GLC220d / 250d / 300d (OM654 / OM651)
2015–2022 · diesel · 1950cc · 194hp
Engine codes: OM654, OM651
Reliability, common problems and owner reviews for the Mercedes Benz GLC X253 GLC220d / 250d / 300d (OM654 / OM651). Check this before you buy used.
The GLC diesels span the older 2.1 OM651 (early 250d — carries its known Delphi-injector and rear-chain cautions) and the modern 2.0 OM654 (220d/300d — the much-improved replacement, shared with the C/E-Class and GLB). The OM654 is the one to buy: refined, strong, economical, with no rear-chain-rattle reputation. Standard modern-diesel cautions: DPF on short trips, EGR, AdBlue/SCR, and injector attention at high miles. Paired with 4MATIC and 9G-Tronic. A motorway-driven, serviced car is a dependable long-hauler. Prefer an OM654 220d 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
Early OM651 Delphi injectors and rear-chain cautions. OM654 avoids these.
Fix / Workaround: Prefer OM654; injector/chain checks on OM651.
Repair cost: €250–€1600
Typically appears after: 130,000 km
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
Year Cutoffs
Mileage Thresholds
After 220,000 km: OM654 high-mileage capable.
Pre-Purchase Checklist
- ☐Prefer OM654 (220d/300d)
- ☐OM654 shared with C/E-Class/GLB
- ☐Oil + DPF + AdBlue history
Frequently asked questions
Is the Mercedes Benz GLC X253 GLC220d / 250d / 300d (OM654 / OM651) reliable?
Maint. Sensitive — The GLC diesels span the older 2.1 OM651 (early 250d — carries its known Delphi-injector and rear-chain cautions) and the modern 2.0 OM654 (220d/300d — the much-improved replacement, shared with the C/E-Class and GLB). The OM654 is the one to buy: refined, strong, economical, with no rear-chain-rattle reputation. Standard modern-diesel cautions: DPF on short trips, EGR, AdBlue/SCR, and injector attention at high miles. Paired with 4MATIC and 9G-Tronic. A motorway-driven, serviced car is a dependable long-hauler. Prefer an OM654 220d on oil, DPF and AdBlue history.
What are the common problems and reviews for the Mercedes Benz GLC X253 GLC220d / 250d / 300d (OM654 / OM651)?
The most commonly reported problems: OM651 injector / chain (early 250d), DPF / EGR / AdBlue.
Is a used Mercedes Benz GLC X253 GLC220d / 250d / 300d (OM654 / OM651) worth buying?
Fine if serviced correctly — but it punishes neglect hard. History and the right consumables matter.