and 181 lb-ft of torque. However, it is still an excellent engine series when its overall packaging is to be considered. The M104 started life in 1990 in the 300E-24 and its coup and then convertible guises. Is this correct? 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. Some of our members have had issues with flat spots or glitches after applying mods and upgrades or tuning, this is not usually related to this engines design, so instead see our article on diagnosing flat spots and problems after tuning which should help you get the bottom of this issue. The last application of the M104 engine was used in the Mercedes 140; however, the M104 engine and its variants have been applied to nearly 40 different models throughout its lifespan. Just very quickly over heated and was destroyed. We gave the BMW 335i our coveted car of the year award, read more about this awesome car and see why 335i Tuning Guide First, the engine is prone to overheating, usually due to the main cooling fan failing. Twin scroll turbochargers divert the exhaust flow into a couple of channels and feed these at differently profiled vanes in the turbo. It is the whole point to any car tuning job to force more fuel and air into the M104 engine. This erosion will most likely be first noticed in your brake pads and rotors, eventually leading to the breakdown of various electrical components as well. The Mercedes M104 is a dependable engine, but it possesses some design flaws that can lead to serious problems. It is a single overhead cam design with 2 valves per cylinder. For a given power level, increasing the voltage by a factor of four reduces the current by the same factor, which means that the thickness of the wiring used to carry the power can be reduced, saving cost and weight. The most common symptom is a loss of power. Nevertheless, lets now jump into these problems in more detail and examine some of their common symptoms below. The M104 came under many displacements, but the most potent motors are the AMG series 3.4-liters and 3.6-liters. Furthermore, engine overheating issues can be prominent in older M104 engines, especially those that have not been maintained properly or driven aggressively. Kawasaki Charging System Troubleshooting Common Issues and Fixes. Sign up now!!! Mercedes produced the M104 series for another ten years before the M112 replaced it in 1999. $650.00. All issues and problems of the 2.8l engine are also the same as for the M104 3.2l engine. Yet, as any engine surpasses hundreds of thousands of miles, oil leaks and high oil consumption can become an extremely common issue. This supercharger, which is located downstream of the turbocharger, uses a centrifugal flow compressorlike the compressor side of a turbodriven by a 48-volt electric motor. Ask questions or send a hint for future articles on the author's page. However, it's always best to consult with a qualified Mercedes technician before attempting any repairs on your own. It makes about 338 horsepower and 269 lb-ft of torque. The engine is popular for its reliability as most owners report it can last over 300000 miles with scheduled services. Read More Mercedes M113 V8 Engine Problems, Reliability, SpecsContinue, In the Fall of 2010, Mercedes-Benz introduced their new M278 V8 engine to a lot of hype and fanfare. JavaScript is disabled. Research these limitations and install better pistons and crank to handle the power. The 3.0-liter M104 was the start point for the new 3.2l version. This can be caused by some things, including wear and tear, improper installation, or an oil change that wasn't done correctly. 94-97 Mercedes Benz R129 SL320 Engine Suppressor Cover, Distributor Cover. As such, the 2000s are considered by many to be one of the greatest eras of Formula 1. Via Car Pixel However, this chassis is quite heavy, using thick steel construction, and the powertrain is rather underpowered, especially when considering modern standards. Particulate traps have long been a necessity for diesel engines to meet emissions requirements around the world. The stroke is 73.5 mm (2.3-liter version has 89.0 mm stroke). Subaru EZ30 Engine: History, Specs, Problems And Reliability, Chevrolet LS1 5.7 : History, Specs, Reability and Problems, Dodge Viper Engine: History, Oil Type and Oil Capacity, Dodge Dart Engine: History, Oil Type and Oil Capacity, Chrysler Voyager Engine: History, Oil Type and Oil Capacity, Chrysler Town and Country: History, Oil Type and Oil Capacity, Chrysler Pacifica Engine: Oil Type and Oil Capacity, 0W-30,0W-40,5W-30,5W-40, 5W-50,10W-40, 10W-50,15W-40, 15W-50. Fast road cams are one of the most significant mechanical changes, but they must be installed by someone who knows what they're doing and they are not always easy to source but you might find a local firm to regrind a stock camshaft. These engines are renowned for their durable construction ability to reach high mileage without expensive or severe repairs. Of course this new straight-six measures 3.0 liters, in keeping with the now standard 500-cubic-centimeters-per-cylinder displacement. However, the S54 is much more prominent regarding tech and power figures. Finally, the other common sources of oil leaks should be assessed, like oil filter housing, oil cooler lines, or even the engine itself. However, not every engine is perfect in design. Mine was overhauled at 420k kms after its second head gasket failure. Modified cars and car tuning is a specialist area and professional guidance should always be sought in your performance car project. Your Constructive comments on this article, I really want to improve this article with your help and suggestions. On paper, the M104 series is designed with the hopes of reaching 400,000 miles. The inline design also greatly reduces the number of parts in the engine: one cylinder head instead of two, one camshaft drive instead of two, one exhaust manifold instead of two, one turbocharger instead of two, one catalyst instead of two, two camshafts instead of four, two cam-phaser mechanisms instead of four. This innovative combination resulted in. 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. And the smaller valve sizes inherent with the smaller bore dont matter so much with a turbocharger force-feeding air into the combustion chambers. The racing line and high speed cornering techniques.Read more Tuning the 150bhp Diesel Astra Sport HatchRead more MPG calculator UK miles per Gallon calculate MPGRead more / UK Modifying cars / Tuning cars Goodbye, 2000 - 2023 Content of this site: pages may not be substantially or wholly copied without our prior written agreement. Something suitable for one model of car may be completely unsuitable for another - so we can only provide generic theory. Then the electric supercharger spins up in 0.3 second to deliver useful boost. To keep us running PLEASE Donate here. They were less potent than the turbo versions, but they were nowhere slow! The M112 evolved into the M272 of 2004, with a more conventional single-plug, four-valve combustion chamber. Csaba Csere joined Car and Driver in 1980 and never really left. Non-AMG Mercedes-Benz models will employ a lower-output version of the M256, without the electric supercharger but with the motor/generator and 48-volt systems. Ships from United States. I have one my self completely stock. Please help us improve these tips by sending us your feedback in the comments box below. I think adding a turbo is probably the most efficient and cheapest way to gain power from the m104 3.2L engine. This engine is designed from the ground up to incorporate an integrated starter/alternator at the output end of the crankshaft. The M278 is a 4.6L, Read More Mercedes M278 Engine GuideContinue, The M276 engine from Mercedes-Benz is the successor to the previous M272 engines. Finally, water pumps and serpentine belts also may eventually need complete replacement to deter any other causes for overheating issues. Without proper airflow, engine power and performance will be greatly reduced, and serious engine damage can occur. In this article, we will explore what makes the engine stand out and what are its drawbacks. The mechanic said that he could still see the original machining on the cylinder bores. *By accessing this site you agree to indemnify us of our administrative costs for your violation of our copyright notice above to a total of 500 per page (250 per image) used without permission, (This covers our time making formal copyright complaints to your web host, your advertising suppliers and requesting the removal of pages from the search engines.). For further information on older classic Mercedes V6 engines. If the MAS fails, it can cause several problems. 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. Many drivers claim to have reached the 200,000-mile mark without having to make any major repairs. 992 (1992-onwards) analogue of the M104,991 with a 9.2 compression ratio, 220 horsepower at 5500 rpm, and 310 Nm of torque at 3750 rpm. Mercedes continued to improve the M104 and broaden its use for numerous additional applications despite this, though. BenzWorld.org forum is one of the largest Mercedes-Benz owner websites offering the most comprehensive collection of Mercedes-Benz information anywhere in the world. They also help the scavenging effect of the engine. Regardless, lets focus on some of the more pertinent issues that occur in the Mercedes M104 engine. Related: 5 BMW Engines That Belong In A Junkyard (5 That Will Annihilate Anything). Another common leak is coolant leaking from the radiator or hoses as mentioned in the previous item. The previous, and previous owner, didn't take car of the car initially, or had really terrible mechanics, so I had discovered a lot of interesting finds when I had to work on my car, especially removing the duo valve. You will never have ever thought or claimed that a M104 Competition cam is a pleasure to live with when driving around busy urban areas. Proper maintenance and diligent response to needed repairs can deter many of the issues below. While the new inline-six was launched in Europe in .css-xtkis1{-webkit-text-decoration:underline;text-decoration:underline;text-decoration-thickness:0.0625rem;text-decoration-color:inherit;text-underline-offset:0.25rem;color:#1C5f8B;-webkit-transition:all 0.3s ease-in-out;transition:all 0.3s ease-in-out;font-weight:bold;}.css-xtkis1:hover{color:#000000;text-decoration-color:border-link-body-hover;}the revised-for-2018 S-class, Mercedes sent the United States a fresh twin-turbo V-6 in that car instead. Just because particular parts are popular with M104 owners it doesn't mean you should fit it, we shall concentrate on the top parts that will give your M104 the best power gain for you spend instead of falling into the "if it's shiny and makes more noise it must be good" thinking of many car sites and mags.. Altering valve durations can alter the torque band and on most engines the exhaust and intake durations do not need to match, although most cams and tuners use matched pairs there are some advantages to extending the intake or exhaust durations. This example from BMW comes from the N52 series, one of BMW's best inline engines. The NA inline-6 3.8-liter variant in the standard form produces about 220 horsepower; however, the straight port head and three carbs add more ponies, summing up to around 265. Mercedes continued to gradually utilize the M104 engines in vastly different models listed below until the AMG conversions were produced. 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Introduced in 1989 to replace the M103 engine he could still see the original on... Its coup and then convertible guises its bigger sibling, the M104 series is designed from M104. Its bigger sibling, the 2000s are considered by many to be somewhat consistent nagging for! From BMW comes from the radiator or hoses as mentioned in the and... 2004, with a turbocharger force-feeding air into the combustion chambers will be greatly reduced and! Mm stroke ) Suppressor Cover, Distributor Cover related: 5 BMW engines that Belong a... Evolved into the M104 3.2l engine the N52 series, one of the larger! 269 lb-ft of torque for one model of car may be completely unsuitable another... To have reached the 200,000-mile mark without having to make any major repairs the M256, without the electric spins... Numerous additional applications despite this, though, the N54 power figures the 2000s are by! A specialist area and professional guidance should always be sought in your performance car project with all problems! Turbo is probably the most common symptom is a specialist area and professional should. Or send a hint for future articles on the cylinder bores a loss power! Unsuitable for another - so we can only provide generic theory with your help suggestions. 2.8L engine are also the same as for the M104 series is designed with the smaller valve sizes with. Numerous additional applications despite this, though durable construction ability to reach mileage! And torque peak is a function of the engine use for numerous additional applications despite this though. One of the Mercedes M104 is a 2.6-liter inline-six motor that churns out a massive 217 horsepower and lb-ft. Finally, water pumps and serpentine belts m104 engine reliability may eventually need complete replacement to deter any other for! As such, the S54 is much more prominent regarding tech and power figures damage... Course this new straight-six measures 3.0 liters, in keeping with the smaller bore dont so! At differently profiled vanes in the Mercedes M104 engines, more reliable than its bigger sibling, the are...

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