All of these engines have a straight-six configuration, except for the original Volkswagen VR6 adaptation used in the Vito van. (In some cases, as the factory ECU is locked flashing is not an option, so an aftermarket ECU is the route to take, and many of these will outperform factory ECU's but make sure it has knock protection and that you get it setup properly.). Not if the owner didn't miss many scheduled check-ups. The next variant is contaminated ventilation of crankcase gases. Another common leak is coolant leaking from the radiator or hoses as mentioned in the previous item. The only m104 don't recommend is the 104.980 due to it having mechanical injection, and some critical parts such as the EZL (again unique to the 104.980) that is failure prone and very hard to source let alone expensive. To fix this, you'll need to replace the radiator cap and hose. From single cylinders to something like the W16 powering a Bugatti Chiron, the engine style plays a vital role in the character of a car. Equally mandatory is forced induction, which this engine provides with a turbocharger, supplemented by an electrically driven supercharger in AMG models. 991 (19931998on): analogue of the Mercedes-Benz SL320 R129s restyled M 104,990. However, machines are bound to normal wear and tear, so keeping the regular fluids in check might save dollars. You can leave a response below or join our forum to discuss this article and car modification in detail with our members. For further information on older classic Mercedes V6 engines. Its bulletproof reliability makes it an even more solid engine than the larger BMW N54. 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. It's important to note that not every driver of an M104 will experience these, but they are common enough to merit our attention. Some even consider the M113 among the brands best engines. The 3.6-liter inline-six cylinder generates 276 horsepower and 284 lb-ft of torque. Double Clutch The units that are particularly scarce are the 3.4L and the 3.6L variants. A typical M30 is a very torquey power mill that creates an adrenaline rush whenever the throttle is wide open. Just like any other engine, the M104 has a few design flaws. The rule of thumb is to add 20% when fitting an injector, helps cope with injector deterioration and allows you some spare capacity should the engine need more fuel. 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. Replacing the radiator hose is a bit more complicated, but it can also be done at home with the help of a repair manual. Ships from United States. It was designed on the basis of the 3.2-liter engine. 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. One of its famous engines that embodies the philosophy of Mercedes is the M104 which has seen so many applications not just in Mercedes models, but with other brands as well. See details for shipping. The cylinder dimensions are also shared with Mercedes latest diesel engine for further commonality and savings. Mine's a 1991 CE. The engine has aluminum cylinder heads with four valve per cylinder and two overhead camshafts (DOHC). The Mercedes M112 E32 series is the engine that will be discussed today. It is the whole point to any car tuning job to force more fuel and air into the M104 engine. The Mercedes-Benz M104 is a straight-6 automobile engine produced from 1989 through 1999. However, it is still an excellent engine series when its overall packaging is to be considered. Nissan 350Z Gets Turbo Mercedes M104. Like this content? The engine was equipped with all modern technologies of engine development. 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. As 48-volt technology proliferates, expect to see these devices replaced by 48-volt equivalents, which will lead to the extinction of the 12-volt power circuit. The size of bore and shape and rate of flow of the Intake can make a big change to fuel mixing and power on the M104. However, that didn't stop Mercedes from continuing to update and improve the engine, expanding its usage for many more different applications. 1994 was the minor face lift to the front end along with the re-designation of the model numbers from 300CE to E320 or whatever, thats all. On most factory exhausts you should find that the flow rate is ok even on modest power gains, but when you start pushing up the power levels you will need to get a better flowing exhaust. Engine overheating is one of the most prominent issues associated with the M104 series. Inside it, a forged-steel crankshaft with seven mains was fitted. 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. Typical stage 3 mods often include: Twin charging conversions, Internal engine upgrades (head flowing porting/bigger valves), Adding or Upgrading forced induction (turbo/supercharger), Engine balancing & blueprinting, Competition cam, Crank and Piston upgrades to alter compression. Many drivers report that the older straight-6s are reliable daily drivers up to 200,000 miles without significant complications. Overheating and oil leaks seem to be somewhat consistent nagging issues for many drivers. And the smaller valve sizes inherent with the smaller bore dont matter so much with a turbocharger force-feeding air into the combustion chambers. Returns accepted. Eventually, a short run of 75 turbocharged M104 engines was sold directly from the Mercedes dealership Hughes of Beaconsfield. Ask questions or send a hint for future articles on the author's page. It was designed on the basis of the 3.2-liter engine. Another way is to hook up a diagnostic scanner to the vehicle's OBD port if it is available in the Mercedes model bearing the engine. The bore spacing is identical to that of its predecessor, the M104, but it has a revised cylinder . According to the specifications, the M104 series is made to travel 400,000 kilometers. Let me know your thoughts on high-mileage gas engines. The Mercedes M256 engine is a turbocharged straight-six cylinder engine that succeeded the M276 V6 engine. As this is the first year production model, it has that annoying vacuum leak in either the doors or from the front console panel where the center vents are. 94-97 Mercedes Benz R129 SL320 Engine Suppressor Cover, Distributor Cover. Yet, not every engine is perfect. In addition, the main cooling fan can often fail overall; without a quick repair, this can lead to various other problems for the M104. This machine is very similar to the legendary RB26DETT, so its reliability is sturdy. Obviously theres no need for another alternator, and electric motors are used to drive the water pump and the air-conditioning compressor. It measures the amount of air flowing into the engine, and the information it gathers is then used by the engine control unit (ECU) to adjust the fuel mixture. Fast and reliable. The M104 came under many displacements, but the most potent motors are the AMG series 3.4-liters and 3.6-liters. The M103 and the M104 on paper were designed to be 400,000+ mile engines, both. Another BMW engine makes this list, and this one is even crazier. Is that MB paper. Related: Why Yamaha Is Developing A 5.0-Liter V8 Hydrogen Engine For Toyota. BMW. Few problems should happen as long as they are regularly serviced and maintained. Track day insurance cover 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. 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. The cam profile plays a big part in the engines power output so cam upgrades make quite a large difference. 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. Research these limitations and install better pistons and crank to handle the power. 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 common areas of failure for every engine, with some being over specified and some only just able to handle stock power. Only used synthetic oil. However, certain initial design flaws exist, leading to some of the problems we will discuss below. 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. Also, it is important to note these issues are more likely to occur in areas with high saltwater concentrations. 3. The Mercedes M104 is available in models ranging from the 2.8 L that was first released up to the 3.4 L and 3.6 L AMG. The engine may also run lean or rich and may stall or misfire. By 1999, the existing M104 24-valve inline-six was phased out. Additionally, these engines become highly fragile in frigid or freezing temperatures. Mercedes M112 E32 Engine History. Few problems should happen as long as they are regularly serviced and maintained. The slight changes in its configuration over the years have resulted in its outputs peaking at 190 to 276 hp and 195 to 284 lb-ft of torque. However, the 4.0-liter inline-six has a status above the others. The legendary Nissan Skyline featured not only turbo-powered engines but also came with a few non-turbo models. The N52B30 belonging to the N52 series is an iconic engine. Saltwater specifically can cause much faster erosion. Finally, if the engine block is cracked, the hole will need to be sealed or replaced. Required fields are marked *. 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. Any small excerpts and quotes copied must be accompanied by a link to the source material. One is to replace the radiator cap. Many drivers report getting to the 200,000-mile mark without any severe repairs needed. It is the result of years of technological advances and engineering refinements, culminating in an engine that is powerful, reliable, and efficient. Yet, without a proper MAS, many engine problems can progress to the point of substantial damage due to the inability of the engine to receive adequate airflow. The M104 started life in 1990 in the 300E-24 and its coup and then convertible guises. The Ford Barra engine debuted in 2002 and is one of the significant selling engines in the USA and Australia. However, certain issues can commonly occur in these straight-six engines. The cylinder head is the same as the E32 engine has - 2 overhead camshafts, variable valve timing system . Repairing or replacing an engine block is an extremely difficult task that should only be attempted by a professional. 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 are simply the most common reported issues we found for the M104 series. But, the best part is that it has smooth and subtle power delivery across the rev range, even smoother than we expect from a NA engine. P0299 Ford Escape How to Fix the Boost Leak Problem? The engine gets both respect and admiration from enthusiasts as many users report it best for its reliability. In this article we detail the best approach to M104 tuning and summarise the best mods that work. The intake and exhaust durations will alter depending on the chosen cam profile, so large torque gains are on offer for cam upgrades. In addition, parts may be difficult to source for many of the different models that use the M104. 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. styling and friendly car banter. Finally, having no accessory drive slices about two inches from the length of the engine, largely offsetting the thickness of the integrated motor/generator. The site includes MB Forums, News, Galleries, Publications, Classifieds, Events and much more! However, this long lifespan depends on various factors such as proper upkeep and using high-quality oil. BMW kept the production line for this engine running for 11 years: from 1978 till 1989. The higher rpm at which power and torque peak is a function of the engines larger turbocharger. 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. Horizon 5 tuning. 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. It is a single overhead cam design with 2 valves per cylinder. The cause of the severe oil consumption is often the wear of valve stem seals. This contrasts with the 88.0-by-82.1-mm dimensions of the current 3.0-liter V-6 (one version of the V-6 had a bore as large as 97.0 mm). 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). In 2010, Mercedes introduced the M276 engine, which shared the bore and stroke of its predecessor but shifted to a 60-degree bank angle to eliminate the need for the balance shaft. Furthermore, all M104 engines had camshafts . Privacy Policy: We do not store or collect personally identifiable information. It makes about 338 horsepower and 269 lb-ft of torque. Mercedes also offers multiple variants of the M276 a 3.5L NA, 3.0L twin turbo, and 3.5L twin turbo. However, by using high-quality oil and performing regular oil changes, many of the problems related to oil leaks in the Mercedes M104 can be avoided. Another possible cause of overheating is a failing water pump. Read More Mercedes M256 Engine GuideContinue, Formula 1 in the 2000s was truly an assault on the senses. Engine power @ 5500 rpm: (258 PS; 255 hp) Torque @ 3750 rpm: 270Nm (199lbft), (231 PS; 228 hp @ 5500 rpm) 255Nm (188lbft) @ 4400rpm. Also, keep in mind that these issues are more likely to occur due to lack of maintenance, bad driving habits, procrastinating even when signs of problems are already evident, or exposure to areas with harsh environmental conditions. Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. Yet, it is essential to note that these milestones are dependent on many different variables. 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. 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. The M104 E28 2.8-liter engine is the smallest engine of the M104 series. Ford Australia made the Barra 195 for the Australian market. This innovative combination resulted in significant weight savings, increased power potential, and reliability. They were less potent than the turbo versions, but they were nowhere slow! They build the engine excellently, and Yamaha's help is noticeable. The M104 piss oil from the rear engine seal sooner than a M119, but not as bad as a M112 and m113. The M104s do have a sensitivity to extremely cold climates. However, not every engine is perfect in design. Its rated at 362 horsepower as installed in the CLS450. I think adding a turbo is probably the most efficient and cheapest way to gain power from the m104 3.2L engine. 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. Notify me of follow-up comments by email. One of Mercedes most dependable engines ever developed, the M104, is highly regarded. However, many of the issues surrounding oil leaks in the Mercedes M104 can be deterred by using high-quality oil and timely oil changes. Review your options and then source your modifications and set yourself a power target to avoid costly mistakes. We see 4 bar air sensors coping with quite large power gains, whereas the OEM air sensor was restricting torque at a much lower level. With proper maintenance and care, the Mercedes M104 engine can be extremely reliable with an impressively long lifespan. Proper upkeep and high-quality oil usage are vital for most engines, including the M104. 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 3.0-liter M104 was the start point for the new 3.2l version. Mercedes OM642 Engine Problems and Reliability In general, the OM642 engine has proven to be quite reliable. 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. $650.00. The M278, and its V6 brother the M276, were the successors to the outgoing M272/3 engines. One is a coolant leak. Tips for N55 Tuning, Diesel Tuning 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. Mercedes-Benz Sedan / Coupe / Wagon Forums. Which helps us keep our guides and tips up to date helping others with their modified car projects. 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. Overall though, the Mercedes M104 is definitely a banger, and it deserves all the praise that it has gotten over the years. Free shipping. Yet, as any engine surpasses hundreds of thousands of miles, oil leaks and high oil consumption can become an extremely common issue. Please share this page with your friends on : PLEASE HELP: I NEED YOUR DONATIONS TO COVER THE COSTS OF RUNNING THIS SITE AND KEEP IT RUNNING. Reducing the number of camshafts and cam drives also reduces friction. The inline engine arrives here first in 2019 models of the Mercedes-AMG E53,the CLS-class, andthe AMG-only GT53 four-door, and it is expected to spread to the companys other offerings. Many Mercedes drivers appreciate the durable construction of these M104s. Numerous owners have reported their cars running smoothly even after reaching 200,000 miles without needing any major repairs or uneconomical replacement. All the power plants listed here are naturally aspirated with incredible raw power and longevity. However, the S54 is much more prominent regarding tech and power figures. Mercedes M104 Engine: Key Specs, Problems, and Longevity, KIA Sportage Hidden Features - Making Your SUV Even Smarter. This iconic engine was the first V6 ever created by Mercedes, soon followed by the M113 V8, also introduced to the market in 1998. While you can still get your hands on a 2005-2008 . Unfortunately, the Mercedes M104 engine is also a member of that club. There are a few possible solutions to the overheating problem. The Mercedes M104 engine can have an exceptionally long lifespan and be extremely reliable with proper maintenance and care. And the electric A/C compressor can also deliver the cars cooling needsefficiently while maintaining cold air during extended idle stops. The motor is so reliable that Jaguar planned to make the cast iron blocks again. Life in 1990 in the previous item need for another alternator, and 3.5L twin turbo the 3.4L the. And then source your modifications and set yourself a power target to avoid costly mistakes exceptionally. The water pump most potent motors are the AMG series 3.4-liters and 3.6-liters response below join... 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