OM601 engine..Best engine ever made? - PeachParts Mercedes-Benz Forum

klaus kallas · #1 07-04-2003, 08:03 AM

I have a 1984 190D 2.2 with a 5-speed that has accumalated 340,000+ miles and still runs like new! Most of them I run into have similar high milage and was wondering what type of longevity other owners on this board have experienced?

On the rare occasion I have to work on the engine (belt, waterpump, etc) I am amazed at how well thought out the design is. I can get over the 72h.p. if the trade off is unlimited miles!!!!

Also, if someone knows of another 2.2 car ( 5-speed preferably), I'd like to put my father in one. He has an '85 Toyota Corolla diesel (how many of those have you seen??) that runs great and gets 55+ mpg, but the body has to be remade every spring as the rust demons love that Japanese metal. The Benz is also a more substantial car.

Let me know.... Thanks, Klaus.

P.E.Haiges · #2 07-04-2003, 10:33 AM

Klaus,

Try looking for the car you want in Ebay. I've always found what I wanted there. JUst be patient and one should show up.

Describe the 601 engine: How many cylinders, turbocharged, new design or old such as the 616, ETC?

P E H

sixto · #3 07-04-2003, 04:18 PM

P E H, the OM601 is 2/3rds of an OM603. Sturdy little beast. I've never heard of cylinder head, timing chain or connecting rod problems in the 601. Some early 601s might require valve adjustments but maybe I'm confusing it with early 103s.

Klaus, some family friends had a Corolla liftback Diesel back when they were new and loved it. L series engine, right? As fine an engine as is in your 190D, you deserve a lot of credit for making it last.

Sixto
95 S420
91 300SE
87 300SDL
83 300SD

WANT '71 280SEL · #4 07-04-2003, 09:18 PM

My brother's has 360k and no problems. A/C compressor doesn't come on. told is was a relay but don't know how to replace or check.
David

#5 07-05-2003, 08:42 PM

The 190D 2.2 is a great all around package, mine scoots along quite well. I think all of the 60X series are great motors, they are a good combination of technology, yet still simple enough that most owners can work on them. I only have two 60X issues, and they are not 601 items: 603 cylinder heads, and 350SD rods. Still, I thought enough of the 603 motor to get a 300D in spite of the cyl head $$$.

I should be keeping my 190D 2.2 as it fits my needs, likes and driving style, but I have been seduced over to the Dark Side, that being the 1987 300Dt camp. I still can't get over the occasional tire chirp! The first week I had the car I was wipping a U-turn, with the plan of backing into a parking space, realizing I was blocking another motorist, I expedited, and spun up the MXV4's!

I bet that your 190D 2.2 will go forever, or at least 450 -500k. I haven't gotten to the point of putting my 190 up for sale, if I do I will post it to this forum first, I will miss the 38mpg!

jobah · #6 07-05-2003, 09:18 PM

It is a great car.

362.5kmi and runs great (gets 100 miles a day on average).

Everything works but the parking brake (completely gutted now -- will be reassembled next weekend).

summer mileage has been 37+ on my 40 mile expressway trips @ 80.