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8 September 2025 MERCEDES-BENZ Viano W639 engines
From its market launch in 2003, the Mercedes-Benz Viano W639 established itself as a premium MPV and offered a sophisticated range of engines throughout its entire production period up to 2014. The MERCEDES-BENZ Viano W639 engines were characterized by their durability and reliability, with technological development leading from proven naturally aspirated engines to modern common-rail diesels and powerful V6 units.
MERCEDES-BENZ Viano W639 engines (2003-2014)
The single generation of the Mercedes-Benz Viano W639 was an era of robust and durable engines, specially designed for large commercial and private use. The mileage of these MERCEDES-BENZ Viano W639 engines easily reached 400,000 to 600,000 kilometers with proper maintenance, with the diesel variants being particularly appreciated by cab companies and shuttle services. Major repairs were typically only required after 250,000 to 350,000 kilometers, mainly on injection pumps or turbochargers. The absolute top engine of this generation was the 3.0 CDI with 224 hp, which optimally combined power, reliability and reasonable fuel consumption. Technical highlights included the introduction of common rail technology from 2006 and the continuous improvement of exhaust gas purification up to the Euro 5 standard. In a market comparison, the Viano positioned itself as a premium alternative to the VW T5 and offered significantly greater comfort with comparable reliability.
MERCEDES-BENZ Viano W639 petrol engines (2003-2014)
The MERCEDES-BENZ Viano W639 engines in the petrol range consisted exclusively of V6 units, which were known for their smooth running and durability. The 3.2 V6 (M112) with 160 kW (218 hp) was available from 2003 to 2010 and was regarded as one of the most reliable petrol engines ever from Mercedes-Benz. From 2010, it was replaced by the more modern 3.5 V6 (M272) with 190 kW (258 hp), which featured variable valve control and optimized combustion. These MERCEDES-BENZ Viano W639 engines showed typical weaknesses in the balancer shaft bearings (M272) and occasional problems with the ignition coil electronics, but were very robust overall. Fuel consumption was between 10.5 and 12.8 liters per 100 kilometers, which was appropriate for the vehicle class.
MERCEDES-BENZ Viano W639 diesel engines (2003-2014)
The diesel engines dominated the range of MERCEDES-BENZ Viano W639 engines and were considered the heart of the series. The 2.2 CDI (OM646) was available with various output levels from 110 kW (150 hp) to 120 kW (163 hp) and initially used pump-injector injection, later common-rail technology. In parallel, there was the more powerful 3.0 CDI (OM642) with outputs from 150 kW (204 hp) to 165 kW (224 hp), all of which were equipped with common-rail injection and variable turbocharger geometry. The MERCEDES-BENZ Viano 2.2 CDI with 150 hp developed into the most reliable and economical engine in the entire model range - the common-rail variants with particulate filter produced from 2006 onwards proved to be exceptionally durable and economical. These MERCEDES-BENZ Viano W639 engines successively met the Euro 4 and Euro 5 standards and offered an excellent combination of performance, consumption and reliability for demanding continuous use.
| MERCEDES-BENZ Viano engine | Power output | Fuel consumption | Typical weaknesses | Rating |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3.2 V6 petrol engine | 218 HP | 10.5-11.8 l/100km | Ignition coils, very robust | Very good |
| 3.5 V6 petrol engine | 258 HP | 11.2-12.8 l/100km | Balancer shaft bearing | Good |
| 2.2 CDI | 150-163 HP | 7.8-9.2 l/100km | Injection pump (early models) | Very good |
| 3.0 CDI | 204-224 HP | 8.5-9.8 l/100km | Turbocharger after high mileage | Very good |
Conclusion: The best MERCEDES-BENZ Viano W639 engines
The MERCEDES-BENZ Viano W639 engines have shown remarkable consistency in terms of reliability and durability over the entire production period. While the petrol engines impressed with their smooth running and the typical Mercedes V6 sound, the diesel units established themselves as the more economical and better suited to continuous use. Continuous technical development, in particular the introduction of common rail technology, significantly improved both performance and environmental compatibility.
- Best MERCEDES-BENZ Viano petrol engine:
The 3.2 V6 with 218 hp (2003-2010) combined exceptional reliability with adequate performance and is considered one of the best Mercedes-Benz petrol engines of its time.
- Best MERCEDES-BENZ Viano diesel engine:
The 2.2 CDI with 150 hp (common-rail version from 2006) offers the optimum balance of economy, reliability and suitability for everyday use in all areas of application.
- Best MERCEDES-BENZ Viano performance engine:
The 3.0 CDI with 224 hp combines high performance with the durability typical of Mercedes diesels and is particularly suitable for heavy payloads and trailer operation.
For maintenance and spare parts for all MERCEDES-BENZ Viano W639 engines, AUTODOC offers a comprehensive range of original and quality spare parts with fast delivery and expert advice.
