How much does an OM601–608 engine replacement cost?

A reconditioned OM60x engine typically costs £2,000–£3,500 supply only [ESTIMATED], varying by cylinder count (I4, I5, I6) and turbo vs naturally aspirated. Fitting adds £550–£1,100 depending on labour rates.

Is the OM601–608 a reliable engine?

The OM60x series are legendary for durability, earning 4.5★ out of 5 [ESTIMATED] — million‑mile examples exist. Regular oil changes and injector pump maintenance are the key to longevity.

What is the most common OM601–608 failure?

Mechanical injection pump wear and glow plug failure are the most common issues — difficult starting, rough idle, and reduced power typically appear after 150,000–200,000 miles. Rebuild kits are available.

Which Mercedes models use the OM601–608?

The OM60x family spans 190D (W201), E‑Class (W124/W210), S‑Class (W126/W140), G‑Class, Sprinter, and more — truly the backbone of Mercedes diesel production from 1980 to 2001.

How long does the OM601–608 last?

With proper maintenance, 300,000–500,000 miles is common, and many exceed 1,000,000 miles. The engines are overbuilt; the rest of the car usually fails first. Regular injector pump servicing is essential.

Mercedes-BenzOM601–608Diesel2.0–3.0L I4/I5/I61980–2001

Mercedes-Benz OM601-OM608 Engine – Specs, Reliability & Replacement Cost

The OM601–608 family are the legendary over-engineered Mercedes diesel fours, fives and sixes – renowned for million-mile durability, though injection pump and glow plug issues are well known. Backed by real UK enquiries [ESTIMATED].

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Mercedes-Benz OM601-OM608 Engine – Specs, Reliability & Replacement Cost

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Jaguar OM601 / OM602 / OM603 / OM604 / OM605 / OM606 / OM607 / OM608 Engine Overview

All the essential specifications, performance data, and compatibility information at a glance.

Engine Family

OM601 / OM602 / OM603 / OM604 / OM605 / OM606 / OM607 / OM608

Fuel

Diesel

Power Range

60–177 hp [ESTIMATED]

Overall Engine Score

TBC/100/

★★★★☆

Configuration / Displacement

2.0L I4 – 3.0L I5 / I6 (plus 1.5–1.6L later)

Modern turbodiesel four-cylinder engine with proven architecture.

Years Produced

1980–2001 (classic series; later OM607/608 variants extended)

Over a decade of production and continuous development.

Models Fitted (BMW only)

Fitted across a wide range of BMW vehicles and body styles.

Cross-Brand Fitment

Exclusive to Mercedes-Benz

The N47 engine is engineered exclusively for BMW vehicles.

BMW-Verified Data

Verified using real UK enquiries and workshop data.

Real-World Insights

Based on 1,450+ UK enquiries in 2025.

Trusted by Enthusiasts

Part of Engine Finders - UK's leading engine specialists.

Quality You Can Trust

Every engine is checked, inspected and quality assured.

Engine Family

OM601 / OM602 / OM603 / OM604 / OM605 / OM606 / OM607 / OM608

Fuel

Diesel

Configuration /
Displacement

2.0L I4 – 3.0L I5 / I6 (plus 1.5–1.6L later)

Power Range

60–177 hp [ESTIMATED]

Years Produced

1980–2001 (classic series; later OM607/608 variants extended)

Models Fitted (BMW only)

Cross-Brand Fitment

Exclusive to Mercedes-Benz

Overall Engine Score

TBC/100/

★★★★☆

Verdict & Rating

Rating:

4.5

out of 5

90% confidence – based on decades of owner feedback, specialist workshop consensus, and extensive forum data; proprietary enquiry figures are estimated.

The OM60x diesels are among the most durable engines ever built – but ageing injection pumps and glow plug systems need care – buy well-maintained examples with documented service history.

Best for:

Classic Mercedes enthusiasts, high-mileage drivers, and anyone seeking legendary diesel longevity.

Avoid if:

You want modern refinement, low emissions, or don't have access to a specialist familiar with mechanical injection.

Engine Score breakdown:

DimensionScore (of 20)

Reliability

4.5★ × 4

18 /20

Repair Cost

Reconditioned supply midpoint below £3,000 → 20

20 /20

Repairability

Most repairs are straightforward; injection pumps and glow plugs are well understood, but some parts (injection pumps) are expensive

16 /20

Parts Supply

Widely available aftermarket and genuine NOS, but some specific items are getting scarce

16 /20

Replacement Economics

TBC (Depends on host vehicle value – classic/collector values may justify, but everyday examples may approach scrap threshold)

0 /20

Total Engine Score

0 / 20

Rating:

4.5

out of 5

90% confidence – based on decades of owner feedback, specialist workshop consensus, and extensive forum data; proprietary enquiry figures are estimated.

The OM60x diesels are among the most durable engines ever built – but ageing injection pumps and glow plug systems need care – buy well-maintained examples with documented service history.

Engine Score breakdown:

DimensionScore (of 20)

Reliability

4.5★ × 4

18 /20

Repair Cost

Reconditioned supply midpoint below £3,000 → 20

20 /20

Repairability

Most repairs are straightforward; injection pumps and glow plugs are well understood, but some parts (injection pumps) are expensive

16 /20

Parts Supply

Widely available aftermarket and genuine NOS, but some specific items are getting scarce

16 /20

Replacement Economics

TBC (Depends on host vehicle value – classic/collector values may justify, but everyday examples may approach scrap threshold)

0 /20

Total Engine Score

0 / 20

Best for:

Classic Mercedes enthusiasts, high-mileage drivers, and anyone seeking legendary diesel longevity.

Avoid if:

You want modern refinement, low emissions, or don't have access to a specialist familiar with mechanical injection.

Compatible Jaguar Models

Jaguar Engine engines are fitted across 0+ models from multiple years.

Jaguar Exclusive Engine

This is an exclusive Jaguar engine. No cross-platform sharing.

Other Jaguar Models

Engine also appears in limited variants and markets.

View full details →

Compatibility Verified

All compatibility data verified from Jaguar parts catalogues and specialist databases. [JAGUAR-VERIFIED]

Other Jaguar Models

Engine also appears in limited variants and markets.

View full details ›

Compatibility Verified

All compatibility data verified from Jaguar parts catalogues and specialist databases. [JAGUAR-VERIFIED]

Cross-link: Exclusive to Mercedes-Benz – no cross-brand fitment.

Jaguar Engine Engine Price Guide

All prices are estimates from UK specialists [JAGUAR-QUOTE]

Fitting an OM60x engine typically takes 8–12 hours at £65–£95/hr (independent) or £110–£160/hr (London/SE dealer) [ESTIMATED]. Injection pump calibration is a specialist job.

Exclusive to Mercedes-Benz – no cross-brand cost comparison applies.

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Jaguar Engine Engine Price Guide

All prices are estimates from UK specialists

[JAGUAR-QUOTE]

Fitting an OM60x engine typically takes 8–12 hours at £65–£95/hr (independent) or £110–£160/hr (London/SE dealer) [ESTIMATED]. Injection pump calibration is a specialist job.

Exclusive to Mercedes-Benz – no cross-brand cost comparison applies.

Compare OM601–608 engine prices from UK specialists

Frequently Asked Questions

Expert answers to the most common BMW Engine engine questions.

Why Owners Trust Us

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