Question 1

What Mercedes models use the OM642 engine?

Accepted Answer

The OM642 Diesel engine was fitted to 18 Mercedes-Benz chassis between 2005 and 2021, including the W211 E-Class, W212 E-Class, W213 E-Class, W203 C-Class and others.

Question 2

How much does a OM642 engine cost in South Africa?

Accepted Answer

OM642 engines typically range from R 65 000 for a yard-stripped used unit to R 110 000 for a fully rebuilt or new aftermarket long block, depending on mileage, condition (long-block vs complete with ancillaries), and whether the unit has been bench-tested. We quote the delivered price once you confirm your chassis and VIN — WhatsApp us on 082 934 8802 for current stock.

Question 3

What are the common OM642 engine problems?

Accepted Answer

The most commonly reported OM642 faults are: 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. We bench-test every used OM642 unit and disclose the test results in writing before dispatch; new aftermarket units ship sealed with the manufacturer warranty.

Question 4

Do you supply OM642 engines with a warranty?

Accepted Answer

Yes — every used OM642 engine ships with our standard 3-month parts warranty, and refurbished long blocks and recon units carry an extended warranty when fitted by a registered Mercedes-experienced workshop. New aftermarket units ship with the manufacturer warranty. Terms are emailed with your invoice.

Question 5

Can you ship an OM642 engine nationwide in South Africa?

Accepted Answer

Yes. We palletise and dispatch engines via overnight road freight from our Centurion warehouse to all 9 provinces. Delivery is typically 1–3 business days depending on the destination, and the freight cost is quoted with the unit so there are no surprises.

Question 6

Is the OM642 a good engine?

Accepted Answer

The OM642 (3.0-litre V6 diesel) is widely regarded as one of the better modern Mercedes diesels — fitted to W211 / W212 E-Class, W221 / W222 S-Class, W164 / W166 ML, X164 GL, R-Class and Sprinter. Capable of 400 000+ km with regular servicing. Headline attention item is the well-documented oil cooler seal leak (typically 150 000–200 000 km).

Question 7

What are common OM642 problems?

Accepted Answer

OM642 quote items in volume: (1) oil cooler seal leaks (the famous "OM642 oil leak" — gaskets and the labour-saving repair kit are in stock), (2) inlet manifold swirl-flap failures, (3) EGR cooler cracks, (4) injector seat erosion. We supply the seal kit, manifolds, EGR coolers and remanufactured injectors.

Question 8

What cars have an OM642 engine in South Africa?

Accepted Answer

In the SA market the OM642 was fitted to: W211 E280 CDI / E320 CDI, W212 E350 CDI, W164 ML280 / ML320 / ML350 CDI, W166 ML350 BlueTec / GLE350d, X164 GL320 / GL350 CDI, W221 S320 / S350 CDI, W222 S350 BlueTec, R-Class R280 / R320 / R350 CDI and Sprinter 319 / 519 CDI variants.

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

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