Hey guys,

I’m looking at a 1995 124 diesel that’s for sale online, and the pictures of the engine look kind of interesting. It looks like the intake manifold runners split into two smaller runners for each cylinder – is this a 4-valve engine design? I have to admit my ignorance on these “newer” (post 617) diesel engines. I'm curious as to how much power this non-turbo puts out.

Does anyone have a link to a chart with the engine specs, or any charts showing which engines came in which years of the 124 chassis?

Thanks!

Glenn

In the US...

The 6-cyl OM606 in the 95 E300 (W124) is the same engine that carried into 96-97 in the W210 E300 and then gained a turbo in the 98-99 E300. It's a 4-valve engine. I believe it's rated at 134hp.

Other W124 Diesels are the 87 300D and TD with the 6-cyl OM603 turbodiesel rated at 143hp, and the 90-93 300D 2.5 with the 5-cyl OM602 turbodiesel rated at 121hp.

I believe the 87 300D is quicker and faster than the 2.5 and the W124 E300.

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

I've driven the 87 and 98 124 Diesels and found them them to be smoother, quieter, and quicker than my 126s. The 98 in particular was truly amazing.

Jerry

Interesting…

Sixto, when you say that the 606 engine is rated at 134 horsepower, is that the normally aspirated one from the ‘95, or the turbo from 98-99? Also, it’s interesting to note that the 2.5 turbo makes about the same horsepower (but what about torque?) as the 3.0 617; the progress of technology marches on…

I really like the idea of an 87, - the best of both worlds as far as economy and performance are concerned. I have been keeping my eyes open for a really nice 87, but they seem few & far between. Most seem to be fairly used-up, multiple owner cars that have been neglected by their third and fourth owners. I *almost* got one that already had the radiator & head replaced, AC fixed, trans rebuilt, front end redone, etc.; in other words, all the weak areas had already been addressed. Someone snatched the car just hours before I was scheduled to go get it.

the '95 OM606 is smooth as glass cruising at 90+mph as I do weekly. Yes, it is naturally aspirated but I am very pleased at it's overall performance. The whole package is very "tight" I've been changing the oil using Mobil1 15/50 and it seems very happy...

__________________
Mark Herzig
1995 E300D 153K
1985 300D 142K (sold)
1979 450SL 122 miles (sold)
1992 500E 127K (sold)
1987 300SDL 132K (sold)
1986 300E 161K (sold)

O.K., I just did a search by typing in “606” – plenty of good info in the archives. Sounds like the ’95 606 is comparable in acceleration to the 123 turbo’s.

Mark: I would love to find a car like yours, i.e., where someone is an enthusiast & therefore takes great care of their car, especially by using synthetic oil. Wanna sell your car???

Glenn

Just in case anyone is wondering, the 98/99 OM606 Turbo is 174 hp and 246 lb. ft.

It's quite a ride.

__________________
Rick Miley
2014 Tesla Model S
2018 Tesla Model 3
2017 Nissan LEAF
Former MB: 99 E300, 86 190E 2.3, 87 300E, 80 240D, 82 204D Euro
Chain Elongation References

Hey Rick, what are the 'real world' 0-60 and MPG specs for your OM606 turbo?

I've heard that adding an intercooler and adjusting the full load stop in the IP will bump the OM603 up to 175 hp--similar to the OM606 turbo. I like the idea of a 4 valve head though.

Also, I believe the OM 603 is rated at 148 hp, not 143 as was stated below.

0-60 about 8 seconds, 30 mpg

All the safety, class, and style of a Mercedes-Benz.

__________________
Rick Miley
2014 Tesla Model S
2018 Tesla Model 3
2017 Nissan LEAF
Former MB: 99 E300, 86 190E 2.3, 87 300E, 80 240D, 82 204D Euro
Chain Elongation References

I've driven Rick's car and it is, in my opinion, better performing than a late 80's 300E. Lot's of "grin factor"

Glenn,

Think I'll be keepin' this baby for awhile... My wife has already placed dibbs on it when I decide to get something else

__________________
Mark Herzig
1995 E300D 153K
1985 300D 142K (sold)
1979 450SL 122 miles (sold)
1992 500E 127K (sold)
1987 300SDL 132K (sold)
1986 300E 161K (sold)