OM6423.0L Diesel
The OM642 is Mercedes-Benz's 3.0L V6 common-rail diesel produced from 2005 to 2021, fitted to almost every diesel passenger model and Sprinter van of its era. Mechanically robust but cursed with the well-known oil cooler seal leak that requires major disassembly to repair, plus the family swirl-flap and EGR issues. The engine was also implicated in the Mercedes-Benz emissions scandal.
18
Fits chassis
2005–2021
Years built
265 hp
Power
Used to fully refurbished — quoted per unit
3-month parts warranty
Cover on every used part we dispatch.
Nationwide courier
Courier Guy & Aramex — door to door.
Fitment guaranteed
Send your VIN — we confirm before you pay.
Bench-tested
Inspected and tested before dispatch.
OM642 at a glance
| Displacement | 3.0L |
| Fuel type | Diesel |
| Power variants | 181 hp, 188 hp, 211 hp, 224 hp, 231 hp, 258 hp, 261 hp, 265 hp |
| Years produced | 2005–2021 |
| Replaces | OM648 |
| Replaced by | OM656 |
OM642 fits these 18 Mercedes chassis
Each card links to that chassis hub — full parts catalogue plus fitment notes.
- W2112005-2009E-ClassE280/E320/E350 CDI/BlueTECView parts
- W2122009-2016E-ClassE350 CDI/BlueTECView parts
- W2132016-2018E-ClassE350dView parts
- W2032005-2007C-ClassC320 CDIView parts
- W2042007-2014C-ClassC320 CDI/C350 CDIView parts
- W2212006-2013S-ClassS320/S350 CDI/BlueTECView parts
- W2222013-2020S-ClassS350d/S400dView parts
- W1642005-2011M-ClassML280/ML320/ML350 CDIView parts
- W1662011-2019ML/GLE-ClassML350/GLE350dView parts
- X1642006-2012GL-ClassGL320/GL350 CDIView parts
- X1662012-2019GL/GLS-ClassGL350/GLS350dView parts
- X2042008-2015GLK-ClassGLK320/GLK350 CDI
- C2192005-2010CLS-ClassCLS320/CLS350 CDI
- W2512005-2014R-ClassR320/R350 CDI
- W4632007-2018G-ClassG280/G300/G350 CDI/BlueTEC
- W6392006-2014Viano/VitoCDI 3.0View parts
- W9062006-2018Sprinter3.0 CDI
- W4702017-2020X-ClassX350d
Common OM642 problems
We disclose every known fault before sale. Transparency is cheaper than a bad return.
- Oil cooler O-ring seal leaks at the valley pan, requiring removal of the turbo and intake to replace (12-20 hours labour)
- Swirl flap motor failure and intake manifold flap breakage which can be ingested into the engine
- EGR cooler clogging and internal coolant leaks
- Diesel particulate filter (DPF) clogging on short-trip use
- Camshaft position sensor failures
- Injector failures (Bosch piezo) on higher-mileage units
Featured parts for the OM642
No live OM642 listings right now
We strip 10–15 cars a month. Send your VIN and we'll WhatsApp you the moment one comes in.
OM642 rebuilds — what to budget
Bench-tested used long blocks start around R 65 000 delivered, full forensic rebuilds with new wear items run up to R 110 000. Final price depends on mileage, ancillaries (turbo, injectors, flywheel) and warranty tier — quoted per unit, no list-price surprises.
Send us your VIN — we'll match the right unit
We confirm engine number, ancillaries and warranty tier in writing before you pay.
Tell us about your Mercedes — we'll source the OM642
Three short steps. We reply within 2 hours during business hours with engine number, mileage, condition and a delivered price.
- Engine number confirmed against your VIN
- Bench-tested before dispatch
- 3-month warranty + nationwide courier
OM642 engine — common questions
Door-to-door courier from R 199
All major SA cities · 1–3 working days · Insured shipping on every order · Couriered from Centurion