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11 September 2025 Mercedes W213 engines
Since its market launch in 2016, the Mercedes E-Class W213 has established itself as the technological flagship of the mid-size class and offers an exceptionally diverse range of engines, from economical four-cylinder diesels to powerful V8 AMG engines. Over its production period until 2023, the model series underwent continuous technical enhancements that constantly improved both efficiency and performance.
Mercedes W213 engines (2016-2023)
The only generation of the Mercedes W213 represents the pinnacle of German engineering in the premium segment and is characterized by exceptionally durable engines. With proper maintenance, most Mercedes W213 engines easily reach 400,000 to 500,000 kilometers, with the proven six-cylinder diesels being considered virtually indestructible. Major repairs are typically only due after 200,000 to 300,000 kilometers, usually limited to wearing parts such as turbochargers or injection nozzles. The absolute top engine of this generation was the M256 3.0-liter in-line six-cylinder engine with mild hybrid technology, which perfectly combined power, smoothness and efficiency. Technically, Mercedes revolutionized the integration of 48-volt electrical systems and mild hybrid systems with the W213, while at the same time classic naturally aspirated engines disappeared for good. Compared to the competition from the BMW 5 Series and Audi A6, the W213 offered the greatest variety of engines and the highest build quality in its class.
Mercedes W213 petrol engines (2016-2023)
The Mercedes W213 petrol engine range initially comprised the M274 2.0-liter four-cylinder turbo in various output levels from 184 hp (E 200) to 245 hp (E 300), supplemented by the M276 3.0-liter V6 biturbo with 333 hp (E 400). From 2018, the M256 3.0-litre in-line six-cylinder engine with mild hybrid system (EQBoost) revolutionized the model series and replaced the V6 - available with 367 hp (E 450) and 435 hp (E 53 AMG). The AMG variants received the M177/M178 4.0-liter V8 biturbo with outputs ranging from 571 hp (E 63) to 630 hp (E 63 S). The most problematic Mercedes W213 petrol engine was the early M274 2.0-liter engine (2016-2018), which occasionally showed problems with the timing chain and increased oil consumption, while the M256 proved to be exceptionally reliable and economical.
Mercedes W213 diesel engines (2016-2023)
The Mercedes W213 diesels were dominated by the OM654 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine in various versions from 150 hp (E 220 d) to 265 hp (E 300 d). In addition, there was the legendary OM656 3.0-liter inline six-cylinder diesel with 286 hp (E 350 d) and 340 hp (E 400 d), which is considered one of the best diesel engines of all time. All Mercedes W213 diesels featured modern fourth-generation common-rail direct injection, SCR catalytic converters and maintenance-free particulate filters. The OM654 proved to be exceptionally economical and reliable - the 194 hp variant (E 250 d) in particular offered the best balance between performance and consumption. The OM656 3.0-liter six-cylinder engine developed into the absolute pinnacle of diesel technology with incomparable smoothness and durability.
Mercedes W213 hybrid drives (2016-2023)
From 2019, Mercedes expanded the W213 range to include plug-in hybrids: the E 300 e combined the M274 2.0-liter petrol engine with a 122 hp electric motor to produce a system output of 320 hp. The more powerful E 300 de combined the OM654 diesel with the same electric motor to produce a total output of 306 hp. Both Mercedes W213 hybrids offered an electric range of over 50 kilometers and were considered technically mature, but suffered from their high weight and complex maintenance.
| Mercedes W213 engine | Power output | Fuel consumption | Typical weaknesses | Rating |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| M274 2.0 Turbo | 184-245 HP | 7.2-8.1 l/100km | Early timing chain, oil consumption | Average |
| M256 3.0 Mild-Hybrid | 367-435 HP | 7.8-8.5 l/100km | Practically trouble-free | Very good |
| M177/M178 V8 AMG | 571-630 HP | 11.2-12.1 l/100km | High consumption, complex | Good |
| OM654 2.0 diesel | 150-265 HP | 4.2-5.8 l/100km | Very reliable | Very good |
| OM656 3.0 Diesel | 286-340 HP | 5.1-6.2 l/100km | Practically indestructible | Very good |
| E 300 e Plug-in | 320 HP | 1.6 l/100km + electricity | Weight, maintenance complex | Good |
| E 300 de Plug-in | 306 HP | 1.1 l/100km + electricity | Weight, high purchase price | Good |
Conclusion: The best Mercedes W213 engines of all time
The Mercedes W213 engines represent the pinnacle of modern drive technology and offer exceptional quality and durability across all categories. Particularly impressive is the fact that both petrol and diesel engines of the W213 generation are practically free of serious series problems - a rare feature in today's automotive world. The consistent further development of proven designs combined with innovative mild hybrid technology made the W213 one of the most reliable premium saloons of its time.
- Best Mercedes W213 gasoline engine:
The M256 3.0-liter inline six-cylinder with mild-hybrid system (367-435 hp) combines perfect smoothness, high performance and surprising efficiency with virtually trouble-free reliability.
- Best Mercedes W213 diesel engine:
The OM656 3.0-liter inline six-cylinder diesel (286-340 hp) is considered one of the best diesel engines of all time, offering unparalleled smoothness with exceptional durability.
- Best Mercedes W213 hybrid engine:
The E 300 de plug-in hybrid (306 hp) combines the reliability of the OM654 diesel with electric efficiency and offers the lowest running costs with high everyday usability.
For maintenance and spare parts for all Mercedes W213 engines, AUTODOC offers a comprehensive range of original and quality spare parts with fast delivery and expert advice.
