I have the OM642 in my wife's 2008 ML320

We picked an 08 because it was the last year in that series that does not require DEF

126 k miles...so far the only major hiccup has been glow plugs.

It does need the special oil so a DIY oil change is around $100 or so.

Very intimidating to look at especially compared to an IDI inline engine.

__________________
The OM 642/722.9 powered family
Still going strong
2014 ML350 Bluetec (wife's DD)
2013 E350 Bluetec (my DD)

both my kids cars went to junkyard in 2023
2008 ML320 CDI (Older son’s DD) fatal transmission failure, water soaked/fried rear SAM, numerous other issues, just too far gone to save (165k miles)
2008 E320 Bluetec (Younger son's DD) injector failed open and diluted oil with diesel, spun main bearings (240k miles)

1998 E300DT sold to TimFreeh
1987 300TD sold to vstech