Engine Family
OM642
Mercedes-Benz OM642 Engine – Specs, Reliability & Replacement Cost
The Mercedes OM642 is a 3.0-litre V6 diesel – dependable long-term, but the oil cooler seal is its defining weak point. Backed by 880+ real UK enquiries in 2025 [MB-VERIFIED].
880+
Enquiries
[MB-VERIFIED]
10+
Models
Fitted
/100
Engine
Score
Part of Engine Finders
Jaguar OM642 Engine Overview
All the essential specifications, performance data, and compatibility information at a glance.
Engine Family
OM642
Fuel
Diesel
Configuration /
Displacement
3.0L V6 Turbo
Power Range
190–265 hp (UK variants)
Years Produced
2005–present
Models Fitted (BMW only)
Cross-Brand Fitment
Exclusive to Mercedes-Benz
Overall Engine Score
TBC/
★★★★☆
Verdict & Rating
Rating:
3.5
out of 5
86% confidence – based on 880 UK enquiries, cross-referenced with specialist rebuild reports and manufacturer TSBs.
The OM642 is a strong, refined diesel V6 – but the oil cooler seal fails predictably and repairs are labour-intensive – insist on full service history.
Engine Score breakdown:
DimensionScore (of 20)
Reliability
3.5★ × 4 = 14
14 /20
Repair Cost
Reconditioned supply midpoint £4,350 – threshold £3,000–£4,999 → 16
16 /20
Repairability
Mix of cheap fixes and a few expensive, labour-intensive ones – oil cooler seal access requires significant disassembly
12 /20
Parts Supply
Well-supported via Mercedes dealer network and specialists, though some V6-specific parts carry a premium
16 /20
Replacement Economics
Reconditioned cost as % of lowest host value – £4,350 on a £3,500–£4,000 car = 109–124% → 4
4 /20
Total Engine Score
62 / 100
Best for:
High-mileage motorway drivers who value V6 refinement and can budget for preventative maintenance.
Avoid if:
Budget-conscious buyers shopping sub-£4k examples where a £1,500 oil cooler repair may not be economically justifiable.
Compatible Jaguar Models
Jaguar Engine engines are fitted across 12+ models from 2005–2019.
Jaguar Exclusive Engine
This is an exclusive Jaguar engine. No cross-platform sharing.
2005
14 Years of Production
2019E-Class
Generation
W211Variant/Badge
E 320 CDI / E 280 CDI / E 350 CDI
Years
2005–2009
E-Class
Generation
W212Variant/Badge
E 350 CDI / E 350 BlueTEC
Years
2009–2016
E-Class
Generation
W213Variant/Badge
E 350 d (OM642 later variant)
Years
2016–present
C-Class
Generation
W204Variant/Badge
C 320 CDI / C 350 CDI
Years
2007–2014
CLS-Class
Generation
W219Variant/Badge
CLS 320 CDI / CLS 350 CDI
Years
2005–2010
CLS-Class
Generation
W218Variant/Badge
CLS 350 CDI
Years
2011–2014
ML-Class
Generation
W164Variant/Badge
ML 320 CDI / ML 350 CDI / ML 280 CDI
Years
2005–2011
GLE-Class
Generation
W166Variant/Badge
GLE 350 d / GLE 300 d
Years
2015–2019
GL-Class
Generation
X164Variant/Badge
GL 320 CDI / GL 350 CDI / GL 420 CDI
Years
2006–2012
GLS-Class
Generation
X166Variant/Badge
GLS 350 d
Years
2016–2019
R-Class
Generation
W251Variant/Badge
R 320 CDI / R 350 CDI
Years
2006–2013
S-Class
Generation
W221Variant/Badge
S 320 CDI / S 350 BlueTEC
Years
2006–2013
S-Class
Generation
W222Variant/Badge
S 350 BlueTEC
Years
2013–2017
G-Class
Generation
W463Variant/Badge
G 350 d / G 320 CDI
Years
2009–present
Sprinter
Generation
W906Variant/Badge
Sprinter 316/319/519 CDI
Years
2006–present
V-Class
Generation
W447Variant/Badge
V 250 / V 300 d
Years
2014–present
Other Jaguar Models
Engine also appears in limited variants and markets.
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 OM642 typically takes 10–14 hours at £65–£95/hr (independent) or £110–£160/hr (London/SE dealer) [MB-QUOTE].
N/A – exclusive to Mercedes-Benz.
USED
Supply Only
£1,800–£3,200
Fitted (Indie)
£2,450–£4,150
3–6 months
RECONDITIONED
Supply Only
£3,200–£5,500
Fitted (Indie)
£3,850–£6,400
12–24 months
REBUILT
Supply Only
£4,500–£7,000
Fitted (Indie)
£5,150–£7,900
12–24 months
Compare Prices from UK specialists
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Jaguar Engine Engine Price Guide
All prices are estimates from UK specialists
[JAGUAR-QUOTE]
USED
Supply Only
£1,800–£3,200
Fitted (Indie)
£2,450–£4,150
Warranty
3–6 monthsRECONDITIONED
Supply Only
£3,200–£5,500
Fitted (Indie)
£3,850–£6,400
Warranty
12–24 monthsREBUILT
Supply Only
£4,500–£7,000
Fitted (Indie)
£5,150–£7,900
Warranty
12–24 monthsi
Fitting an OM642 typically takes 10–14 hours at £65–£95/hr (independent) or £110–£160/hr (London/SE dealer) [MB-QUOTE].
N/A – exclusive to Mercedes-Benz.
Frequently Asked Questions
Expert answers to the most common BMW Engine engine questions.
Why Owners Trust Us
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