Mercedes Diesel Engine...Pros & Cons

[ATravelingMan32]

I am seeing a lot more buses available with these Mercedes Diesel engines. Anyone out there using one? Any issues? Should we avoid these like the plague?

We understand that the Cummings Engine/Allison Trans. combo is the best we can get...but they are pretty hard to come by.

Thanks for your time and be safe out there!!!

[rossvtaylor]

There's nothing inherently wrong with the Mercedes diesels...they're good solid engines. The only issue is that parts tend to cost more and it can be harder to find knowledgable mechanics while out on the road. I wouldn't let a Mercedes engine keep me from buying the right bus.

[ATravelingMan32]

Originally Posted by rossvtaylor

There's nothing inherently wrong with the Mercedes diesels...they're good solid engines. The only issue is that parts tend to cost more and it can be harder to find knowledgable mechanics while out on the road. I wouldn't let a Mercedes engine keep me from buying the right bus.

Thanks! We have discussed the likelihood of increased repair/maintenance costs with that engine but also believe that Germany does make a good engine. It seems like everyone has passed on the Mercedes engine, opting for older DT466, Cummings, or Caterpillar diesel engines.

We appreciate your quick response, Good Sir!

[Beirdo]

If they are as good at making the large diesels as they are at making the small diesels, you are likely to love it as much as I love my E320 CDI... 3.2L L6 turbo diesel in that one.

[rossvtaylor]

Originally Posted by ATravelingMan32

It seems like everyone has passed on the Mercedes engine, opting for older DT466, Cummings, or Caterpillar diesel engines.

We've been fortunate to own quite a few buses and medium duty trucks, with a variety of engines. I have a personal bias towards the older mechanical diesels...especially the Detroit 2-strokes. But we've got, or have had, several modern electronically controlled diesels of lots of makes...and have had good luck with them. If given the choice, I'd avoid DEF (one more fluid to deal with) and DPF (failing to keep the filter clean could strand you when you least want it to happen). But if you're good about preventative maintenance, with all heavy-duty engines, you're probably in good shape. And I wouldn't skip the perfect bus just because it used DEF. Each engine has its potential issues...high pressure oil pumps need clean oil, for example...but regular maintenance can get you lots of trouble-free miles.

[joeblack5]

We have a 2004 mbe 906 with 420000 miles...no smoke.no leak.

No problems getting filters . Have not needed parts yet. We replaced a starter motor and a leaking fuel pump.

Johan

[ATravelingMan32]

Originally Posted by joeblack5

We have a 2004 mbe 906 with 420000 miles...no smoke.no leak.

No problems getting filters . Have not needed parts yet. We replaced a starter motor and a leaking fuel pump.

Johan

When you needed to get those limited repairs done, were you surprised at the cost? Where the mechanics confounded because its a foreign engine? OR are the Mercedes engines common enough that it was pretty standard to them?

Thanks!

[joeblack5]

Filters and fuel pump is very basic. Did it myself.

[EastCoastCB]

Mercedes are the better of the emissions era engines and one of the few I'd even own in the 2004-up era.

[s2mikon]

Remember Daimler owns both Mercedes and Detroit Diesel now. It has been merging the 2 brands for some time now. This is kind of a rebranding of DDEC engine controls and Mercedes engines. I put about 100000 miles on a 07 freightliner with the OM470 in it and I liked it very much. So don't let the name Mercedes frighten you. They know what they are doing.

[Sehnsucht]

I was just going to say basically what S2Mikon said, that although these Mercedes branded engines aren't as common in US production vehicles they're not alien to Freightliner dealerships. The Mercedes/Dodge/Freightliner Sprinter vans had a Mercedes diesel engine option and larger Mercedes diesels made it into FL60/70 box truck chassis and Columbia model semi trucks although that's probably where the "eww Mercedes" attitude originated. As with anything less common, this just means they stock fewer quantities of spare parts and if they only see one occasionally they may not always have instant recall on what ails these engines but nowadays the Freightliner knowledge base is extremely thorough so it just means they may have to look it up. And if you plan to do it yourself there's absolutely nothing that I know of that makes these engines any worse to work on DIY than any other brand of diesel, and in fact if I'm recalling correctly it's actually surprisingly simple fuel delivery system makes most others seem Rube-Goldbergian in comparison!

[Elliot Naess]

Daimler (Daimler-Benz/Mercedes/etc) also owns Freightliner, which explains a thing or two. Heck, they own Thomas Built Buses.

[MadMx]

My engine runs goods. I got it from the local school district and it was well maintained. The problem I have now is I need a water pump...it dripping a little bit, and I should replace it, and cant find one

[MadMx]

where are you getting your parts from? I need a water pump and it looks like all of the engine searches are for dog nose and not pushers....

[MadMx]

where do you get your parts from...i need a water pump and the search engines mostly are from front engines not pushers

[joeblack5]

Would not know what the difference would be besides likely not having a fan.

Ebay... Mbe 900 water pump shows 3 pieces...new $177...rebuild. 170 and 70..

Looks like you have to use your pulley.. since it can be rebuild you might want to check for a seal.

Good luck
Johan

[MadMx]

Thanks again. Now I have to track down that tool to get the pully off. It has two holes and a bolt in the middle. Ill check ebay as well. Thanks again

[MadMx]

Here I go again. I installed the new water pump, with a little modification, but the only problem I have is on top of the water pump, there is a sleeve, I dont think its rubber, but it doesnt have any clamps and when i put in anti freeze it leaks from there.....will it seize up when the motor gets hot, or can i purchase that piece

[joeblack5]

Maybe good if you post some pictures and explain what you had to modify.


Johan

[joeblack5]

The mbe 904 ..4 cyl has one thermostat.
The mbe 906 ..6 cyl has two thermostats.


Johan