Used Mercedes OM642 3.0 V6 CDI engine: reading the 642.xxx reference
Since 2005, almost every six-cylinder Mercedes diesel has been built around the same engine: the V6 OM642, a 72° 3.0-litre unit found in the C, E, S, CLS, ML, GL, R and G-Class, in the Sprinter and Vito vans, and even at Chrysler and Jeep under the name 3.0 CRD. The badge changes (280, 300, 320, 350 CDI, BlueTEC, 318 CDI…), but the base engine stays the same. What sets one version apart from another is its six-digit reference, and that is the number you need to quote to order the right used engine.
The principle: 642 + three digits
The first three digits, 642, designate the OM642 family. The next three indicate the application: body type, engine position, drivetrain (rear-wheel drive or 4MATIC), power output and emissions standard. The full number is stamped on the block, followed by the engine serial number. It can be written 642.820, 642 820 or 642820 — it is the same reference.
Some references and their vehicles
Examples from our catalogue, read on the engines themselves:
642.820 (ML 320 CDI W164) — see the ML 3.0 CDI 642820 engine
642.826 (ML 350 BlueTEC W166 and GLE, 258 hp) — see the GLE 3.0 4MATIC 642.826 engine
642.867 (S 350 CDI / BlueTEC W222) — see the W222 350 CDI 642867 engine
642.856 / 642.921 (E-Class 3.0 CDI); 642.858 (CLS 350 CDI)
642.872 / 642.950 (R-Class W251 3.0 CDI) — see the R W251 642872 engine
642.887 (G-Class 3.0 CDI) — see the G 3.0 CDI 642887 engine
642.899 / 642.993 (Sprinter 3.0 CDI V6) — see the Sprinter 642899 engine
642.990 (Vito / Viano 3.0 CDI V6) — see the Vito 642 990 engine
642.982 / 642.989 (Chrysler 300C and Jeep Grand Cherokee 3.0 CRD) — see the 3.0 CRD 642982 engine
This list is not exhaustive: there are several dozen OM642 references. If yours is not listed, send us the full number read on your block, or the vehicle's chassis number (VIN).
Same family, but not always interchangeable
The drivetrain — a 4MATIC engine does not have the same oil sump or the same mounts as a rear-wheel-drive engine.
Van or car — the V6 in a Sprinter or Vito is installed and calibrated differently from the one in an E-Class or ML.
Emissions equipment — recent BlueTEC versions use AdBlue and sensors that the early versions do not have.
The Chrysler / Jeep versions — same base engine, but wiring harness, ECU and ancillaries specific to these vehicles.
Points to check on an OM642
The OM642 is a durable engine, but two issues often come up in the workshop: the oil cooler seals, the cooler sitting in the V between the two cylinder banks, which eventually leak, and the intake manifold with its flaps and their actuator. On a complete used engine, also check the condition of the injectors and that the listed ancillaries are present (turbo, rail, alternator, wiring harness). Our listings state the full reference, the mileage and the ancillaries supplied.
What you will find at Allomoteur
We have around sixty complete OM642 engines and bare blocks in stock, for cars (C, E, S, CLS, ML, GLE, R, G) as well as vans (Sprinter, Vito) and for the Chrysler and Jeep 3.0 CRD. Every engine is checked, guaranteed and shipped on a pallet in France and across Europe.
🔧 Need a used Mercedes 3.0 V6 CDI engine?
Allomoteur selects, tests and guarantees every engine and every gearbox before shipping. 3-month warranty, delivery to mainland France, secure payment by bank transfer.
👉 See Mercedes engines in stock — or write to us at contact@allomoteur.com, reply within 24 business hours.
⭐ Read Allomoteur customer reviews • 📘 Facebook • ▶ YouTube • 📸 Instagram • ✉ contact@allomoteur.com
