Which engine sits in which W202, the years it ran, and the fault each one is known for.
PETROL & DIESEL UNITS
| Code | Configuration | Fitted to | Years | Known weak point |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| M111 | 1.8–2.3 inline-four (petrol) | C180, C200, C200 Kompressor, C220, C230, C230 Kompressor | 1993–2000 | Early biodegradable wiring harness, head-gasket weep, crank sensor; Kompressor needs supercharger oil service. |
| M104 | 2.8 & 3.6 inline-six (petrol) | C280 (1994–97), C36 AMG | 1993–1997 | Biodegradable wiring harness on early cars, head-gasket oil weep, oil-cooler seals. Strong once sorted. |
| M112 | 2.4 & 2.8 V6 (petrol) | C240, C280 (1997–2000) | 1997–2000 | Generally robust. Watch coil packs and the occasional intake-manifold issue. |
| M113 | 4.3 & 5.4 V8 (petrol) | C43 AMG, C55 AMG | 1997–2000 | Very robust. AMG service history matters more than the engine itself. |
| OM601 | 2.0 inline-four (diesel) | C200 Diesel | 1993–2000 | Tough indirect-injection diesel. Tired injection pumps and glow plugs with age. |
| OM604 | 2.2 inline-four (diesel) | C220 Diesel | 1993–2000 | Cylinder-head cracking is the known fault; check coolant for oil and history of head work. |
| OM605 | 2.5 inline-five (turbodiesel) | C250 Turbodiesel | 1995–2000 | Same head-crack risk as the OM604; otherwise long-lived. |
| OM611 | 2.2 common-rail (CDI) | C200 CDI, C220 CDI | 1998–2000 | Modern common-rail. Injector wear and the wiring loom are the age-related items. |
