Mercedes-Benz B-Class engines

Since its launch in 2005, the Mercedes-Benz B-Class has established itself as an innovative compact van, offering a diverse range of Mercedes-Benz B-Class engines across three generations. Each generation brought with it new technologies and different strengths, with the development of conventional drive systems leading to modern electric and hybrid engines.

Mercedes-Benz B-Class Generation I (2005-2011)

The first Mercedes-Benz B-Class generation was a pioneering model in the compact van segment and was characterized by a solid, but not yet fully mature engine range. Mileage varied greatly depending on the engine type and maintenance intensity: while the tried-and-tested CDI diesel engines easily reached 300,000 to 400,000 kilometers with proper care, the early petrol engines often required costly repairs to valves or timing chains between 150,000 and 200,000 kilometers. Damage to the engine due to overheating or lack of oil was not uncommon if maintenance was neglected. The absolute top engine of this generation was the B 200 CDI with 140 hp, which optimally combined power, reliability and economy and proved to be the longest-lasting engine of the first generation.

Mercedes-Benz B-Class petrol engines: Generation I (2005-2011)

The Mercedes-Benz B-Class petrol engine range included various naturally aspirated engines from the M series. The entry-level B 150 had a 1.5-liter engine with 95 hp, followed by the B 170 with 1.7 liters and 116 hp. The most powerful Mercedes-Benz B-Class petrol engine was the B 200 with 2.0 liters and 136 hp as well as the sporty B 200 TURBO with 193 hp. These Mercedes-Benz B-Class engines suffered from typical problems of the time: valve coking, timing chain stretching and occasional overheating problems made them the more susceptible engines of this generation. The B 200 TURBO in particular proved to be high-maintenance and prone to turbocharger damage during sporty driving.

Mercedes-Benz B-Class diesel engines: Generation I (2005-2011)

Proven CDI technology dominated the Mercedes-Benz B-Class diesels. The B 180 CDI with 109 hp was the entry-level model, followed by the B 200 CDI with 140 hp. These Mercedes-Benz B-Class CDI engines were based on the OM 640 series and proved to be extremely reliable. The Mercedes-Benz B-Class B 200 CDI became an absolute favorite among frequent drivers - especially the variants produced from 2008 onwards with improved common-rail injection and a particulate filter as standard offered an excellent combination of performance, consumption and durability. These Mercedes-Benz B-Class diesel engines already met the Euro 4 standard and were considered the most reliable engines of the entire generation.

Mercedes-Benz B-Class Generation II (2011-2018)

The second Mercedes-Benz B-Class generation marked a significant technological leap and is considered the most balanced of all three generations. With proper maintenance, most engines of this generation can easily reach 250,000 to 300,000 kilometers, whereby the CDI diesel engines are still considered to be particularly durable. Major engine failures have become rarer, with only the early 1.6-liter petrol engines showing occasional weaknesses. The absolute highlight was the B 220 CDI with 170 hp - a powerful and efficient diesel that offered both driving pleasure and economy. Electromobility also made its debut with the B 250 e from 2014, a fully electric drive with 179 hp.

Mercedes-Benz B-Class petrol engines: Generation II (2011-2018)

The Mercedes-Benz B-Class petrol engine range was completely revised and now included modern turbo engines. The B 180 with a 1.6-liter engine and 122 hp was the entry-level model, followed by the B 200 with 156 hp from the same unit. Sportier variants were the B 220 4MATIC with 184 hp and the top-of-the-range B 250 with 211 hp. These Mercedes-Benz B-Class engines from the M 270 series proved to be significantly more reliable than their predecessors, with only occasional valve coking problems. The Mercedes-Benz B-Class B 200 developed into the most balanced gasoline engine of this generation, with good power delivery and acceptable reliability.

Mercedes-Benz B-Class diesel engines: Generation II (2011-2018)

The Mercedes-Benz B-Class diesel range was equipped with modern CDI engines from the OM 607 and OM 651 series. The B 180 CDI with 109 hp and the B 200 CDI with 136 hp formed the basic range, while the B 220 CDI with 170 hp marked the top end. All Mercedes-Benz B-Class diesels featured modern common-rail injection with SCR catalytic converter and particulate filter. The Mercedes-Benz B-Class B 200 CDI once again proved to be the most reliable and efficient engine of this generation, with a test consumption of just 4.2-4.8 liters per 100 km and high reliability - ideal for frequent drivers and long journeys.

Mercedes-Benz B-Class Electric Drive: Generation II (2011-2018)

From 2014, a Mercedes-Benz B-Class electric vehicle (B 250 e) with 179 hp and 340 Nm was offered for the first time. This purely electric drive offered a range of around 200 kilometers and represented Mercedes' first serious attempt at electromobility. The engine proved to be reliable, but the range was limited by the standards of the time.

Mercedes-Benz B-Class Generation III (2018-today)

The current Mercedes-Benz B-Class generation relies entirely on modern drive technologies and represents Mercedes' vision for the future of the compact class. All engines are now equipped with the latest technology, while the plug-in hybrids offer an electric range of up to 70 kilometers. As the generation has only been on the market since 2018, there is no long-term experience yet, but the initial tests show promising approaches. The top-of-the-range engine is the B 250 e with a system output of 218 hp, which combines sporty performance with high efficiency. The modern engine technology promises a service life of over 300,000 kilometers, as the units have been developed from scratch.

Mercedes-Benz B-Class petrol engines: Generation III (2018-today)

The Mercedes-Benz B-Class engine range is based on modern turbocharged engines from the M 260 series. The B 180 with a 1.3-liter engine and 136 hp and the B 200 with 163 hp from the same power unit are available. For sporty demands, there is the B 250 with 224 hp from a 2.0-liter engine. The Mercedes-Benz B-Class B 200 is considered to be particularly successful and is developing into the best petrol engine of this generation - it offers smooth power delivery over a wide engine speed range and has so far been free of major series production problems.

Mercedes-Benz B-Class diesel engines: Generation III (2018-today)

The Mercedes-Benz B-Class diesel range has been converted to modern OM 608 engines. The B 180 d with 116 hp and the B 200 d with 150 hp continue the tradition of reliable Mercedes-Benz B-Class diesels. These engines feature state-of-the-art exhaust gas purification and comply with the Euro 6d standard. The Mercedes-Benz B-Class B 200 d proved to be the most efficient engine of this generation with a fuel consumption of only 4.1-4.5 liters per 100 km.

Mercedes-Benz B-Class plug-in hybrids: Generation III (2018-today)

The Mercedes-Benz B-Class B 250 e combines a 1.3-liter petrol engine with an electric motor to produce a system output of 218 hp. With an electric range of up to 70 kilometers and fuel consumption of just 0.2-0.3 liters per 100 km (in electric mode), it represents the technological pinnacle of the current generation.

Conclusion: The best Mercedes-Benz B-Class engines of all generations

The development of the Mercedes-Benz B-Class engines shows a continuous improvement across all three generations. While the first petrol engines still struggled with typical teething troubles, the CDI diesel engines have remained reliable and economical across all generations. The new plug-in hybrid technology of the third generation represents a promising step towards electromobility and optimally combines the advantages of both types of drive.

• Best Mercedes-Benz B-Class petrol engine:

The Mercedes-Benz B-Class B 200 (163 hp, Generation III) combines modern turbo technology with high efficiency and excellent reliability to date.

• Best Mercedes-Benz B-Class diesel engine:

The Mercedes-Benz B-Class B 200 CDI/B 200 d (136-150 hp, Generation II & III) offers the best combination of reliability, economy and everyday usability across all generations.

• Best Mercedes-Benz B-Class hybrid engine:

The Mercedes-Benz B-Class B 250 e (218 hp, Generation III) with its high electric range of up to 70 km and low fuel consumption.

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