How much does an OM615/OM617 engine replacement cost?

A reconditioned OM615, OM616 or OM617 typically costs £2,000–£3,500 supply only, varying by displacement and specific variant. Fitting adds £800–£1,400 depending on labour rates. Full professional rebuilds can exceed £5,000.

Is the Mercedes OM615/OM617 a reliable engine?

The OM61x series is rated 4.0★ out of 5 — these engines are legendary for their bulletproof reliability and are capable of 500,000+ km (over 300,000 miles) with proper maintenance. The OM617, in particular, gained a reputation as one of the most durable diesel engines ever produced.

What is the most common OM615/OM617 failure?

Common issues include rear main seal leaks (a known weak point that can lead to oil starvation), injection pump wear (Bosch M pump rack diaphragm failure on earlier units), and timing chain stretch requiring replacement every 200,000–250,000 km. Valves require adjustment every 15,000 miles due to the lack of hydraulic lifters.

Which Mercedes models use the OM615, OM616 and OM617?

The OM615 (1.9–2.2L four-cylinder) and OM616 (2.4L four-cylinder) powered the W114/W115 'Stroke 8' and W123 models as 200D, 220D and 240D. The OM617 (3.0L five-cylinder) powered the W123 300D, W116/W126 300SD, and W460 G-Class 300GD, both in naturally aspirated and turbocharged forms.

How long does the OM615/OM617 last?

With proper maintenance — regular oil changes, valve adjustments every 15,000 miles, and timing chain inspections — these engines are capable of 300,000–500,000 miles. Many examples remain on UK roads today, testament to their fundamental engineering quality.

Mercedes-BenzOM615/OM616/OM617DieselInline-4 / Inline-51958–1995

Mercedes-Benz OM615/OM616/OM617 Engine – Specs, Reliability & Replacement Cost

The Mercedes OM615, OM616 and OM617 are legendary cast-iron diesel workhorses – among the most durable engines ever built, but they need regular valve adjustments and rear main seal attention. Backed by real UK enquiries from EnginesMarket.co.uk.

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Mercedes-Benz OM615/OM616/OM617 Engine – Specs, Reliability & Replacement Cost

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Enquiry Data Available
15+
Models
Fitted
84/100
Engine
Score
Part of Engine Finders

Jaguar Mercedes-Benz OM615 / OM616 / OM617 Engine Overview

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

Engine Family

Mercedes-Benz OM615 / OM616 / OM617

Fuel

Diesel

Power Range

50–123 hp (naturally aspirated); 123 hp (OM617 turbo)

Overall Engine Score

84/100

★★★★☆

Configuration / Displacement

Inline-4, 1.9–2.4L (OM615/616) / Inline-5, 3.0L (OM617)

Modern turbodiesel four-cylinder engine with proven architecture.

Years Produced

1958–1995

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

Also fitted to Force Gurkha (India)

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

Mercedes-Benz OM615 / OM616 / OM617

Fuel

Diesel

Configuration /
Displacement

Inline-4, 1.9–2.4L (OM615/616) / Inline-5, 3.0L (OM617)

Power Range

50–123 hp (naturally aspirated); 123 hp (OM617 turbo)

Years Produced

1958–1995

Models Fitted (BMW only)

Cross-Brand Fitment

Also fitted to Force Gurkha (India)

Overall Engine Score

84/100

★★★★☆

Verdict & Rating

Rating:

4

out of 5

90% confidence – based on verified specialist rebuild reports and UK workshop consensus.

The OM61x series is one of the most durable diesel families ever built – but regular valve adjustments and rear main seal leaks are the main maintenance items – buy with confidence and a specialist inspection.

Best for:

Buyers wanting a classic Mercedes diesel with legendary longevity and mechanical simplicity.

Avoid if:

You're not prepared for the slower pace and regular maintenance (valve adjustments every 15,000 miles) these engines require.

Engine Score breakdown:

DimensionScore (of 20)

Reliability

4.0★ × 4

16 /20

Repair Cost

Reconditioned supply midpoint £3,000–£4,999

16 /20

Repairability

Well-understood, mechanically simple repairs; parts still available

16 /20

Parts Supply

Available from specialists; some parts becoming scarcer

16 /20

Replacement Economics

Recon cost 30–44% of lowest host-vehicle value

20 /20

Total Engine Score

84 / 100

Rating:

4

out of 5

90% confidence – based on verified specialist rebuild reports and UK workshop consensus.

The OM61x series is one of the most durable diesel families ever built – but regular valve adjustments and rear main seal leaks are the main maintenance items – buy with confidence and a specialist inspection.

Engine Score breakdown:

DimensionScore (of 20)

Reliability

4.0★ × 4

16 /20

Repair Cost

Reconditioned supply midpoint £3,000–£4,999

16 /20

Repairability

Well-understood, mechanically simple repairs; parts still available

16 /20

Parts Supply

Available from specialists; some parts becoming scarcer

16 /20

Replacement Economics

Recon cost 30–44% of lowest host-vehicle value

20 /20

Total Engine Score

84 / 100

Best for:

Buyers wanting a classic Mercedes diesel with legendary longevity and mechanical simplicity.

Avoid if:

You're not prepared for the slower pace and regular maintenance (valve adjustments every 15,000 miles) these engines require.

Compatible Jaguar Models

Jaguar Engine engines are fitted across 7+ models from 1968–1992.

Jaguar Exclusive Engine

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

1968

24 Years of Production

1992

W115

"Stroke 8"

W115

200 D / 220 D / 240 D

1968–19761 Variants →

W123

200 D / 220 D / 240 D / 300 D

1976–19851 Variants →

S-Class

W116 · W126

300 SD (OM617 turbo) · 300 SD / 300 SDL (OM617 turbo)

1978–19852 Variants →

G-Class

W460

240 GD / 300 GD

1979–19911 Variants →

T1

van

W601

207 D / 307 D / 407 D

1977–19881 Variants →

T2

van

W602

309 D / 409 D / 509 D

1986–19891 Variants →

MB100

W631

MB100 D / MB100 D 2.4

1988–19921 Variants →

+

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]

W115

"Stroke 8"

Generation

W115

Variant/Badge

200 D / 220 D / 240 D

Years

1968–1976

W123

Generation

W123

Variant/Badge

200 D / 220 D / 240 D / 300 D

Years

1976–1985

S-Class

Generation

W116

Variant/Badge

300 SD (OM617 turbo)

Years

1978–1980

S-Class

Generation

W126

Variant/Badge

300 SD / 300 SDL (OM617 turbo)

Years

1981–1985

G-Class

Generation

W460

Variant/Badge

240 GD / 300 GD

Years

1979–1991

T1

van

Generation

W601

Variant/Badge

207 D / 307 D / 407 D

Years

1977–1988

T2

van

Generation

W602

Variant/Badge

309 D / 409 D / 509 D

Years

1986–1989

MB100

Generation

W631

Variant/Badge

MB100 D / MB100 D 2.4

Years

1988–1992

+

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]

(Exclusive mode – no cross-link)

Jaguar Engine Engine Price Guide

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

i

Fitting an OM615, OM616 or OM617 typically takes 10–14 hours at £65–£95/hr (independent) or £110–£160/hr (London/SE dealer). Specialist/classic engine rebuilds may cost £5,000–£10,000+ for a full professional overhaul.

(Exclusive mode – no cross-link)

USED

Supply Only

£500–£1,200

Fitted (Indie)

£1,000–£1,900

3–6 months

Jaguar Engine Engine Price Guide

All prices are estimates from UK specialists

[JAGUAR-QUOTE]

USED

Supply Only

£500–£1,200

Fitted (Indie)

£1,000–£1,900

Warranty

3–6 months

Frequently Asked Questions

Expert answers to the most common BMW Engine engine questions.

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