vinkodex.OM642 V6 diesel: defeat devices, KBA 009147, threat of an operating ban
It does not show up on every car. Check before you buy.
expensive
severity
not available
mileage
1
sources
1 source next to the write-up.
The fault
How you spot it
The maker issued recalls and voluntary service actions for the six cylinder OM642 diesel, aimed at defeat devices (Abschalteinrichtungen) in the engine control software.
According to the German technical press the KBA 009147 recall is dated 12 August 2019; at the maker it carries the codes 5496121 and 5496142. The ADAC names two affected groups: E 350 BlueTEC / E 350 d (only the C 207 coupe), 02.2013 to 12.2016, and G 350 d (possibly G 350 BlueTEC), 09.2015 to 12.2015.
Felix Domke uncovered eight defeat devices affecting the SCR catalyst or the exhaust gas recirculation.
In summer 2023 it was reported that the KBA in Flensburg and the federal transport ministry were threatening part of the OM642 diesel fleet with a ban on further operation.
When buying outside Germany this mainly concerns the 2011 to 2016 V6 diesels exported out of the German market (ML/GLE 350, E 350, S 350, GL, Viano). Only the franchised dealer can tell you by VIN whether the update was done.
Which model
Who it affects
The card opens the generation, the engine or the transmission.
Engines and transmissions
Engine
OM642DE30LA
Engine
OM642LSDE30LA
vinkodex.Checklist
OM642 V6 diesel: defeat devices, KBA 009147, threat of an operating ban
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Before you buy
Checklist
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Sources
How we know
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.