Mercedes truck engines, like the OM904LA Atego and other OM derivatives, are bulletproof workhorses for heavy goods vehicles (HGVs), including the Atego 715 and 1216.
Mercedes engines are exclusively found in Mercedes trucks, and the used market for Euro 3, 4, and 5 compatible Atego and Vario engines is strong. Even high-mileage examples (>400 km) often cost over £3,000.
OM366
The OM366 is Mercedes’ non-turbo workhorse, a 6-cylinder slugger with a 5.9-litre displacement for urban delivery and light haulage tasks.
It’s an oldie now, but the OM366 is so reliable that it commands a premium on the used market. Fleets line up to take the best examples.
OM904
The OM904 is a 4-cylinder turbocharged engine (LA designation) with 4.3 litres of diesel power and a Euro 3, 4, and 5-compliant design.
815 variants are widely found in distribution and light construction vehicles, while its sibling, the 818 Atego, tackles more demanding routes.
OM906
The OM906 series caters to more demanding applications with a 6.4-litre displacement—perfect for Econic, Atego, and Axor models.
Bin lorries are popular among OM906 users because of their torque characteristics, but they are also used in industrial applications, including airport stair machines.
OM611 and OM646
The OM611 is a van and light goods engine that deserves mention for its commercial versatility. The Sprinter, E-Class, and Vito models use this 2.2-litre 4-cylinder diesel, which is considered ideal by fleets because it doesn’t have unrealisable emissions gear.
The OM646 engine is available in 200 CDI and 220 CDI versions. Depending on the year, it powers the Vito (W639 model) with Euro 3/4 compliance.
Arocs engines
Mercedes’ latest lorry engines are available in four displacement classes: 7.7L, 10.7L, 12.8L, and 15.6L. They span 18 power output levels, ranging from 175 kW (238 hp) to 460 kW (625 hp).
Key features include:
- High torque even at low revs.
- Reduced gear shifting needs.
- Advanced Euro VI technology for improved fuel efficiency.
- X-Pulse injection system in larger models for higher power output.
Selecting the right engine
Get the used engine’s maintenance history (or as much of it as possible) for insight into potential longevity. You should also try to see the engine running in person or get a video of it running from the shop selling it.
MW Truck Parts is happy to provide such videos, and we fully disclose the condition of Mercedes truck engines with photographs.
All our engines come complete with all ancillaries except the engine ECU and have a declared VIN for legality.
In addition to condition and maintenance history, mileage is the most critical consideration when buying a used Mercedes truck engine.
Anything under 180,000 km is a relatively low-mileage engine, with 300,000 considered a mid-mileage specimen. Engines over 400,000 km carry higher risks and are priced to match.
