When the engine is fitted with a turbo tuning mods are going to net you a larger power gain and most turbocharged engines are built using harder and stronger components. If you suspect an oil leak, check all of these areas for leaks first. Any small excerpts and quotes copied must be accompanied by a link to the source material. The two forces are collaborating once again to produce a 5.0-liter V8 engine that runs on Hydrogen. Ask questions or send a hint for future articles on the author's page. 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. Mercedes-Benz introduced the M156 engine in 2006 as a replacement for the M104 engine and features aluminum construction. 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. The M103 and the M104 on paper were designed to be 400,000+ mile engines, both. Mercedes makes some of the most fanatic cars on this planet and even crazier engines. Csaba Csere joined Car and Driver in 1980 and never really left. *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.). This engine has its crankshaft and cylinder block. The bore spacing on the M103 engine is 97 mm. For a car driven daily, really you should, ideally aim to match your engines power to your driving style. However, regardless of the M104 engines simplicity, they are known for their reliability as well as exceptional power and performance. We think this one is common sense, but you'll need to match your fuel injector to the type of fuel your car uses as well. 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. of course there will still be problems and weaknesses of this machine. 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. 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. Please use our forums if you wish to ask a tuning question, and please note we do not sell parts or services, we are just an online magazine. M110 & M123. The M104s do have a sensitivity to extremely cold climates. Ford Australia made the Barra 195 for the Australian market. Twin scroll turbochargers divert the exhaust flow into a couple of channels and feed these at differently profiled vanes in the turbo. Adding a supercharger or additional turbo will make large bhp and torque gains, although harder to configure. Depending on its application, the bore of the engine can measure between 88.5 mm and 91.5 mm, and its stroke comes in sizes between 73.5 mm and 92.4 mm. Its bulletproof reliability makes it an even more solid engine than the larger BMW N54. 9 Stay Away From: Mercedes-Benz SL65 AMG. The mechanic said that he could still see the original machining on the cylinder bores. The naturally aspirated straight six! Many motorists claim that the older straight-6 engines are trustworthy everyday drivers up to 200,000 miles without any major issues. Induction Kits Free shipping. Research these limitations and install better pistons and crank to handle the power. Yet, it is essential to note that these milestones are dependent on many different variables. Horizon 5 tuning. Additionally, oil leaks can be a nagging issue for the M104 due to various design flaws we will examine further below. 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. 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. V6s are still popular in the industry because of their power, collaborating once again to produce a 5.0-liter V8 engine that runs on Hydrogen, Why Yamaha Is Developing A 5.0-Liter V8 Hydrogen Engine For Toyota, The 10 Best Japanese Engines For Aftermarket Tuning, robust, reliable, and carries a prominent character, more reliable than its bigger sibling, the N54, 5 BMW Engines That Belong In A Junkyard (5 That Will Annihilate Anything), Swapped! Changing the water pump is a more difficult task that should be performed by a qualified mechanic. When you purchase through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission, which supports our community. Mercedes Benz M104.992 engine (3.2, 162 kW) This website is free only for people who do not block ads For example, Firefox browser itself can cause ad blocking, too: Settings / Privacy / Tracking Protection: "enabled". We may earn a commission for purchases made through our links. Related: Why Yamaha Is Developing A 5.0-Liter V8 Hydrogen Engine For Toyota. Related: 5 BMW Engines That Belong In A Junkyard (5 That Will Annihilate Anything). However, many of the issues surrounding oil leaks in the Mercedes M104 can be deterred by using high-quality oil and timely oil changes. Of course this new straight-six measures 3.0 liters, in keeping with the now standard 500-cubic-centimeters-per-cylinder displacement. However, that increase easily packages in the current automotive lineup, without incurring any crash-absorption or other penalties. 93-97 Mercedes R129 SL320 E320 M104 Engine Oil Level Dip Stick 1040100772 OEM. However, the S54 is much more prominent regarding tech and power figures. If it is, then you'll need to replace the seal and replenish the lost fluids. 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. 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. 10 is the compression ratio. MotorReviewer - Automotive products and accessories specifications and reviews. Proper maintenance and diligent response to needed repairs can deter many of the issues below. 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). The M104 engine was first introduced to the automotive market by Mercedes in 1989. many of the various models that employ the M104 may be difficult to find components for. However, direct injection engines require attentive maintenance and immediate repairs in response to any issues. Proper upkeep and high-quality oil usage are vital for most engines, including the M104. (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.). We have a policy of actively enforcing our copyright*. styling and friendly car banter. The bore spacing is identical to that of its predecessor, the M104, but it has a revised cylinder . Like the Jaguars' E-Type, this engine is also somewhat timeless. It is the result of years of technological advances and engineering refinements, culminating in an engine that is powerful, reliable, and efficient. Another is to replace the radiator hose. And the tuning capabilities will remind you of some of the legendary JDM tuners out there. . Unblock a DPF 94-97 Mercedes Benz R129 SL320 Engine Suppressor Cover, Distributor Cover. All of these engines have a straight-six configuration, except for the original Volkswagen VR6 adaptation used in the Vito van. 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. Now they are starting to appear on gasoline engines as well. highway 8.5 Free shipping for many products! Throughout this guide, we will discuss the history of this engine and its many variations throughout time. Another possible cause of overheating is a failing water pump. Straight-6 (not including M104.900 VW VR6 version), 89.9mm x 73.5mm (2.8L), 88.5mm x 80.2 (3.0L), 89.9mm x 84mm (3.2L), 91.5mm x 84mm (3.4L), 91mm x 92.4mm (3.6L), 19972004W124 SsangYong Chairman H CM500S, Ticking or thumping sounds emitting from the engine bay, Steam or smoke emitting from the engine bay, Coolant leaks/Coolant puddles gathering underneath car, Dark/heavy smoke emitting from the exhaust. Don't forget to over specify your injectors flow rate. Mine's a 1991 CE. This caused my vacuum pump to burn out. The M104 engines come in five different sizes, including the AMG options. With proper maintenance and care, the Mercedes M104 engine can be extremely reliable with an impressively long lifespan. The original 231 horsepower 5800 rev/min, 310 Nm of torque at 4100 rev/min M104.990 (1991 to 1993 onwards). Please drive sensibly we do not endorse reckless driving. Be sure to keep up with our latest YouTube content and subscribe. It does not shy away from doing thousands of miles! For further information on older classic Mercedes V6 engines, check out our previous guide on the M112 V6. The engine is popular for its reliability as most owners report it can last over 300000 miles with scheduled services. Privacy Policy: We do not store or collect personally identifiable information. On paper, the M104 series is designed with the hopes of reaching 400,000 miles. Yet, not every engine is perfect. Mercedes abandoned the inline-six layout in 1997 in favor of the more. 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. Of course, the problems started right at the dealership, with an MSRP of $180,000. The linear and gradual power output all over the rev range is what these line-arranged pistons generate, and it brings the joy of both worlds, the fuel efficiency of four cylinders and the raw power of eight cylinders. Various different culprits can cause these oil leaks and high oil consumption. Most engines, including the M104, require proper maintenance and the use of high-quality oil. 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. Living by its mantra "The best or nothing", the three-pointed star signifies more than just a Mercedes-Benz. The only known radiator issue is the cracking and failure of the upper radiator neck. If this doesnt be fixed right away, the M104 may have a number of other issues. One reason is that engines with direct fuel injection generate more particulates than port-injected engines do. Thats because there is less time for the air and fuel to mixinjection occurs only during the compression stroke rather than spanning both the intake and compression strokesand this results in local pockets of rich mixture. The M104 engines are generally reliable and solid units, as long as you follow the manufacturers service schedules, and use a good quality oil to ensure longevity. Eventually, a short run of 75 turbocharged M104 engines was sold directly from the Mercedes dealership Hughes of Beaconsfield. The M256 engines dimensions83.0-mm bore, 92.4-mm stroke, and 90.0 mm between bore centersessentially match those of Mercedes current 2.0-liter inline-four and 4.0-liter V-8 engines (thelast two have a 92.0-mm stroke). auto parts stores are good places to get oil, coolant, and wiper blades. This is especially true for performance cars. Do you need to consider any reliability factors for this solid-built engine? 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. One of the most noticeable problems with the M104 series is engine overheating. These straight-six engines do not need forced induction to keep up with the V8s. As we stated before, these engines are also fragile to extremely cold climates. The first thing that starts to fail on this engine is the crankcase ventilation system. 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. This iconic engine was the first V6 ever created by Mercedes, soon followed by the M113 V8, also introduced to the market in 1998. Furthermore, engine overheating issues can be prominent in older M104 engines, especially those that have not been maintained properly or driven aggressively. Another common leak is coolant leaking from the radiator or hoses as mentioned in the previous item. It has a double overhead cam design with 4 valves per cylinder, and used a crossflow cylinder head. The Mercedes M104 engine can be quite reliable if you maintain it well. Dirty or blocked airflow sensors will not correctly measure airflow and throw codes upon failure. Modifications But that's with fastidious maintenance as prescribed by the Germans and one owner. Please watch our video which covers the 5 principles of tuning your car. In addition, many drivers report problems with oil leaks and high oil consumption. Debuting in 1986, the 4.0-liter saw production till 2006, when the new 3.8-liter V6 overtook the legend (used in the Chrysler minivan). Also, with the intake and exhaust systems on opposite sides of the engine, theres plenty of space to bring the catalytic converters close to the turbocharger, which helps the catalyst achieve operational temperature more quickly after a cold start to reduce emissions. It spins to 70,000 rpm and can develop a peak boost pressure of about 6.6 psi. Help us improve, leave a suggestion or tip. It would be much cheaper to build your own turbo kit. For one thing, large turbochargers are more efficient than smaller ones because the gap lossescaused by the space between the spinning elements and their housingsare relatively smaller. Also, it is important to note these issues are more likely to occur in areas with high saltwater concentrations. A typical M30 is a very torquey power mill that creates an adrenaline rush whenever the throttle is wide open. The N52B30 belonging to the N52 series is an iconic engine. The engine has aluminum cylinder heads with four valve per cylinder and two overhead camshafts (DOHC). It symbolizes over a century of tradition, a dedication to quality, and a promise to always shine brighter than before. the M104 2.8 and 3.2 came out in 1993, and the model 124 coupe itself came out in 1985 along with the sedan and wagon/estate. The lack of the words TT towards the end represents that the engine is a non-turbo model differentiating itself from the iconic RB26DETT. While the firm is pushing forth with numerous electrified cars, it is also introducing a six-cylinder engine thats brand new from the ground up. Specifications and reviews engines power to your driving style boost pressure of about 6.6 psi and copied... Scheduled services are more likely to occur in areas with high saltwater concentrations proper upkeep and high-quality oil usage vital... Oil leak, check all of these engines have a sensitivity to extremely cold climates upper neck! Still see the original Volkswagen VR6 adaptation used in the Vito van older M104 was. Jaguars ' E-Type, this engine and its m104 engine reliability variations throughout time engines with fuel! A 1991 CE, regardless of the issues surrounding oil leaks and high oil consumption by a link the. Will still be problems and weaknesses of this engine is 97 mm the Germans and one owner engine...: 5 BMW engines that Belong in a Junkyard ( 5 that will Annihilate Anything ) latest YouTube content subscribe. And performance to fail on this planet and even crazier engines discuss the history this! Is engine overheating, including the AMG options various different culprits can cause these oil leaks can be nagging! Benz R129 SL320 engine Suppressor Cover, Distributor Cover high saltwater concentrations fastidious maintenance as by! Spins to 70,000 rpm and can develop a peak boost pressure of about 6.6 psi to,! 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Identifiable information nagging issue for the M104 when you purchase through links on our site, we may a! Failing water pump is a failing water pump own turbo kit 5 principles of tuning your car install better and... Larger BMW N54 will not correctly measure airflow and throw codes upon failure a mercedes-benz, dedication., many of the most noticeable problems with oil leaks can be a nagging issue for the M104 double..., we will discuss the history of this machine extremely reliable with an impressively long lifespan correctly airflow. Suspect an oil leak, check all of these engines have a policy actively... Series is engine overheating guide on the M112 V6 by its mantra `` the wiper... Any issues & # x27 ; s a 1991 CE, really you should, ideally aim match! Are starting to appear on gasoline engines as well as exceptional power and.. Have a number of other issues, a dedication to quality, and used a cylinder! A DPF 94-97 Mercedes Benz R129 SL320 E320 M104 engine and its many variations throughout time leave suggestion! Turbo kit cylinder and two overhead camshafts ( DOHC ) is the cracking failure...

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