Produced between 1997 and 2006, the Mercedes OM 611 2.2-liter in-line diesel engine was used in Sprinter minibuses as well as passenger models like the W202 and W210. The crankshaft underwent two modifications because different versions have different working volumes.
The diesel R4-family comprises OM616, OM601, OM604, OM611, OM640, OM646, OM651, OM654, and OM668.
The German automaker Mercedes-Benz unveiled its new four-cylinder diesel engine in 1997. A dependable double-row timing chain, a cast-iron cylinder block, an aluminum 16-valve cylinder head with hydraulic lifters, and a Bosch Common Rail fuel system with a CP1 pump and straightforward electromagnetic injectors with a maximum injection pressure of 1350 bar are all features. Low-power engine modifications are supercharged by the GT1746S and GT2052S turbochargers, while more sophisticated models have a GT1852V or GTA1852V variable geometry turbine.
This diesel comes in two generations, CDI I and CDI II, which were manufactured concurrently. The second version, which has been in use since 2000, stands out for having an electric drive for swirl flaps rather than a vacuum one, an upgraded injection system, an electric heater, and an EGR valve.
Specifications
| Production years | 1997-2006 |
| Displacement, cc | 2151 / 2148 |
| Fuel system | Common Rail |
| Power output, hp | 82 – 115 (DE 22 LA red) 125 – 143 (DE 22 LA) |
| Torque output, Nm | 200 – 250 (DE 22 LA red) 300 – 315 (DE 22 LA) |
| Cylinder block | cast iron R4 |
| Block head | aluminum 16v |
| Cylinder bore, mm | 88 |
| Piston stroke, mm | 88.4 / 88.3 |
| Compression ratio | 18.0 – 19.0 |
| Hydraulic lifters | yes |
| Timing drive | double-row chain |
| Turbocharging | yes |
| Recommended engine oil | 5W-40, MB 229.1 |
| Engine oil capacity, liter | 6.5 (passenger cars) 7.5 (Vito) 8.5 (Sprinter) |
| Fuel type | diesel |
| Euro standards | EURO 3/4 |
| Fuel consumption, L/100 km (for Mercedes E 220 CDI 2000) — city — highway — combined |
8.5 4.8 6.2 |
| Engine lifespan, km | ~500 000 |
| Weight, kg | 190 |
The engine was installed on:
- Mercedes C-Class W202 in 1997 – 2001; C-Class W203 in 2000 – 2003; C-Class CL 203 in 2000 – 2004;
- Mercedes E-Class W210 in 1997 – 2002;
- Mercedes Sprinter W901 in 2000 – 2006;
- Mercedes V-Class W 638 in 1999 – 2003.
Disadvantages of the OM611 engine
The unit’s most well-known issue is the refractory washer burnout beneath the nozzles. It is recommended to replace them every 60,000 kilometers because disassembly is expensive in more advanced cases.
Here, the intake manifold has plastic flaps that just wedge and fall off, allowing soot and grease to seep out through the axle holes.
A drop in lubricant pressure causes the liners to crank or the crankshaft to fail on minibuses with this engine, and many install an oil pump with two gears from OM612.
Long runs may cause the high-pressure fuel pump to leak, the EGR to wedge, the pressure regulator to malfunction, and remember to replenish the fuel filter to prevent airing the system.