Mercedes E-Class S211 Engines — The Complete UK Guide
Every engine fitted to the S211 estate — from the M271 Kompressor four-cylinders to the M112 and M272 V6 petrols, the M113 and M156 V8s, and the OM646, OM647, OM648 and OM642 diesels. Real UK replacement costs, honest failure data, and the balance-shaft and injector issues that define this generation's ownership story. Backed by 338+ real UK E-Class enquiries in 2025 [MB-VERIFIED].
Explore S211 Engines
Mercedes E-Class S211 Engine Codes — The Complete Database
Every engine fitted to the S211 estate specifically — from the entry-level four-cylinder Kompressor to the fire-breathing M156 V8 in the E 63 AMG.
Overview
Mercedes E-Class S211 — Overview
The S211 is the estate body style of the third-generation E-Class, launched in February 2002 as the successor to the S210 estate.
Based on the W211 platform, it offered a wider range of engines than its predecessor, with petrol and diesel options spanning four-cylinder, V6, V8 and even V8 diesel configurations. A major 2006 facelift brought revised styling, the M272 and M273 V6/V8 petrols, and the OM642 V6 diesel that replaced the OM648 straight-six. The range-topping E 63 AMG, introduced in 2006, used the M156 6.2-litre V8 producing 514 PS. The S211 estate features self-levelling rear air suspension as standard, a system that requires careful maintenance on higher-mileage examples.
Key Facts
Platform
Mercedes W211
Predecessor
S210
Successor
S212
Sibling body style in this generation
W211 Saloon
Market Intelligence
The S211 E-Class estate generated 338 real UK engine enquiries in 2025 [MB-VERIFIED], concentrated on the OM642 diesel and M112/M272 V6 petrols as these cars enter enthusiast-owner territory.
Best & Worst Engines
Best Diesel Overall
OM642.920 (E 320 CDI, 2005–2009)
“The 3.0-litre V6 diesel OM642 is the standout engine of the entire S211 generation. It delivers 224 PS with 540 Nm of torque, combines power with refinement and economy, and regularly exceeds 400,000 kilometres with proper maintenance. Early OM642 units had some timing chain and injector issues, but post-2005 variants with optimised common-rail injection proved exceptionally durable.”
Who it's for: buyers who want the best combination of performance, economy and reliability in the S211 range.
Best Petrol Overall
M112.949 (E 320, 3.2-litre V6)
“The 3.2-litre M112 V6 is arguably the most bulletproof petrol engine ever fitted to an E-Class. 221 PS of smooth, naturally aspirated power, no balance-shaft issues, no timing-chain worries — just a robust, proven V6 that keeps going. The 2.6-litre M112.917 in the E 240 is equally solid.”
Who it's for: buyers who want V6 smoothness without the M272's balance-shaft risk.
Highest Risk
M272.943 / M272.964 (E 280 / E 350, pre-September 2006)
“The M272 V6 is a great engine — but early units (before September 2006) suffer from a well-documented balance shaft gear failure. The bearings fail between 100,000 and 150,000 miles, causing the timing to jump and potentially destroying the engine. Post-2006 engines have the revised parts and are much more reliable. If you're buying a pre-2006 E 280 or E 350, check the engine number against Mercedes' affected range.”
Who it's for: buyers willing to check engine numbers and budget for balance shaft replacement, or those buying post-2006 examples.
Most Expensive Failure
M156.982 (E 63 AMG, 6.2-litre V8)
“The 6.2-litre M156 V8 is a masterpiece — 514 PS of naturally aspirated AMG thunder. But when it fails, it fails expensively. Camshaft adjusters, lifters, and the sheer cost of AMG-specific parts mean replacement bills frequently hit five figures. The E 55 AMG's supercharged M113 V8 is cheaper to maintain.”
Who it's for: collectors and enthusiasts with deep pockets.
Best Value
OM646.963 (E 220 CDI, 2006–2009)
“The 2.1-litre OM646 offers 170 PS with genuine 50+ mpg economy and a proven 200,000-mile-plus lifespan when properly maintained. It's cheaper to buy, cheaper to insure, and cheaper to replace than the V6 diesels — the sweet spot in the S211 diesel range for most UK buyers.”
Who it's for: buyers who want diesel economy without the V6's complexity or running costs.
Most Overlooked
M113.967 (E 500, 5.0-litre V8)
“The 5.0-litre M113 V8 is often overlooked in favour of the AMG models, but it offers 306 PS of smooth, reliable V8 power without the supercharger complexity or the M156's eye-watering running costs. It's the S211's sleeper pick — a V8 that sounds wonderful and keeps going.”
Who it's for: buyers who want V8 refinement without the AMG tax.
Mercedes E-Class S211 — Ownership Economics
The S211 rule
A £2,500–£4,500 OM646 recon against a £4,000 S211 sits at 63–113% of the car's value. On a sub-£4,000 S211, that brushes our 70% Mercedes threshold — we'll honestly tell you to walk away. Against a well-kept £8,000+ example (particularly a V8 or AMG), the same recon drops to a routine 31–56% — a repair decision, not a financial one. Value the car first. For the OM642, the maths is similar — but these engines regularly exceed 400,000 kilometres, so a recon is usually a once-in-a-lifetime event.
Common Problems
S211 Engine Replacement Costs — By Engine and Condition
No Generation variance from the Model Page's baseline figures — S211 estate shares its W211-derived engine bay with the saloon, so costs are inherited directly per the Authority Model, with no divergence note required. M156 AMG costs reflect AMG-specific parts and specialist labour requirements.
Core Variants
Core Variants
Scope note: All variants listed are S211 estate only. W211 Saloon shares most of these engines but is covered on its own Generation Page, as fitment and labour access vary slightly by body style. The S211's self-levelling rear air suspension is unique to the estate and not present on the saloon.
Market Intelligence
Most Requested E90 Engines (2025)
- 1.1. OM642.920 (E 320 CDI) — V6 diesel favourite [PATTERN DATA]
- 2.2. OM646.963 (E 220 CDI) — volume diesel [PATTERN DATA]
- 3.3. M112.949 (E 320) — V6 petrol enthusiast choice [PATTERN DATA]
Most Requested E90 Variants
- 1.1. E 320 CDI
- 2.2. E 220 CDI
- 3.3. E 320 [PATTERN DATA]
Average E90 Replacement Cost
£2,200–£6,500 reconditioned, supply only [MB-QUOTE]
Most Common E90 Failures
- 1.1. M272/M273 balance shaft (pre-2006)
- 2.2. Self-levelling rear air suspension
- 3.3. OM646 injector seal 'Black Death' [PATTERN DATA]
Mercedes E 320 CDI S211 (OM642)
6
enquiries
Mercedes E 220 CDI S211 (OM646)
4
enquiries
Mercedes E 320 S211 (M112)
3
enquiries
FAQ
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