I currently drive a 1994 C280 with 417,000 km on it. Many Mercedes drivers find them durable and reliable, as well as powerful and good performers. The intake and exhaust durations will alter depending on the chosen cam profile, so large torque gains are on offer for cam upgrades. Throughout this guide, we will analyze some of the pros and cons related to the M104 series and its overall impact on the automotive market. The stroke is 73.5 mm (2.3-liter version has 89.0 mm stroke). For a better experience, please enable JavaScript in your browser before proceeding. Without proper airflow, engine power and performance will be greatly reduced, and serious engine damage can occur. All of the engines consist of a cast-iron block with an aluminum head. The Jaguar XK-6 does not need any introduction. Ships from United States. The budget is such that it is better to replace the engine in large blocks with a more powerful one, since it will require revision / replacement of almost the entire connecting rod-piston group, shafts, cylinders. Successor. The M104 engine and its derivatives have been utilized in close to 40 distinct models during its existence, with the Mercedes 140 serving as its final use. The M104 came under many displacements, but the most potent motors are the AMG series 3.4-liters and 3.6-liters. The water pump aids in circulating coolant throughout the engine. This can be caused by oil, dirt, or water entering the air ducts. And such a powerful motor can quickly and effortlessly restart the engine during idle-stop mode. Mercedes-Benz Sedan / Coupe / Wagon Forums. Mercedes initially modified these six-cylinder engines from the Volkswagen VR6 because they needed a small, effective engine for their Vito van. If you have a water leak, it's likely coming from the water pump. The Ford Barra 195 smokes out 261 horsepower at 6,000 rpm and 288 lb-ft of torque at just 3,250 rpm. For further information on older classic Mercedes V6 engines, check out our previous guide on the M112 V6. The M104 engine series was first introduced by Mercedes in 1989, and it remained in production for the next 10 years until it was ditched in favor of the M112. Yet, not every engine is perfect. 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. Intake transmit the air during the suck phase from the filter and allow it to be drawn into the engine and mixed with fuel. $650.00. There are a few possible solutions to the overheating problem. 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. 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. 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. One solution to this problem that has been pursued by other manufacturers is to add port injection to the engine, but Mercedes has chosen to go with a particulate trap instead. Additionally, worn valve stems can also be a common cause of nagging leaks and higher oil consumption. This is because a competition cam causes a very lumpy idle, and makes the car more prone to stall or jerk along in stop start traffic, sadly though many ignore this and end up ruining a perfectly good car and having to revert back to a fast road, or OEM cam profile. Its also related to the Fiat-Chrysler 3.6L Pentastar V6 engine since Mercedes was owned by FCA at the time. However, the 195 is the last naturally aspirated inline-6 under the Barra lineup. Lastly, the quality of the harness and the sensors can be tested using a multimeter. However, that didn't stop Mercedes from continuing to update and improve the engine, expanding its usage for many more different applications. Any small excerpts and quotes copied must be accompanied by a link to the source material. Yet, the Mercedes M104s fuel system, sensors, and computers can be considered as weak points, primarily due to their weaknesses that develop over time and wear. However, some highly unique inline configurations also do a fantastic job. BMW. Additionally, oil leaks can be a nagging issue for the M104 due to various design flaws we will examine further below. The M104 was the last straight-six engine to be produced by Mercedes and made up to 280 hp in the 3.6-liter C36 AMG. In conclusion, the Mercedes M104 engine does not have many blatant flaws. They build the engine excellently, and Yamaha's help is noticeable. Numerous owners have reported their cars running smoothly even after reaching 200,000 miles without needing any major repairs or uneconomical replacement. It would also be worth reading our unbiased tuning articles to get a full grasp of the benefits and drawbacks of each modification. The Mercedes M104 engine can have an exceptionally long lifespan and be extremely reliable with proper maintenance and care. Many Mercedes drivers appreciate the durable construction of these M104s. The Mercedes M113 engine family made its debut in 1997. Particularly when compared to other Mercedes and luxury automobile engines of the era, this engine series durability is still regarded as good. $50.00. However, no engine is perfect and there arent any exceptions here. Saltwater specifically can cause much faster erosion. Mercedes makes some of the most fanatic cars on this planet and even crazier engines. If you have confirmed that your MAS is failing, it's important to have it checked out as soon as possible. Yet that can be a narrow-minded perspective considering the versatility of different engines throughout the manufacturers history. 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.. 2. Mine's a 1991 CE. And yes, aside from head gasket issues, it's pretty bulletproof. Review your options and then source your modifications and set yourself a power target to avoid costly mistakes. It makes about 338 horsepower and 269 lb-ft of torque. BMW is a renowned brand for producing some of the best inline-six engines. Toyota initially reached out to Nissan for help, but Nissan was busy with the Fairlady, so Yamaha alone handled the project. Various gasket seals and certain rear sealants are prone to leaks throughout the M104 engine. The M30B35 is a 3.4-liter inline-six engine with about 208 horsepower and 225 lb-ft of torque. The aging E32 engine from the M104 series was replaced in 1997 by the new M112 E32 engine. A failed MAS can lead to serious engine damage if not addressed in a timely manner. We love to hear what our visitors have got up to and which parts work best for you on your car. However, that increase easily packages in the current automotive lineup, without incurring any crash-absorption or other penalties. Something suitable for one model of car may be completely unsuitable for another - so we can only provide generic theory. In addition, the main cooling fan can often fail overall; without a quick repair, this can lead to various other problems for the M104. Here are some of itsmost interesting details. The weak point in the M112 is the seal of the oil heat exchanger. These engines have evolved and strengthened since Daimler made the first one. Digs all types of cars but has a special place in his heart for Japanese and European two-seater sports cars. BMW kept the production line for this engine running for 11 years: from 1978 till 1989. Now they are starting to appear on gasoline engines as well. Due to the fact that the M256 engine was introduced in 2017, many problems and issues are still being determined. To diagnose MAS failure, a technician will have to look for visual signs of dirt build-up or damage on the sensor and its corresponding harness, or the intake where it is positioned. Mercedes continued to gradually utilize the M104 engines in vastly different models listed below until the AMG conversions were produced. Join our forum today and benefit from over 300,000 posts on tuning Additionally, these engines become highly fragile in frigid or freezing temperatures. The units that are particularly scarce are the 3.4L and the 3.6L variants. Its rated at 362 horsepower as installed in the CLS450. Please watch this video and subscribe to my YouTube channel. Mercedes M104 engine leaks can be frustrating and difficult to diagnose. Overheating and oil leaks seem to be somewhat consistent nagging issues for many drivers. 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. The best wiper I've ever used was OE which are now very reasonable.probably because they're third-world made, but they work great. Mercedes M104 2.8L Engine Specs, Problems & Reliability The M104 E28 2.8-liter engine is the smallest engine of the M104 series. The cylinder dimensions are also shared with Mercedes latest diesel engine for further commonality and savings. If you would like to know more, or just get some friendly advice on Tuning your M104 engine please join us in our friendly forum where you can discuss tuning options in more detail with our M104 owners. the standard Bosch wipers sold at BigBox stores seems to work adequately, I agree the MBZ one works better. We are pleased that the selection of turbochargers is always improving and we commonly find variable vane turbochargers, permitting the vane profile is altered according to speed to lower lag and increase top end torque. This is usually caused by a faulty gasket or seal and can be fixed by replacing the faulty part. 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. Notify me of follow-up comments by email. In this article we detail the best approach to M104 tuning and summarise the best mods that work. 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. 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. 3 BMW N52. It generates about 190 horsepower and an impressive-for-the-time 235 lb-ft of torque! The next variant is contaminated ventilation of crankcase gases. Of course, the problems started right at the dealership, with an MSRP of $180,000. *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.). The self-appointed smart set think the internal-combustion engine is on its last legs, but not Mercedes-Benz. A proper AMG product from Mercedes, the SL65 AMG featured a ridiculously powerful twin-turbo V12 engine, making 604 hp with 738 lb-ft of torque. If you liked this page please share it with your friends, drop a link to it in your favourite forum or use the bookmarking options to save it to your social media profile. The M278, and its V6 brother the M276, were the successors to the outgoing M272/3 engines. The M104 started life in 1990 in the 300E-24 and its coup and then convertible guises. For those of you who are interested in learning more about this entire series of machines, please take a look at the reviews we have summarized below! 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. many of the various models that employ the M104 may be difficult to find components for. 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. establishes the Mercedes-Benz 300 SE / SEL W140 as the powerplant. Few problems should happen as long as they are regularly serviced and maintained. This example from BMW comes from the N52 series, one of BMW's best inline engines. Fitting big valve kits, carrying out port work and head flowing will also boost bhp, & more importantly will afford you an improved bhp increase on other tuning parts. not much else. The payoff for this technology is an output of 429 horsepower at 6100 rpm and 384 lb-ft of torque at 1800 revs in the version of the engine used in the AMG 53 models. I reputed that the 24 Valve is more powerful, and produces more torque. document.getElementById( "ak_js_1" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); TuningPro is a blog dedicated to providing car enthusiasts with the best information around performance modifications, engine problems, general maintenance and repair, and tuning. With proper maintenance and care, the Mercedes M104 engine can be extremely reliable with an impressively long lifespan. oh right, i always forget about the CIS M104's. Is this correct? Many drivers claim to have reached the 200,000-mile mark without having to make any major repairs. However, a primary factor that you have to consider if you're planning on owning one is the scarcity of its replacement parts. 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. Induction Kits Driving on a faulty mass airflow sensor does not directly result in severe engine damage. Of each modification so we can only provide generic theory just 3,250 rpm and performance will be reduced. Oil leaks can be a common cause of nagging leaks and higher oil consumption Mercedes-Benz. On offer for cam upgrades torque gains are on offer for cam upgrades SEL. Find components for by oil, dirt, or water entering the air the... 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However, that did n't stop Mercedes from continuing to update and improve the engine excellently and! Till 1989 a link to the source material hp in the current automotive lineup, without the electric but. And mixed with fuel should happen as long as they are regularly serviced and maintained C280 with 417,000 on! Allow it to be drawn into the engine, expanding its usage for many drivers to! Produces more torque the chosen cam profile, so large torque gains are on for. 6,000 rpm and 288 lb-ft of torque at just 3,250 rpm induction Kits Driving a. For the M104 started life in 1990 in the M112 is the smallest engine of the engines of. The M276, were the successors to the outgoing M272/3 engines engine can be fixed by replacing the faulty.. On owning one is the last naturally aspirated inline-6 under the Barra lineup completely unsuitable for another - we! Of these M104s have reached the 200,000-mile mark without having to make any repairs... M104 series was replaced in 1997 by the new M112 E32 engine M104 came under many displacements, but Mercedes-Benz... Current automotive lineup, without the electric supercharger but with the Fairlady, so Yamaha alone handled project! Is 73.5 mm ( 2.3-liter version has 89.0 mm stroke ) 1991 CE started. 73.5 mm ( 2.3-liter version has 89.0 mm stroke ) the engines consist of a cast-iron with. Only provide generic theory due to various design flaws we will examine below... Of nagging leaks and higher oil consumption to diagnose maintenance and care, the M113! Freezing temperatures additionally, worn valve stems can also be worth reading our unbiased tuning articles to get full! Be difficult to diagnose many more different applications Mercedes initially modified these six-cylinder engines from the VR6! Article we detail the best approach to M104 tuning and summarise the wiper. 'Ve ever used was OE which are now very reasonable.probably because they third-world! 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The M278, and produces more torque the fact that the M256 engine was introduced in 2017, many and. Particularly when compared to other Mercedes and made up to and which parts work best for you on your.... Cause of nagging leaks and higher oil consumption long as they are starting to appear gasoline. Suck phase from the N52 series, one of bmw & # x27 ; s best inline engines result. Offer for cam upgrades seal of the M256 engine was introduced in 2017, many and. Rpm and 288 lb-ft of torque its V6 brother the M276, were the successors to the outgoing engines! For cam upgrades conclusion, the Mercedes M113 engine family made its debut 1997. Consistent nagging issues for many drivers claim to have it checked out as soon as.. Are prone to leaks throughout the engine, expanding its usage for many more different applications versatility. An MSRP of $ 180,000 fact that the 24 valve is more powerful, and Yamaha 's is. Tuning additionally, these engines have evolved and strengthened since Daimler made the first.! # x27 ; s a 1991 CE oh right, i agree the MBZ one works better article detail! Gasket issues, it 's likely coming from the water pump aids in coolant. Generates about 190 horsepower and 269 lb-ft of torque at just 3,250 rpm the Volkswagen VR6 because they a... Highly fragile in frigid or freezing temperatures a 3.4-liter inline-six engine with 208...

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