WHICH ENGINE DO I HAVE??? - PeachParts Mercedes-Benz Forum

graysilm · #1 07-24-2023, 09:35 AM

For as long as I have owned my 2006 E320CDI I have always assumed that she had a OM648 under the hood. That is until I accessed the hidden menu to check battery voltage and oil level. Much to my surprise OM613 was listed as the engine on the oil level page. I had never heard of the OM613 and after researching it I learned that it is very similar to the OM648, it was used for a few years before the OM648, and it seems as though it was more commonly used in the European diesel market than it was in the USA diesel market. Does anyone here happen to have an OM613 in their E320CDI? Were they commonly found in E320CDI's? I do recall the previous owner telling me that he did have to have the dealer replace a "computer" that had gone bad in the car but I don't remember which computer it was. Could it be possible that when the dealer installed and programmed the computer they accidentally selected the wrong engine during the programming process and that is why my dash is showing OM613, or do I most likely have an OM613?

Shern · #2 07-24-2023, 04:08 PM

Threw this in Chatgpt for fun...

The response:

While it's possible for there to be a software error leading to the wrong engine type being displayed, it's not a common occurrence. Most Mercedes-Benz E320CDIs, especially those sold in the US, were equipped with the OM648 engine. The OM613 was indeed more prevalent in European models, and it's quite rare to find one in an E320CDI in the US.

Considering the history of your car, it is possible that the previous owner or a mechanic may have replaced the original engine with an OM613. However, this would typically be an unlikely scenario due to the complexity and cost associated with an engine swap.

The most likely explanation for your situation is a software or data entry error when the "computer" (likely an Electronic Control Unit or ECU) was replaced.

When ECUs are replaced, they need to be programmed to the specific vehicle. This includes entering the correct engine type. If the mechanic made an error and inputted OM613 instead of OM648, it would show up in your hidden menu as such.

Given the rarity of OM613 engines in US E320CDI models and the complexity of an engine swap, it is less likely (though not impossible) that your vehicle actually has an OM613 engine.

Of course, the only way to be certain is to physically inspect the engine or cross-reference your Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) with Mercedes-Benz records. If you are not mechanically inclined, it would be advisable to take your vehicle to a professional to get it checked.

dieselbenz1 · #3 07-24-2023, 07:17 PM

Amazing answer for a non human.

Paulwho · #4 07-24-2023, 07:32 PM

looks to be a software error

VIN WDBUF26J86A853596
Model Year 2006
Model E 320 CDI
Engine 648961 30 129284
Transmission 722626 06 176428
Order Number 0 6 704 72539
Order Location UNITED STATES (USA)
Production Number 8720699
Interior MB TEX-LEATHER, TWIN/ARTICO - GRAY (138A)
Paint 1 CUBANITE SILVER - METALIC (723U)
Release Date 2005-07-18
Delivery Date 2005-07-18

Mercedes Benz VIN decoded at https://www.lastvin.com/vin/1eQm3AV5xj029GW6N

graysilm · #5 07-26-2023, 09:54 AM

That certainly is an impressive answer for a "non-human." Impressive and a bit scary as well. With regards to my car's engine:

1. If a software or programming input error is indeed the reason that the instrument cluster menu is displaying OM613, could that cause any operational or performance issues with an OM648?

2. Does anyone know precisely where the engine model # is cast into the block? I will be replacing my engine and transmission mounts in the next few days so I will have a good opportunity to inspect the block from different angles. I would really like to see the model # that is stamped on my block so I will know for sure what I have.

Shern · #6 07-28-2023, 02:45 AM

In the same spirit:

1. If a software or programming input error led to the wrong engine model being inputted, it could potentially lead to operational or performance issues, but this largely depends on how the control systems of the car are set up. If the software thinks it's controlling an OM613 but is actually dealing with an OM648, it might attempt to apply control strategies or parameters that are sub-optimal for the OM648, leading to poor performance or even engine damage in the worst-case scenario. However, it's also possible that the mistake only affects what's displayed on the instrument cluster and has no actual impact on the control of the engine.

2. The exact location of the engine model number can vary depending on the model and year of the engine, but typically, for Mercedes-Benz engines, the engine number is engraved on the engine block on the left (driver's) side, typically towards the back. You might need a flashlight and possibly a mirror to see it, as it can be obscured by other engine components. This could involve looking under the car if the number is not easily visible from the top. As this task involves getting close to potentially dirty or hot engine parts, please ensure the car is turned off, cooled down, and secured before you attempt to locate the number.