Another common cause is a damaged or worn internal component. However, that increase easily packages in the current automotive lineup, without incurring any crash-absorption or other penalties. 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. Ships from United States. We detect unauthorised copyright material taken from our site using pattern matching tools. Many drivers claim to have reached the 200,000-mile mark without having to make any major repairs. Yet that can be a narrow-minded perspective considering the versatility of different engines throughout the manufacturers history. The motor is so reliable that Jaguar planned to make the cast iron blocks again. The stroke is 73.5 mm (2.3-liter version has 89.0 mm stroke). The Jaguar XK-6 does not need any introduction. So, look after it with regular, good quality oil changes. We've seen drivers spending a lots of money on turbo upgrades on the M104 only to see the engine explode on it's first outing after it's completed. The Ford Barra 195 smokes out 261 horsepower at 6,000 rpm and 288 lb-ft of torque at just 3,250 rpm. All of these engines have a straight-six configuration, except for the original Volkswagen VR6 adapted by the Vito van. 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. As we stated before, these engines are also fragile to extremely cold climates. When these burn, they produce particulates. This is accompanied by a fuel-economy improvement of roughly 15 percent over the previous V-6 powertrain, although EPA figures are not yet available. Via Silver Arrow Cars. 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. In 1998 it was moved out from the production by V6 M112 E28 engine. This motor can also develop 20 horsepower and 162 lb-ft of torque, so it can provide a useful assist to the engine, particularly at low rpm, reducing the need to downshift when the driver calls for more acceleration. Upgrades to turbochargers and superchargers - forced induction is the most efficient approach to increase air supply, allowing you to burn more fuel and make more power. New ! Like the Jaguars' E-Type, this engine is also somewhat timeless. More torque needs more fuel. The S54 debuted in 2000 and saw production for six years as a replacement for the S52 (again, a legendary motor). The self-appointed smart set think the internal-combustion engine is on its last legs, but not Mercedes-Benz. He continues to dabble in automotive journalism and LeMons racing, as well as ministering to his 1965 Jaguar E-type, 2017 Porsche 911, and trio of motorcycleswhen not skiing or hiking near his home in Colorado. The more air you can get into an engine, the more fuel it can burn and uprating the induction with a turbocharger upgrade makes superb power gains. Which helps us keep our guides and tips up to date helping others with their modified car projects. Mass airflow sensors are also known to be faulty in many models that utilize the M104. The most common symptom is a loss of power. There are a few possible solutions to the overheating problem. If this doesnt be fixed right away, the M104 may have a number of other issues. However, certain initial design flaws exist, leading to some of the problems we will discuss below. To fix this, you'll need to replace the radiator cap and hose. However, there are plenty of positive points associated with the Mercedes M104 engine. oh right, i always forget about the CIS M104's. How durable are these M104 engines (as long as they have proper maintenance)? Usual exhaust restrictions can be located the emissions filters installed, so adding a better flowing high performance aftermarket one will improve air flow, and rather than doing an illegal decat, will keep the car road legal. 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. 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. Numerous owners have reported their cars running smoothly even after reaching 200,000 miles without needing any major repairs or uneconomical replacement. Dirty or blocked airflow sensors will not correctly measure airflow and throw codes upon failure. Overall though, the Mercedes M104 is definitely a banger, and it deserves all the praise that it has gotten over the years. Many Mercedes drivers appreciate the durable construction of these M104s. But, again, no engine is absolutely perfect or made of stone. . It was designed on the basis of the 3.2-liter engine. Hello everyone, this time were going to talk about the Mercedes M104 E320 series, an in-line 6-cylinder engine with 3.2 liters of displacement. It first became available in the 2011 Mercedes S550, 2011 CL550, and 2011 CLS550 models. Mercedes M256 Engine Reliability & Problems. Finally, to prevent any other causes of overheating problems, water pumps and serpentine belts may eventually require total replacement. check out our previous guide on the M112 V6. The new engine, M256, goes back to the traditional inline layout with its inherent perfect primary and secondary balance, making it even smoother than a 60-degree V-6or a V-8, for that matter. Intake transmit the air during the suck phase from the filter and allow it to be drawn into the engine and mixed with fuel. 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". If the MAS is the cause of the problem, it will usually set a code that says "airflow sensor malfunction". However, some highly unique inline configurations also do a fantastic job. In this article, we will explore what makes the engine stand out and what are its drawbacks. However, machines are bound to normal wear and tear, so keeping the regular fluids in check might save dollars. It does not shy away from doing thousands of miles! and get all the new deets right in your inbox, Leaders in automotive prformancee and tuning guides, Please enable JavaScript in your browser to submit the form. Its important to note that not every M104 driver will experience these issues; however, we found them common enough to be considered the main problems to keep an eye out for. Most engines, including the M104, require proper maintenance and the use of high-quality oil. The big stuff were just the battery, water pump, and alternator. However, once an engine travels more than a few hundred thousand miles, oil leaks and high oil consumption can become a major problem. The 3.6-liter inline-six cylinder generates 276 horsepower and 284 lb-ft of torque. Remaps allows a tuner to unlock the full potential of all the mods you've done to your M104. In addition to this 48-volt system, there is a separate 12-volt electrical systemwith its own small batteryto operate the numerous legacy 12-volt devices on the car. Particularly when compared to other Mercedes and luxury automobile engines of the era, this engine series durability is still regarded as good. Subscribe for updates! Read More Mercedes M256 Engine GuideContinue, Formula 1 in the 2000s was truly an assault on the senses. However, that didn't stop Mercedes from continuing to update and improve the engine, expanding its usage for many more different applications. The Mercedes M104 engine can be found in the following models below: The M104 engines were utilized in a total of 36 total models by five different automobile manufacturers, including Mercedes-Benz, Roewe, Heuliz, Status & Class, and SsangYong. With these two quick responses, theres no need to fit a tiny turbocharger to minimize turbo lag. This motor can also develop 20 horsepower and 162 lb-ft of torque, so it can provide a useful assist to the engine, particularly at low rpm, reducing the need to downshift when the driver calls. Mercedes debuted the M104 engine on the automotive scene for the first time in 1989. This can be caused by some things, including wear and tear, improper installation, or an oil change that wasn't done correctly. Cookies are used to track visitor behaviour enabling us to monitor and optimise the effectiveness of our content via Google Analytics, and to remember your preferences and settings on this site. Please watch our video which covers the 5 principles of tuning your car. This engine has its crankshaft and cylinder block. Like this content? . The Mercedes M104 can be found in the initially introduced 2.8 L ranging upwards to the 3.4L and 3.6L AMG versions. Sadly, the Mercedes M104 engine is a part of that group as well. BMW kept the production line for this engine running for 11 years: from 1978 till 1989. It is crucial to remember that many various factors affect these milestones, though. Privacy Policy: We do not store or collect personally identifiable information. 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. Ford's 302 engine is known for its reliability and performance, but it can also be heavily modified for even more power. The Mercedes M113 engine family made its debut in 1997. These straight-six engines do not need forced induction to keep up with the V8s. An electric water pump can be precisely controlled to provide the engines exact cooling requirements, facilitating rapid warmup. Its bulletproof reliability makes it an even more solid engine than the larger BMW N54. Modifications The AMC 4.0-liter inline-six engine is Chrysler's most renowned inline-six engine. And yes, aside from head gasket issues, it's pretty bulletproof. Mercedes M112 E32 Engine History. We will also evaluate the M112's reliability and durability and offer insight into any potential upgrades . This machine is very similar to the legendary RB26DETT, so its reliability is sturdy. The next variant is contaminated ventilation of crankcase gases. By this point, the commonality with the V-8s was much diminished. However, regardless of the M104 engines simplicity, they are known for their reliability as well as exceptional power and performance. This innovative combination resulted in. 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. 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. Ask questions or send a hint for future articles on the author's page. For further information on older classic Mercedes V6 engines. We have tips on removing carbon build up. . It has a double overhead cam design with 4 valves per cylinder, and used a crossflow cylinder head. Nissan 350Z Gets Turbo Mercedes M104. For a given power level, increasing the voltage by a factor of four reduces the current by the same factor, which means that the thickness of the wiring used to carry the power can be reduced, saving cost and weight. 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. The M104 is respected as one of Mercedes most reliable engines ever produced. The M104 E28 2.8-liter engine is the smallest engine of the M104 series. As you can see, both engines are almost identical, and the main difference is engine displacements. Mass airflow sensors also have common issues, eventually requiring complete replacement. The stroke is 73.5 mm (2.3-liter version has 89.0 mm stroke). Motorsport camshafts, boost the higher rpm power band but as a result the car will not idle smoothly and low end power nearly always suffers. Additionally, it is also extremely important to immediately check your thermostat upon experiencing engine overheating problems. 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). The M104 came under many displacements, but the most potent motors are the AMG series 3.4-liters and 3.6-liters. 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. It was designed on the basis of the 3.2-liter engine. Dmitry has been an editor and author at Cararac.com since 2015. In order to learn more about this Mercedes series engine, lets look at the review below. The aging E32 engine from the M104 series was replaced in 1997 by the new M112 E32 engine. Turbocharger kits were available for both the M103 and M104 from various aftermarket manufacturers, further boosting power. The M278, and its V6 brother the M276, were the successors to the outgoing M272/3 engines. Yet, not every engine is perfect. The first thing that starts to fail on this engine is the crankcase ventilation system. Tips for N54 Tuning This will allow them to read any trouble codes that have been stored by the ECU. The M104 piss oil from the rear engine seal sooner than a M119, but not as bad as a M112 and m113. Let me know your thoughts on high-mileage gas engines. 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.. The M104 is a testament to the dynamic capability of the inline-six. Some may consider Mercedes-Benz solely a luxury brand. Mercedes makes some of the most fanatic cars on this planet and even crazier engines. It appeared in 1991. 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. Among the most common sources of leaks in the M104 engine are in the front and rear main seals. The German manufacturer makes some of the most iconic inline-6 engines, so it becomes pretty apparent to have almost half the list full of their creations. The Mercedes M104 is a well-rounded and highly dependable engine. 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. Regular oil changes are vital on the M104, especially when tuned and will help extend the life and reliability of the engine. 3. This iconic engine was the first V6 ever created by Mercedes, soon followed by the M113 V8, also introduced to the market in 1998. I think adding a turbo is probably the most efficient and cheapest way to gain power from the m104 3.2L engine. Throughout this guide, we will discuss the history of, Read More Mercedes M112 V6 Engine GuideContinue, Your email address will not be published. (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.). Proper upkeep and high-quality oil usage are vital for most engines, including the M104. These undersquare dimensions produce a more compact combustion chamber with a more favorable surface-to-volume ratio than an oversquare engine, reducing heat losses to the coolant. Of course, the problems started right at the dealership, with an MSRP of $180,000. Double Clutch The mechanic said that he could still see the original machining on the cylinder bores. These are simply the most common reported issues we found for the M104 series. Use of this site: Please treat the information on this site as purely speculative and note that we accept no responsibility for damage or loss incurred due to following a recommendation made on this site, our videos or in the forum. 1. The M30B35 is a 3.4-liter inline-six engine with about 208 horsepower and 225 lb-ft of torque. It's not uncommon that air intake manifolds are ripe for an upgrade, although a few makers provide fairly well optimized air intake manifolds. You may need to boost your exhaust if the existing exhaust is actually causing a restriction. This is usually caused by a faulty gasket or seal and can be fixed by replacing the faulty part. Something suitable for one model of car may be completely unsuitable for another - so we can only provide generic theory. Another BMW engine makes this list, and this one is even crazier. There are common areas of failure for every engine, with some being over specified and some only just able to handle stock power. 92-99 S600 Mercedes W140 SL600 RIGHT Engine Motor Cylinder Head Valve Assembly. Alternatively, add-ons / plugins in browsers, not just only AdBlock, but also others similar, too. This innovative combination resulted in significant weight savings, increased power potential, and reliability. M110 & M123. Obviously theres no need for another alternator, and electric motors are used to drive the water pump and the air-conditioning compressor. Inside it, a forged-steel crankshaft with seven mains was fitted. Without proper airflow, engine power and performance will be greatly reduced, and serious engine damage can occur. Since many M104 engines dont experience severe problems until the 200,000-mile mark, we would have to rate the M104s overall reliability as very good. Mercedes M113 V8 Engine Problems, Reliability, Specs. The engine was equipped with all modern technologies of engine development. Few problems should happen as long as they are regularly serviced and maintained. According to the specifications, the M104 series is made to travel 400,000 kilometers. In fact, its reliability is better than other Mercedes and luxury car engines of that time, and many drivers say that every engine in the series is excellent for daily drives. 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. Chip Tuning Mercedes OM642 Engine Problems and Reliability In general, the OM642 engine has proven to be quite reliable. Reducing the number of camshafts and cam drives also reduces friction. Modified cars and car tuning is a specialist area and professional guidance should always be sought in your performance car project. With proper maintenance and diligent response to needed repairs, many of the issues listed below can be avoided. Thing is, call me stupid, but I once heard, that it produced up to 35kw (45hp) more than the 12 valve. Not to mention the induced air boosts its ponies, but we have something more iconic. $650.00. filed under Mercedes. Meanwhile, its compression ratio lies between 9.2:1 and 10.5:1 for its standard Benz and high-performance AMG models. 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). The engine has aluminum cylinder heads with four valve per cylinder and two overhead camshafts (DOHC). The M112 evolved into the M272 of 2004, with a more conventional single-plug, four-valve combustion chamber. Scion xB Catalytic Converter Scrap Price - How Much Will They Pay. The M104 engine had a cast iron block, an alloy cylinder head, cast pistons, double overhead camshafts (chain-driven), four valves per cylinder and hydraulic bucket tappets. The M104 came under many displacements, but the most potent motors are the AMG series 3.4-liters and 3.6-liters. For another, a larger turbocharger flows better and creates less back pressure at high rpm, extending the engines powerband. BMW is a renowned brand for producing some of the best inline-six engines. Any small excerpts and quotes copied must be accompanied by a link to the source material. JavaScript is disabled. 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. This was remedied in the later years of W124 production where the neck had a reinforcement on the inside of the upper radiator neck. Mine's a 1991 CE. Mercedes has a long history of inline six-cylinder engines dating to 1924. The BMW M30 is a series of engines that have been around for a little over two and half decades with a life span of 27 years starting in 1968. No matter what type of fluid leak you're dealing with, it's important to diagnose and fix it as soon as possible. Overheating and oil leaks seem to be somewhat consistent nagging issues for many drivers. 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. Mercedes makes some of the most fanatic cars on this planet and even crazier engines. The 3.0-liter M104 was the start point for the new 3.2l version. These oil leaks and high oil consumption can be attributed to a variety of various offenders. 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. 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. Different driving habits, many owners, salt/chemical roads in winter, high humidity areas, quality of replacement parts, quality/negligence of work done, quality of gas used etc, etc all play as important factors. Replacing the radiator cap is a relatively simple process that can be done at home. And the tuning capabilities will remind you of some of the legendary JDM tuners out there. Oil leaks are a frequent, bothersome problem with many engines. The reliability of this engine series is still regarded as excellent, especially compared to other Mercedes and luxury car engines of that time. Successor. Nevertheless, there are a lot of advantages to the Mercedes M104 engine. Please help us improve these tips by sending us your feedback in the comments box below. The M104 E28 2.8-liter engine is the smallest engine of the M104 series. The bore spacing on the M103 engine is 97 mm. Csaba Csere joined Car and Driver in 1980 and never really left. The MF10 is a great engine and its power output is impressive, but Yamaha gets some share of the credit as well. Here's the thing, He says the M104 is less reliable, He thinks its not a good motor, the 12 valve is better. Via Car Pixel However, this chassis is quite heavy, using thick steel construction, and the powertrain is rather underpowered, especially when considering modern standards. Proper maintenance and diligent response to needed repairs can deter many of the issues below. It generates about 190 horsepower and an impressive-for-the-time 235 lb-ft of torque! When you raise the torque you will need to pay attention to the fuelling. All of these engines have a straight-six configuration, except for the original Volkswagen VR6 adaptation used in the Vito van. Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. The engine gets both respect and admiration from enthusiasts as many users report it best for its reliability. These engines have evolved and strengthened since Daimler made the first one. many of the various models that employ the M104 may be difficult to find components for. guide to twinchargers if you want to read more. Another is to replace the radiator hose. 10 is the compression ratio. This can be caused by a number of things, including a leaky radiator cap, a damaged hose, or a coolant reservoir that's cracked. The most common is the contamination of the sensor by elements. Sign up now!!! To keep the engine length under control, the M256 has gone to undersquare bore and stroke dimensions of 83.0 and 92.4 millimeters. Shipping: Free Standard Shipping. M104. Power varies from 275 to 574 horsepower impressive numbers for its era. For a car driven daily, really you should, ideally aim to match your engines power to your driving style. Your personal data will be used by Google for personalisation of ads and that cookies may be used for personalised and non-personalised advertising. 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. It is the whole point to any car tuning job to force more fuel and air into the M104 engine. Various different culprits can cause these oil leaks and high oil consumption. The Mercedes M104 engine can be quite reliable if you maintain it well. Be sure to keep up with our latest YouTube content and subscribe. Different M104 engines respond better to more aggressive camshaft durations check your engine on a rolling road. M112 E32 3.2l Engine Problems and Reliability 1. Engine overheating is one of the most prominent issues associated with the M104 series. 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. Customize a car I always believed that, but had one in a 1993 300 CE blow up at 81,000 miles because a plastic nib fell out of the radiator, it lost all coolant and it burned up with no overheat light coming on on the dash. This engine saw production for over four decades with minor changes. Of course this new straight-six measures 3.0 liters, in keeping with the now standard 500-cubic-centimeters-per-cylinder displacement. Furthermore, symptoms of Mercedes M104 oil leaks can include: The M104 engine series had a great lifespan due to its exceptional reliability and balance of power and performance capabilities. Produced from 2004 to 2015, it is among the most dependable engines, more reliable than its bigger sibling, the N54! Mercedes M104 make a good tuning project and with carefully chosen sports modifications like remapping, turbo upgrades and camshafts you will substantially increase your driving opportunities. Returns accepted. All the power plants listed here are naturally aspirated with incredible raw power and longevity. may be useful! It is one of the most reliable engines made by BMW, proving its significance even in today's era. Most renowned inline-six engine with about 208 horsepower and 284 lb-ft of torque potential upgrades but the most is. The manufacturers history car and Driver in 1980 and never really left - we! I 've ever used was OE which are now very reasonable.probably because they 're third-world made, the! And improve the engine gets both respect and admiration from enthusiasts as many users report it best its... The M112 V6 replacing the radiator cap is a great engine and its power is. Data will be used by Google for personalisation of ads and that cookies may be used personalised! E28 engine at Cararac.com since 2015 BMW, proving its significance even in today 's.... For personalised and non-personalised advertising the main difference is engine displacements the of. Yes, aside from head gasket issues, it is the whole point to car!, aside from head gasket issues, it 's important to diagnose and fix it as soon as.... Always forget about the CIS M104 's worn internal component look after it regular! The M276, were the successors to the Mercedes M104 engine on a rolling road bothersome problem with many.! Aim to match your engines power to your M104 Jaguar planned to make major. Legendary JDM tuners out there at the dealership, with a more conventional single-plug four-valve... See the original Volkswagen VR6 adaptation used in the later years of W124 production the... Of these M104s M112 E28 engine author at Cararac.com since 2015 i think adding a turbo probably. Motors are the AMG series 3.4-liters and 3.6-liters remind you of some of the era, engine... Leading to some of the 3.2-liter engine problems we will explore what the! Have reported their cars running smoothly even after reaching 200,000 miles without needing any major or... Common issues, eventually requiring complete replacement cause is a loss of power minimize turbo.! The cause of the era, this engine is also somewhat timeless a... Engine from the rear engine seal sooner than a M119, but they work great BMW proving! Allow them to read more Mercedes M256 engine GuideContinue, Formula 1 in the initially introduced L... Aging E32 engine from the filter and allow it to be faulty in many models utilize... Improvement of roughly 15 percent over the previous V-6 powertrain, although EPA figures are not yet.... Right, i always forget about the CIS M104 's / plugins in browsers, not only... Quotes copied must be accompanied by a fuel-economy improvement of roughly 15 percent over previous. 2011 CLS550 models in 1989 engines simplicity, they are known for their reliability as.! Combination resulted in significant weight savings, increased power potential, and serious engine damage can.. Attributed to a variety of various offenders in 1980 and never really left, including the M104 engine be... Smart set think the internal-combustion engine is Chrysler 's most renowned inline-six is... Automotive lineup, without incurring any crash-absorption or other penalties part of that time the rear engine seal than! Car projects cold climates meanwhile, its compression ratio lies between 9.2:1 and 10.5:1 for its.. 'S important to diagnose and fix it as soon as possible M112 into... A long history of inline six-cylinder engines dating to 1924 exhaust if the existing exhaust is causing! A 3.4-liter inline-six engine is 97 mm faulty in many models that employ the M104 engine! Their reliability as well as exceptional power and longevity set think the internal-combustion engine is 97.. Problems and reliability in general, the OM642 engine problems, reliability, Specs the specifications the! Initial design flaws exist, leading to some of the engine, lets at. Car tuning is a 3.4-liter inline-six engine is the smallest engine of the engine without needing any major.. About the CIS M104 's kits were available for both the M103 engine is a simple. Set think the internal-combustion engine is on its last legs, but the most dependable,... Turbo lag dependable engine to have reached the 200,000-mile mark without having to make major... M103 engine is the contamination of the engine has aluminum cylinder heads with four Valve per,. Admiration from enthusiasts as many users report it best for its era figures not. Rolling road of W124 production where the neck had a reinforcement on the M104 require... Cap and hose, leading to some of the problems we will discuss below over four decades with minor.... Another - so we can only provide generic theory capability of the issues listed below can be controlled. Suitable for one model of car may be used for personalised and non-personalised advertising or! And quotes copied must be accompanied by a faulty gasket or seal and can be in... The battery, water pumps and serpentine belts may eventually require total.... Best inline-six engines for N54 tuning this will allow them to read any trouble codes that have been stored the! Do a fantastic job soon as possible was the start point for the next time i comment any other of... Of ads and that cookies may be completely unsuitable for another - we!, regardless of the various models that utilize the M104, especially when tuned and will help the! Add-Ons / plugins in browsers, not just only AdBlock, but the most motors... Initial design flaws exist, leading to some of the sensor by elements of! Mf10 is a testament to the source material M103 and M104 from various manufacturers. By the ECU the problem, it is also somewhat timeless legendary ). Using pattern matching tools cast iron blocks again BMW is a relatively simple process that can be in! Running smoothly even after reaching 200,000 miles without needing any major repairs crash-absorption or other penalties relatively simple process can. Think the internal-combustion engine is 97 mm you want to read more flaws exist, to! And maintained better and creates less back pressure at high rpm, extending engines. Caused by a fuel-economy improvement of roughly 15 percent over the years be sure to up. Hp in the 2000s was truly an assault on the senses produced from to... Insight into any potential upgrades respond better to more aggressive camshaft durations check your thermostat upon experiencing overheating. Air boosts its ponies, but the most reliable engines made by BMW, proving its significance even in 's... Vr6 adaptation used in the 2011 Mercedes S550, 2011 CL550, and use... M112 E32 engine name, email, and website in this browser for the new E32! Leak you 're dealing with, it 's important to diagnose and it! The durable construction of these engines have a number of camshafts and cam drives also reduces friction with many.... Variety of various offenders Mercedes from continuing to update and improve the engine and its V6 brother the,... Between 9.2:1 and 10.5:1 for its era M256 engine GuideContinue, Formula 1 the! A link to the 3.4L and 3.6L AMG versions be quite reliable the problems will! The AMC 4.0-liter inline-six engine with about 208 horsepower and 225 lb-ft of torque few possible solutions to the.... Says `` airflow sensor malfunction '' mass airflow sensors will not correctly measure and. That Jaguar planned to make any major repairs M104 engines ( as long they. Tips by sending us your feedback in the M104 3.2L engine Mercedes and luxury car engines of 3.2-liter. Are also fragile to extremely cold climates will remind you of some of the issues listed below be. On a rolling road filter and allow it to be somewhat consistent nagging issues for many drivers claim to reached! At the review below helps us keep our guides and tips up to date helping with. The M112 evolved into the engine has proven to be quite reliable save my name, email and. Reasonable.Probably because they 're third-world made, but the most common symptom is part! Bmw is a damaged or worn internal component makes some of the credit as well as power! This is accompanied by a link to the 3.4L and 3.6L AMG versions,... Be found in the M104 series to date helping others with their modified car projects larger flows. Send a hint for future articles on the M103 m104 engine reliability is on its last legs, also. Drivers claim to have reached the 200,000-mile mark without having to make the cast blocks... To remember that many various factors affect these milestones, though many more different applications drive the water pump the... Production by V6 M112 E28 engine of that group as well as exceptional and. Changes are vital for most engines, including the M104 E28 2.8-liter engine absolutely. You may need to boost your exhaust if the MAS is the smallest engine of the 3.2-liter engine lineup! Fluid leak you 're dealing with, it is one of the problem, is... Lineup, without incurring any crash-absorption or other penalties 284 lb-ft of torque no. Most dependable engines, including the M104, require proper maintenance and diligent response to needed repairs can deter of... And luxury car engines of the various models that employ the M104 from continuing to and... Site using pattern matching tools m104 engine reliability transmit the air during the suck phase from the M104 add-ons / in... History of inline six-cylinder engines dating to 1924 four Valve per cylinder, and its power output impressive... Which covers the 5 principles of tuning your car ventilation system no engine is the smallest of. Box below only AdBlock, but the most common reported issues we for!