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2.0 HDi vs OM642: which engine is more reliable?

According to our risk index, the 2.0 HDi carries less risk than the OM642: 55/100 versus 72/100 (both high risk). The 2.0 HDi has 2 documented serious faults, the main one being «Variable-geometry turbo failures (actuator, sensors and clogging)»; the OM642 has 4 documented serious faults, the main one being «Broken swirl flaps in the intake manifold».

Risk index

2.0 HDi

55

High risk · 2 serious faults

Lower risk

Risk index

OM642

72

High risk · 4 serious faults

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

17 sourcesHow we work

Is the 2.0 HDi reliable?

It is a robust diesel in its simplest 90 hp version, but the 136 to 140 hp generation with a DPF (2004-2011) concentrates the engine's problems: turbo, DPF, EGR and, above all, a dual-mass flywheel that fails very often. The BlueHDi engines (from 2013) are mechanically more reliable, but add an AdBlue tank that can crystallise; the OCU (Spanish consumer organisation) has reported this fault in Spain and Stellantis covers it with a compensation programme.[1][2][3][4]

See the 5 of the 2.0 HDi faults

Is the OM642 reliable?

The OM642 is Mercedes-Benz's 3.0-litre V6 diesel (2005-2021, 184 to 265 hp), fitted across much of its range and also in the Jeep Grand Cherokee and the Chrysler 300C. It is a robust bottom end with known weak points: the oil cooler seals between the cylinder heads tend to fail between 120,000 and 180,000 km, and the intake swirl flaps can break and damage the engine if they are not checked.[5][6][7]

See the 5 of the OM642 faults

Side-by-side comparison

Comparison of 2.0 HDi and OM642
2.0 HDiOM642
Technical data
TypeEngineEngine
FuelDieselDiesel
Displacement1,997 cm³2,987 cm³
TimingTiming belt (dry)Chain
Power90–180 hp184–265 hp
Production1999–2021[1][8][9][10][11]2005–2021[7][12][13]
Reliability
Risk index (what is it?)55High risk72High risk
Documented faults55
Of high or critical severity24
Worst severityHigh severityCritical severity
Main faults
  1. High severity: Variable-geometry turbo failures (actuator, sensors and clogging)
  2. High severity: DPF clogging on additive-type systems (Eolys/cerine)
  3. Medium severity: Premature dual-mass flywheel wear (from 107/110 hp)
  1. Critical severity: Broken swirl flaps in the intake manifold
  2. High severity: Oil cooler seal leak (between the cylinder heads)
  3. High severity: Wear and failure of the Bosch piezo injectors
Most expensive documented repairup to €1,200AdBlue tank crystallisation and failures (BlueHDi)Published figure[3][4][14]up to €6,500Wear and failure of the Bosch piezo injectorsPublished figure[6][15]
Which versions to buy
BuyRecommended versions
  • 2.0 HDi 90 (DW10TD, 1999-2005)[1]
  • 2.0 HDi 150/163 DPF (DW10C / DW10CTED4, 2007-2013)[1]
None
With cautionVersions to be cautious about
  • 2.0 HDi 107/110 (DW10ATED / DW10ATED4, 2000-2008)[1]
  • 2.0 HDi 136/138/140 DPF (DW10BTED4, 2004-2011)[1]
  • 2.0 BlueHDi 120/150/163/180 (DW10FE / DW10FD / DW10FC, 2013-2021)[1][2][3][4]
  • OM642 Euro 4, first generation (280/300/320 CDI, 2005-2009)[5][6]
  • OM642 Euro 5, second generation (300/350 CDI and BlueTEC, 2009-2014)[6]
  • OM642 Euro 6 BlueTEC (350 BlueTEC/d, 2014-2021)[6][16][17]
AvoidVersions to avoidNoneNone

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

Cars that each one is fitted to

2.0 HDi

See the 19 models with the 2.0 HDi

OM642

See the 16 models with the OM642

Other comparisons

With the 2.0 HDi

With the OM642

Compare other engines

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Sources

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

  1. Fiabilité du 2.0 HDIFiches-Auto · Motoring press · consulted 27 September 2026 · in French
  2. AdBlue : problèmes en pagailleFiches-Auto · Motoring press · consulted 27 September 2026 · in French
  3. Más problemas para Stellantis: ahora tendrá que indemnizar también a los afectados por el AdBlueAutopista · Motoring press · published 30 December 2024 · consulted 27 September 2026 · in Spanish
  4. El fallo que afecta a cientos de coches y que ahora la OCU denuncia para reclamar indemnizacionesAutopista · Motoring press · published 29 May 2023 · consulted 27 September 2026 · in Spanish
  5. Mercedes OM642: Zuverlässiger Dauerläufer oder Kostenfalle?Gebrauchtwagenberater · Motoring press · consulted 26 September 2026 · in German
  6. Mercedes OM642 : fiabilité, pannes fréquentes et coûts d'entretienAutoCopilot · Motoring press · published 2026 · consulted 26 September 2026 · in French
  7. Motor diésel Mercedes V6 OM642Motordinámico · Motoring press · published December 2024 · consulted 26 September 2026 · in Spanish
  8. PSA EW/DW engineWikipedia (inglés) · Other source · consulted 27 September 2026
  9. Peugeot 307Wikipedia (español) · Other source · consulted 27 September 2026 · in Spanish
  10. Peugeot 3008Wikipedia (español) · Other source · consulted 27 September 2026 · in Spanish
  11. Citroën C4 PicassoWikipedia (español) · Other source · consulted 27 September 2026 · in Spanish
  12. Mercedes-Benz OM642 engineWikipedia · Other source · consulted 26 September 2026
  13. Mercedes-Benz OM 642Wikipedia (alemán) · Other source · consulted 26 September 2026 · in German
  14. Aditivo AdBlue: qué debes usar para evitar una reparación de 2.000 euros en tu coche diéselAutopista · Motoring press · published 1 April 2026 · consulted 27 September 2026 · in Spanish
  15. Sprinter Injector Problems (OM651, OM642 & CDI)Sprinterpedia · Motoring press · consulted 26 September 2026
  16. Abgas-Skandal: KBA findet angeblich deutliche Hinweise auf illegale Abschalteinrichtungen in Mercedes-Dieselautosheise online · General press · published 14 July 2017 · consulted 26 September 2026 · in German
  17. Daimler muss 774.000 Fahrzeuge zurückrufenKleine Zeitung · General press · published 11 June 2018 · consulted 26 September 2026 · in German