Between 1993 and 2001, the 3.0-liter inline 6-cylinder Mercedes OM606 engine was assembled and fitted to well-known models like the E-Class, S-Class, and Gellwagen SUV. There were two versions of this power unit available: 300D with 136 horsepower and 300TD with 177 horsepower.
The diesel R6-family comprises OM603, OM606, OM613, OM648, and OM656.
Specifications
| Production years | 1993-2001 |
| Displacement, cc | 2996 |
| Fuel system | prechamber |
| Power output, hp | 136 (OM 606 D 30 or 300D) 177 (OM 606 D 30 LA or 300TD) |
| Torque output, Nm | 210 (OM 606 D 30 or 300D) 330 (OM 606 D 30 LA or 300TD) |
| Cylinder block | cast iron R6 |
| Block head | aluminum 24v |
| Cylinder bore, mm | 87 |
| Piston stroke, mm | 84 |
| Compression ratio | 22.0 |
| Features | no |
| Hydraulic lifters | yes |
| Timing drive | chain |
| Phase regulator | no |
| Turbocharging | no (OM 606 D 30 or 300D) yes (OM 606 D 30 LA or 300TD) |
| Recommended engine oil | 5W-40 |
| Engine oil capacity, liter | 7.5 |
| Fuel type | diesel |
| Euro standards | EURO 1 |
| Fuel consumption, L/100 km (for Mercedes E 300 TD 1997) — city — highway — combined |
10.9 6.1 7.9 |
| Engine lifespan, km | ~500 000 |
| Weight, kg | 245 |
The engine was installed on:
- Mercedes E-Class W124 in 1993 – 1996; E-Class W210 in 1995 – 1999;
- Mercedes G-Class W463 in 1997 – 2001;
- Mercedes S-Class W140 in 1996 – 1998.
Disadvantages of the OM606 engine
This diesel engine’s vibration load has an impact on the resources of its supports;
The timing chain can already stretch to a distance of 150–200 thousand kilometers, which puts the engine at risk;
Fearing overheating, the power unit bends away from it, and occasionally even the cylinder head explodes;
Fast couplings make it easier for high pressure fuel pumps to prevent air leaks.
Hydraulic lifters can run up to 100,000 kilometers on low-quality oil.