CarValidator

E220d / E300d / E400d (OM654 / OM656)

20162023 · diesel · 1950cc · 194hp

Engine codes: OM654, OM656

Maint. Sensitive

Reliability, common problems and owner reviews for the Mercedes Benz E-Class W213 E220d / E300d / E400d (OM654 / OM656). Check this before you buy used.

The W213 diesels are the high-mileage stars — the 2.0 OM654 (E220d/E300d) and the superb 3.0 straight-six OM656 (E400d). The OM654 was a landmark: it banished the OM651's rear-chain-rattle and Delphi-injector reputation, and is refined, very economical and durable. Standard modern-diesel cautions remain: DPF on short trips, EGR, AdBlue/SCR, and injector attention at high miles. Paired with the 9G-Tronic and available 4MATIC. The E220d is a genuine 400k-capable executive long-hauler and a favourite of high-mileage drivers; the OM656 six is sublime. Buy on oil, DPF and AdBlue history.

Same engine, other cars

This is the same physical engine (OM654) sold under different names across brands. Reliability is broadly shared — cross-check these:

Known Issues

DPF / EGR / AdBluerecurring

DPF clogs and EGR soots on short trips; AdBlue/SCR system.

Fix / Workaround: Motorway regens; clean EGR; diagnose SCR.

Repair cost: €300–€1300

Typically appears after: 140,000 km

Injector (high miles)recurring

Injector attention at higher mileage; otherwise very durable.

Fix / Workaround: Injector test; clean fuel.

Repair cost: €200–€1200

Typically appears after: 200,000 km

Mileage Thresholds

After 300,000 km: OM654 is a 400k-capable executive diesel.

Pre-Purchase Checklist

  • E220d is a high-mileage legend
  • OM654 fixed OM651's woes
  • OM656 six is sublime

Frequently asked questions

Is the Mercedes Benz E-Class W213 E220d / E300d / E400d (OM654 / OM656) reliable?

Maint. Sensitive — The W213 diesels are the high-mileage stars — the 2.0 OM654 (E220d/E300d) and the superb 3.0 straight-six OM656 (E400d). The OM654 was a landmark: it banished the OM651's rear-chain-rattle and Delphi-injector reputation, and is refined, very economical and durable. Standard modern-diesel cautions remain: DPF on short trips, EGR, AdBlue/SCR, and injector attention at high miles. Paired with the 9G-Tronic and available 4MATIC. The E220d is a genuine 400k-capable executive long-hauler and a favourite of high-mileage drivers; the OM656 six is sublime. Buy on oil, DPF and AdBlue history.

What are the common problems and reviews for the Mercedes Benz E-Class W213 E220d / E300d / E400d (OM654 / OM656)?

The most commonly reported problems: DPF / EGR / AdBlue, Injector (high miles).

Is a used Mercedes Benz E-Class W213 E220d / E300d / E400d (OM654 / OM656) worth buying?

Fine if serviced correctly — but it punishes neglect hard. History and the right consumables matter.