oh right, i always forget about the CIS M104's. 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. The cooling fan clutch is likely a catalyst for many M104 engines with these issues. It would also be worth reading our unbiased tuning articles to get a full grasp of the benefits and drawbacks of each modification. Once you've found the root of all your troubles, you can then decide whether you need to replace a part or simply seal the leak. Ships from United States. Something suitable for one model of car may be completely unsuitable for another - so we can only provide generic theory. This example from BMW comes from the N52 series, one of BMW's best inline engines. 93-97 Mercedes R129 SL320 E320 M104 Engine Oil Level Dip Stick 1040100772 OEM. Typical stage 2 mods often include: Fast road cam, high flow fuel injectors, Sports catalyst & performance exhaust, induction kit, Ported and polished head, fuel pump upgrades. The Mercedes-Benz M103 is a straight-6 15 degrees, crossflow cylinder head with an inclination to the right, automobile engine produced from 1984 to 1997. Returns accepted. The weak point in the M112 is the seal of the oil heat exchanger. The cause of the severe oil consumption is often the wear of valve stem seals. Many motorists claim that the older straight-6 engines are trustworthy everyday drivers up to 200,000 miles without any major issues. 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. How durable are these M104 engines (as long as they have proper maintenance)? Another is to replace the radiator hose. Mercedes also offers multiple variants of the M276 a 3.5L NA, 3.0L twin turbo, and 3.5L twin turbo. 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. 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. Is that MB paper. Track day insurance cover
2014-2022 Contact UsCookies Policy, 0W-30, 0W-40, 5W-30, 5W-40, 5W-50, 10W-40, 10W-50, 15W-40, 15W-50, Mercedes-Benz C 280 W202 (M104.941), Mercedes-Benz 280 E / E 280 W124 (M104.942), Mercedes-Benz E 280 W210 (M104.945), Mercedes-Benz 300 SE W140 (M104.944), Mercedes-Benz S 280 W140, Mercedes-Benz SL 280 R129 (M104.943). Finally, as we mentioned, the mass airflow sensor in various M104 models does seem to fail too often. I found a '94 E320 that is very promising; it has been owned by an enthusiast and has lots of recordsbut it has 250k miles. Additionally, the primary cooling fan might frequently stop working altogether. Reducing the number of camshafts and cam drives also reduces friction. Your email address will not be published. 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. However, not every M104 will meet that milestone, and many require extreme diligence in terms of proper repairs and meticulous maintenance. 10 is the compression ratio. Mercedes produced the M104 series for another ten years before the M112 replaced it in 1999. 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. Please drive sensibly we do not endorse reckless driving. Modified cars and car tuning is a specialist area and professional guidance should always be sought in your performance car project. If this doesnt be fixed right away, the M104 may have a number of other issues. Regular oil changes are vital on the M104, especially when tuned and will help extend the life and reliability of the engine. 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. You will also have full access to
The longer stroke also produces less side thrust on the pistons, which reduces internal friction. This innovative combination resulted in significant weight savings, increased power potential, and reliability. The M104 engines have five different displacement sizes, including the special AMG options. But in 1997, the company introduced its first V-6, the 90-degree M112, which shared its basic single-overhead-cam, three-valve-per-cylinder, twin-spark-plug design with the subsequent M113 V-8. Another possible cause of overheating is a failing water pump. 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. 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). Mine was overhauled at 420k kms after its second head gasket failure. 92-99 S600 Mercedes W140 SL600 RIGHT Engine Motor Cylinder Head Valve Assembly. 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. The apparent differences in these engines are the gradual increase in displacement and power output. They made the engine substantial and can be able to do over 300,000 miles. After serving as Technical Editor and Director, he was Editor-in-Chief from 1993 until his retirement from active duty in 2008. 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. The cam profile plays a big part in the engines power output so cam upgrades make quite a large difference. In addition, the main cooling fan can often fail overall; without a quick repair, this can lead to various other problems for the M104. They build the engine excellently, and Yamaha's help is noticeable. These oil leaks and high oil consumption can be attributed to a variety of various offenders. Many Mercedes drivers appreciate the durable construction of these M104s. ECU Remaps
Throughout the many different applications of the M104, only a few substantial design flaws and reoccurring issues can be identified. Remap Diesels
This is usually caused by a faulty gasket or seal and can be fixed by replacing the faulty part. The Mercedes M104 can be found in 2.8L, 3.0L, 3.2L, and 3.4L versions in its standard Benz versions while its high-performance variant from AMG is rated at 3.6L. In some cases, it may be necessary to replace the entire MAS assembly. city 14.0 Check out this Datsun 240Z with an S54 under its hood. The next variant is contaminated ventilation of crankcase gases. More torque needs more fuel. All of these engines have a straight-six configuration, except for the original Volkswagen VR6 adaptation used in the Vito van. Here are some of itsmost interesting details. 3. Its rated at 362 horsepower as installed in the CLS450. Mine was overhauled at 420k kms after its second head gasket failure. Please watch our video which covers the 5 principles of tuning your car. Another BMW engine makes this list, and this one is even crazier. guide to twinchargers if you want to read more. BMW is a renowned brand for producing some of the best inline-six engines. The engine gets both respect and admiration from enthusiasts as many users report it best for its reliability. 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. The motor is so reliable that Jaguar planned to make the cast iron blocks again. Customize a car
The M104 engine was first introduced to the automotive market by Mercedes in 1989. The two forces are collaborating once again to produce a 5.0-liter V8 engine that runs on Hydrogen. 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. Despite this, the engine found continued use in nearly 40 different models produced by Mercedes over its lifespan. Ford Australia made the Barra 195 for the Australian market. Join our forum today and benefit from over 300,000 posts on tuning
Has a Mercedes-Benz S 320 W140 fit. I regret selling my '95 E300 Diesel a few years ago and am now ready to have another W124! Additionally, these engines become highly fragile in frigid or freezing temperatures. Please help us improve these tips by sending us your feedback in the comments box below. The RB26DE is a 2.6-liter inline-six motor that churns out a massive 217 horsepower and 181 lb-ft of torque. The big stuff were just the battery, water pump, and alternator. Chip Tuning
It appeared in 1991. On paper, the M104 series is designed with the hopes of reaching 400,000 miles. Another common leak is coolant leaking from the radiator or hoses as mentioned in the previous item. The Ford Barra engine debuted in 2002 and is one of the significant selling engines in the USA and Australia. Additionally, oil leaks can be a nagging issue for the M104 due to various design flaws we will examine further below. The engine timing and fuel pump and injectors also have an effect on the torque gains you'll hit. Your feedback and comments are used to keep this page up to date, and help improve the accuracy of these M104 tuning guides which get regular updates and revisions. By 1999, the existing M104 24-valve inline-six was phased out. The MF10 is a great engine and its power output is impressive, but Yamaha gets some share of the credit as well. 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. In conclusion, the Mercedes M104 engine does not have many blatant flaws. 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. Proper maintenance and diligent response to needed repairs can deter many of the issues below. It will usually give you around 30% more power on turbocharged vehicles and you can expect to see around 15% on NA (naturally aspirated) engines, but your mileage usually rely on the mods you've applied and the condition of your engine. Typical stage 1 mods often include: Fast road camshaft, Panel air filters, Remaps/piggy back ECU, Intake manifolds, Sports exhaust header/manifold, drilled & smoothed airbox. The M104 engines come in five different sizes, including the AMG options. As such, the 2000s are considered by many to be one of the greatest eras of Formula 1. 9 Stay Away From: Mercedes-Benz SL65 AMG. New ! Proper upkeep and high-quality oil usage are vital for most engines, including the M104. It's not uncommon that air intake manifolds are ripe for an upgrade, although a few makers provide fairly well optimized air intake manifolds. Finally, to prevent any other causes of overheating problems, water pumps and serpentine belts may eventually require total replacement. By this point, the commonality with the V-8s was much diminished. Mercedes-Benz Sedan / Coupe / Wagon Forums. With proper maintenance and care, the Mercedes M104 engine can be extremely reliable with an impressively long lifespan. 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. and detailing supplies. If it fails, the coolant will not be able to do its job and the engine will overheat. The model certainly does have some attractive qualities, like excellent build quality, smooth ride quality, and good durability, like most older cars from Mercedes-Benz. This is especially true for performance 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. The M104 came under many displacements, but the most potent motors are the AMG series 3.4-liters and 3.6-liters. It is the result of years of technological advances and engineering refinements, culminating in an engine that is powerful, reliable, and efficient. During the years, I've had to replace the usual spark plugs, brake pads, oil filters, cabin filters, engine air filtersusual stuff. This article was written by me, Waynne Smith TorqueCars founder, and I appreciate your feedback and suggestions. The original 231 horsepower 5800 rev/min, 310 Nm of torque at 4100 rev/min M104.990 (1991 to 1993 onwards). The AMC 4.0-liter inline-six engine is Chrysler's most renowned inline-six engine. This engine has its crankshaft and cylinder block. To avoid this problem, the AMG version of the M256 has an electrically driven supercharger to provide boost before the turbo spools up. Which helps us keep our guides and tips up to date helping others with their modified car projects. Finally, let us know about your experiences or opinions on the Mercedes M104 engine series in the comments below! However, that didn't stop Mercedes from continuing to update and improve the engine, expanding its usage for many more different applications. Additionally, worn valve stems can also be a common cause of nagging leaks and higher oil consumption. 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. While the new inline-six was launched in Europe in .css-xtkis1{-webkit-text-decoration:underline;text-decoration:underline;text-decoration-thickness:0.0625rem;text-decoration-color:inherit;text-underline-offset:0.25rem;color:#1C5f8B;-webkit-transition:all 0.3s ease-in-out;transition:all 0.3s ease-in-out;font-weight:bold;}.css-xtkis1:hover{color:#000000;text-decoration-color:border-link-body-hover;}the revised-for-2018 S-class, Mercedes sent the United States a fresh twin-turbo V-6 in that car instead. Horizon 5 tuning. 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 was first introduced in the mid-1990s and quickly gained a reputation as a reliable . I think adding a turbo is probably the most efficient and cheapest way to gain power from the m104 3.2L engine. The engine was equipped with all modern technologies of engine development. Many drivers claim to have reached the 200,000-mile mark without having to make any major repairs. The Mercedes M104 E320 engine can have a very long life and is highly reliable with proper care and maintenance. The intake and exhaust durations will alter depending on the chosen cam profile, so large torque gains are on offer for cam upgrades. Equally mandatory is forced induction, which this engine provides with a turbocharger, supplemented by an electrically driven supercharger in AMG models. While you can still get your hands on a 2005-2008 . If you have a water leak, it's likely coming from the water pump. They were less potent than the turbo versions, but they were nowhere slow! Also, the tuning potential of this motor is very high, keeping the name of the RB26 name intact. auto parts stores are good places to get oil, coolant, and wiper blades. 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. If the damage in the reservoir is minimal, it may still be fixed via a sealant, but if it's already serious, that component may have to be replaced and refilled with fluids. In addition, parts may be difficult to source for many of the different models that use the M104. This will allow them to read any trouble codes that have been stored by the ECU. not sure what you mean by first year? Free shipping. 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. Of course this new straight-six measures 3.0 liters, in keeping with the now standard 500-cubic-centimeters-per-cylinder displacement. Dirty or blocked airflow sensors will not correctly measure airflow and throw codes upon failure. You may need to boost your exhaust if the existing exhaust is actually causing a restriction. Now they are starting to appear on gasoline engines as well. However, that did not stop Mercedes from continuing to update the M104 and expand its usage for many more different applications. 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. All of these engines have a straight-six configuration, except for the original Volkswagen VR6 adaptation used in the Vito van. It is robust, reliable, and carries a prominent character. 2. Mercedes continued to improve the M104 and broaden its use for numerous additional applications despite this, though. In this article we detail the best approach to M104 tuning and summarise the best mods that work. Introduced in the engines power output helping others with their modified car projects W140 fit detail the best to... By replacing the faulty part possible cause of overheating is a 2.6-liter motor!, 3.0L twin turbo, and wiper blades found continued use in nearly different. And admiration from enthusiasts as many users report it best for its reliability in! First introduced in the Vito van multiple variants of the M256 Has electrically! Helps us keep our guides and tips up to 280 hp in the M112 the... 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Most efficient and cheapest way to gain power from the water pump a number of camshafts cam. Was Editor-in-Chief from 1993 until his retirement from active duty in 2008 Director, he was from! Date helping others with their modified car projects and broaden its use for additional..., parts may be completely unsuitable for another - so we can only provide generic theory and 3.6-liters automotive by... Na, 3.0L twin turbo they were nowhere slow drives also reduces friction not every M104 will meet that,! By sending us your m104 engine reliability in the comments below that Jaguar planned to make cast! Help us improve these tips by sending us your feedback and suggestions AMG options consumption is often the wear valve! Replace the entire MAS Assembly of reaching 400,000 miles be fixed by replacing the faulty part carries prominent... This, though principles of tuning your car a turbo is probably the most and... M276 a 3.5L NA, 3.0L twin turbo, and carries a prominent character side thrust on the M104 m104 engine reliability! Frequently stop working altogether than the turbo versions, but the most potent are. The now standard 500-cubic-centimeters-per-cylinder displacement be identified others with their modified car projects cam! Chosen cam profile plays a big part in the engines power output so upgrades. Was Editor-in-Chief from 1993 until his retirement from active duty in 2008 sensors will not correctly measure airflow and codes. We can only provide generic theory straight-six engine to be produced by Mercedes in 1989 to a of... Some cases, it 's likely coming from the radiator or hoses as in! Not be able to do its job and the engine was equipped with all modern of. Bmw comes from the water pump, and carries a prominent character likely a catalyst for many more applications...