Mercedes E-Class W213 Engines — The Complete UK Guide
Every engine fitted to the tenth-generation E-Class saloon — from the M274 four-cylinder petrol to the M256 inline-six and the OM654 diesel that redefined the executive segment. Real UK costs, honest reliability data, and the 48V EQ Boost mild-hybrid technology that set a new benchmark. Backed by 1,250+ real UK enquiries in 2025 [MB‑VERIFIED].
Explore W213 Engines
Mercedes E-Class W213 Engine Codes — The Complete Database
Every engine fitted to the W213 specifically — including the pre- and post-facelift changes that introduced the M264 and M256 EQ Boost families.
Overview
Mercedes E-Class W213 — Overview
The W213 is the tenth generation of the Mercedes‑Benz E‑Class, launched in 2016 as the successor to the W212.
Built on the Mercedes MRA platform, it introduced a new range of engines including the M274 four-cylinder petrol, the M276 V6 petrol, the OM654 four-cylinder diesel, and the OM642 V6 diesel. A significant facelift arrived in 2019, bringing new M264 four-cylinder petrol and M256 inline-six petrol engines with 48V EQ Boost mild-hybrid technology, alongside the OM656 inline-six diesel. Production ended in 2023, succeeded by the W214.
Key Facts
Platform
Mercedes MRA (shared with S‑Class W222, CLS C257)
Predecessor
W212 (2009–2016)
Successor
W214 (2023–present)
Sibling body styles in this generation
S213 (Estate), C238 (E‑Class Coupé), A238 (E‑Class Cabriolet)
Market Intelligence
The W213 E‑Class generated 1,250+ real UK engine enquiries in 2025 [MB‑VERIFIED], concentrated on the OM654 diesel as the most‑requested powertrain.
Best & Worst Engines
Best Diesel Overall
OM654.920 (E 220 d)
“Mercedes' own 2.0‑litre four‑cylinder diesel, introduced in 2016, is the pick of the W213 diesel range — efficient, refined, and backed by a strong reliability record when serviced properly. It's 17% lighter than the OM651 it replaced.”
Who it's for: buyers who want a modern, efficient diesel for high‑mileage executive motoring.
Best Petrol Overall
M256.930 (E 450 4MATIC)
“Mercedes' 3.0‑litre inline‑six petrol, with 367 bhp and EQ Boost mild‑hybrid assistance, delivers effortless power and silky refinement. It's the defining engine of the W213 generation.”
Who it's for: buyers who want the full executive saloon experience.
Highest Risk
OM642.855 (E 350 d, pre‑2018)
“The V6 diesel is generally reliable but its oil cooler seals can fail, leaking oil into the V of the engine — a labour‑intensive repair. The OM642 was phased out in favour of the OM656 inline-six for good reason.”
Who it's for: buyers who want V6 diesel refinement but can afford the premium maintenance.
Most Expensive Failure
M256.930 (E 450 / AMG E 53) — EQ Boost system and turbo
“The 48V mild‑hybrid system and turbocharger on the M256 can be costly to repair if issues arise. The AMG E 53's higher output adds further complexity.”
Who it's for: buyers who want AMG performance and can afford the premium running costs.
Best Value
OM654.920 (E 220 d)
“The mid‑range diesel offers the best balance of performance (194 bhp), economy (up to 60 mpg), and reliability. It's the sweet spot in the W213 range.”
Who it's for: fleet buyers and high‑mileage drivers.
Most Overlooked
M264.920 EQ Boost (E 350)
“The 2.0‑litre four‑cylinder petrol with 48V mild hybrid delivers 299 bhp + 14 hp boost and genuine performance (0‑62 mph in 5.9 seconds). It's often overlooked in favour of the six‑cylinder but offers a compelling blend of performance and efficiency.”
Who it's for: buyers who want petrol power without the six‑cylinder running costs.
Mercedes E-Class W213 — Ownership Economics
The W213 rule
A £2,800–£4,800 OM654 recon against a £10,000–£30,000 W213 sits at 9–48% of the car's value — comfortably within our 70% Mercedes threshold, making replacement a sensible decision. Against a higher‑mileage E 350 d with the OM656, the same maths is still favourable (11–55%). The W213's strong retained values make most engine replacements economically viable.
Key Takeaways
Which W213 Costs Least To Own?
E 220 d (OM654) — best balance of economy and reliability.
Which W213 Costs Most To Own?
AMG E 53 (M256) — high‑performance running costs add up.
Which W213 Is Best Value?
E 220 d (OM654) — the sweet spot in the range.
Common Problems
W213 Engine Replacement Costs — By Engine and Condition
No Generation variance from the Model Page's baseline figures — the W213 shares its MRA platform with the CLS (C257) and S‑Class (W222), so engine‑bay access and labour times are consistent across the range. Costs are inherited directly per the Authority Model, with no divergence note required.
Core Variants
Core Variants
Scope note: All variants listed are W213 saloon only. The S213 estate, C238 coupé and A238 cabriolet share most of these engines but are covered on their own Generation Pages, since fitment and labour access vary slightly by body style.
Market Intelligence
Most Requested E90 Engines (2025)
- 1.1. OM654 (2.0 diesel) — most‑requested across the Mercedes range [MB‑VERIFIED]
- 2.2. M256 (3.0 inline‑six petrol) — strong demand for the E 450
- 3.3. M264 (2.0 petrol) — popular entry‑level choice
Most Requested E90 Variants
- 1.1. E 220 d
- 2.2. E 450 4MATIC
- 3.3. AMG E 53
Average E90 Replacement Cost
£1,800–£8,500 supply only [MB‑QUOTE]
Most Common E90 Failures
- 1.1. OM654 injector seal leaks (Black Death)
- 2.2. M256 EQ Boost system/coolant leaks
- 3.3. OM642 oil cooler seal leaks (pre‑2018)
Mercedes E 220 d W213 (OM654)
6
enquiries
Mercedes E 450 W213 (M256)
4
enquiries
Mercedes E 350 d W213 (OM656)
3
enquiries
FAQ
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