Mercedes-Benz Viano W639 common faults.

2003–2014. The fault list covers this generation and the engines in it. If the listing gives the exact version, pick it below.

What to watch for

What can go wrong on this car?

The list covers the generation, the engines and the transmissions. Once you pick the version, only the faults that apply to it stay.

M271, M272, M273: a leaking camshaft adjuster magnet and oil in the wiring harness

critical

The solenoid of the camshaft adjuster is sealed from the factory by nothing more than a plain sealing ring, and over time that starts to leak.

Applies to the engine M272E35.

Repair: from 31 EUR

Balance shaft sprocket: soft material, drifting valve timing

critical

On the M272 V6 petrol engines sold between 2004 and 2007 (with engine numbers below 2729..30 468993) the balance shaft gear wears out prematurely, because its material is soft.

Applies to the engine M272E35.

M272 V6: early wear of the balance shaft gear

critical

On the M272 V6 petrol engines sold between 2004 and 2007 (with engine numbers below 2729..30 468993) the balance shaft gear wears out early.

Applies to the engine M272E35.

OM642 V6 diesel: the swirl flap and its plastic linkage break

critical

The swirl flaps sit in the intake of both cylinder banks, and a central electric actuator moves them through a linkage.

Applies to the engine OM642DE30LA.

OM646 2.1 CDI: a snapping timing belt

critical

Many OM646 owners do not know that this engine has a timing belt, not a timing chain.

Applies to the engine OM646DE22LA.

Repair: 500–1,400 EUR

M112 and M113: the crankshaft vibration damper comes apart

critical

The pulley fitted to the front of the crankshaft is also a vibration damper: a rubber insert connects the outer ring to the inner one.

Applies to the engine M112E32, M112E37.

Repair: from 750 EUR

OM651: the chain tensioner seal leaks and oil drips onto the exhaust

critical

The chain tensioner seal starts to leak and engine oil can drip onto the exhaust system.

Applies to the engine OM651DE22LA.

OM651: the sealing ring of the chain tensioner leaks and the chain can loosen

critical

The sealing ring of the chain tensioner starts to let through, and engine oil escapes at the tensioner.

Applies to the engine OM651DE22LA.

12 more faults belong to this generation. On the version page, only the ones that apply stay.

Official recall3 recallsShow

The manufacturer fixes these for free at a franchised dealer. Ask with the VIN whether it was done. The list covers the whole generation. We did not filter it by model year. Some apply only to a narrower production window.

A12/01072/22Safety recallInjuriesno date · EU Safety Gate

A coding of a control unit may not match the individual vehicle equipment so that the affected control units may malfunction. As a result, some functions of the electronic stability program control unit may not be fully available, thus changing the braking and control behavior, increasing the risk of an accident. The product does not comply with the Regulation on the approval and market surveillance of motor vehicles and their trailers, and of systems, components and separate technical units intended for such vehicles.

Remedy: Type of economic operator taking notified measure(s): Manufacturer Category of measure(s): Recall of the product from end users Date of entry into force: Unknown

The authority's notice

A12/01278/20Safety recallInjuriesno date · EU Safety Gate

Incorrect mass values on the vehicle registration certificate may lead to overloading of the vehicle. As a result, the front and rear axles can be damaged.

Remedy: Type of economic operator taking notified measure(s): Manufacturer Category of measure(s): Recall of the product from end users Date of entry into force: Unknown

The authority's notice

SR/02897/25Safety recallInjuriesno date · EU Safety Gate

If the front passenger airbag is deployed as a result of an accident, the gas generator housing may burst or components of the gas generator housing may come loose and cause serious or fatal injuries to vehicle occupants. The product does not comply with the Regulation on the approval and market surveillance of motor vehicles and their trailers, and of systems, components and separate technical units intended for such vehicles.

Remedy: Type of economic operator taking notified measure(s): Manufacturer Category of measure(s): Recall of the product from end users Date of entry into force: Unknown

The authority's notice

Engines and transmissions in this generation

A fault is often tied to the engine, not to the whole generation. You find the engine code in the registration document.

W639 · 2003–2014

Pick the version.

The fault list opens on the version page.

93 versions

EngineVersionPowerFuel · transmissionBody

Showing 60 of 93 versions.

Neighbouring generations

W639 · 2003–2014

W639 (2003-2014). If the listing is from the changeover year, look at the neighbour too.

Previous generation

This is the earliest.

This generation

W639 · 2003–2014

Next generation

This is the latest.

Common questions

About this generation

Which years does this page cover?

2003–2014. The changeover year can fall in two generations. If the listing is from that year, look at the neighbour too.

Does the fault apply to every car like this?

No. It depends on the engine and the transmission too.

Is it free?

The fault list is.

Information, not an expert opinion

We write the descriptions, and we put the source next to them. A person reviews them before they go out. They are still information, not a technical expert opinion.

A fault on the list does not mean the car you are looking at has it.
A fault missing from the list does not mean the model is fault-free. Write-ups are made model by model. Not all of them are done.
You decide whether to buy. This is no substitute for an inspection. That needs a workshop and a history check.

Details in the terms