1.3 Multijet vs 2.0 CDI (OM640): which engine is more reliable?

According to our risk index, the 2.0 CDI (OM640) carries less risk than the 1.3 Multijet: 36/100 (moderate risk) versus 64/100 (high risk). The 1.3 Multijet has 4 documented serious faults, the main one being «Timing chain stretch and tensioner failure»; the 2.0 CDI (OM640) has 2 documented serious faults, the main one being «Costly failure of the Autotronic (CVT) automatic gearbox».

Risk index

1.3 Multijet

High risk · 4 serious faults

Risk index

2.0 CDI (OM640)

Moderate risk · 2 serious faults

Lower risk

The index (0–100) weights the severity and frequency of the three most serious documented faults. How it is calculated

Reviewed on 27 September 202614 sources How we work

Is the 1.3 Multijet reliable?

The 1.3 Multijet is a reliable diesel in the basics, but it has a known weak point across all its brands: the timing chain and its tensioner can stretch or fail if oil changes are neglected, with a risk of serious damage. In urban use, the EGR valve, the particulate filter and the variable-geometry turbo add to the list.^[1][2][3][4]

See the 5 of the 1.3 Multijet faults

Is the 2.0 CDI (OM640) reliable?

The OM640 is the 2.0 CDI four-cylinder diesel that Mercedes-Benz fitted between 2004 and 2012 to the A-Class (W169) and B-Class (W245), with outputs from 82 to 140 hp (160/180/200 CDI). Its mechanical base is considered reliable, with the EGR valve and the injectors being typical weak points of diesels of that era; the problem owners cite most, however, is the Autotronic (CVT) automatic gearbox, optional on the 180 CDI and 200 CDI.^[5][6][7][8]

See the 4 of the 2.0 CDI (OM640) faults

Side-by-side comparison

Comparison of 1.3 Multijet and 2.0 CDI (OM640)
Item	1.3 Multijet	2.0 CDI (OM640)
Technical data
Type	Engine	Engine
Fuel	Diesel	Diesel
Displacement	1,248 cm³	1,991 cm³
Timing	Chain	Chain
Power	69–105 hp	82–140 hp
Production	2003–2024^[9][10][11]	2004–2012^{[5][12][13][14]}
Reliability
Risk index (what is it?)	64High risk	36Moderate risk
Documented faults	5	4
Of high or critical severity	4	2
Worst severity	Critical severity	Critical severity
Main faults	Critical severity: Timing chain stretch and tensioner failure High severity: Incomplete particulate filter regenerations and oil dilution High severity: Seized variable-geometry turbo	Critical severity: Costly failure of the Autotronic (CVT) automatic gearbox High severity: Premature turbocharger wear or failure Medium severity: EGR valve clogged with soot
Most expensive documented repair	up to €1,200Injector and high-pressure pump wear from contaminated fuelPublished figure^[3]	No reliable data
Which versions to buy
BuyRecommended versions	None	None
With cautionVersions to be cautious about	1.3 Multijet 8v (69-105 hp, 2003-2009)^[1][2][3] 1.3 Multijet II 16v Euro 5 (75-95 hp, 2009-2015)^[2][4] 1.3 Multijet II 16v Euro 6 (95 hp, 2015-2020)^[2][4]	160 CDI (60 kW/82 hp, A-Class only)^[6][13] 180 CDI (80 kW/109 hp)^[6][7] 200 CDI (103 kW/140 hp)^[6][8]
AvoidVersions to avoid	None	None

Severity of each fault: green, low; amber, medium; red, high; dark red, critical. How we rate them

Cars that each one is fitted to

1.3 Multijet

See the 20 models with the 1.3 Multijet

2.0 CDI (OM640)

Other comparisons

With the 1.3 Multijet

With the 2.0 CDI (OM640)

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Sources

Every fact on this page links to its source. If you find an error, let us know.

Fiat 1.3 Multijet: ficha técnica, problemas y tuningMotordinámico · Other source · consulted 26 September 2026 · in Spanish
1.3 CDTi Opel (Z13DT) Multijet: ficha técnica, problemas y tuningMotordinámico · Other source · consulted 26 September 2026 · in Spanish
Fiat 1.3 Multijet: problemas, fallos y averías más frecuentesTotalrenting · Other source · consulted 26 September 2026 · in Spanish
Fiat 1.3 JTD/Multijet: corrente folgada e entupimento dos canais de lubrificaçãoProvmec · Technical documentation · consulted 26 September 2026 · in Portuguese
Mercedes-Benz OM 640Wikipedia (alemán) · Other source · consulted 27 September 2026 · in German
Mercedes A-Klasse (W169) – Typische Probleme & SchwachstellenGebrauchtwagenberater · Motoring press · consulted 27 September 2026 · in German
Fiabilité des 180d / 180 CDI MercedesFiches-auto.fr · Motoring press · consulted 27 September 2026 · in French
Fiabilité 200 CDI MercedesFiches-auto.fr · Motoring press · consulted 27 September 2026 · in French
Fiat JTD engineWikipedia · Other source · consulted 26 September 2026
Moteur Fiat 1.3 MultiJetWikipédia · Other source · consulted 26 September 2026 · in French
Motor Fiat 1.3 JTD 16v: más información sobre el motorkm77 · Technical documentation · published September 2002 · consulted 26 September 2026 · in Spanish
Mercedes-Benz OM640 engineWikipedia · Other source · consulted 27 September 2026
Mercedes-Benz W169Wikipedia (alemán) · Other source · consulted 27 September 2026 · in German
Mercedes-Benz W245Wikipedia (alemán) · Other source · consulted 27 September 2026 · in German