Mercedes Benz G Class 250/300 Diesel Engine ReplacementCompare Prices & Get Quotes
Get quotes today from trusted UK Mercedes Benz G Class 250/300 Diesel engine specialists. Compare prices on reconditioned, rebuilt and used engines for the OM602, OM603 and OM606 diesel units - supply & fit available nationwide.
Supply & Fit Available
12-Month Warranty
Nationwide Delivery
100+ Suppliers

From £3,500 to £6,500
Used from £1,800 · Reconditioned from £3,200 · Common codes: OM602.931, OM603.931, OM606.964
From £1,800
Tested, bare/short engine
From £3,200
Rod bearings addressed, tested
From quote
Upgraded bearings, full teardown, revised valvetrain

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3 Simple Steps3 Simple Stepsto Finding the Best Mercedes Benz G Class 250/300 Diesel Replacement Engineto Finding the Best Mercedes Benz G Class 250/300 Diesel Replacement Engine
Most replacements completed within 3-5 days.
Mercedes Benz G Class 250/300 Diesel - Engine History & Specs at a Glance
The Mercedes Benz G Class 250/300 Diesel encompasses the naturally aspirated and turbocharged diesel variants that defined the G-Class's legendary off-road reputation throughout the W460 and W463 generations - from the 2.5-litre OM602 five-cylinder through to the 3.0-litre OM606 six-cylinder turbodiesel.

Mercedes Benz G Class 250/300 Diesel - Engine History & Specs at a Glance
The Mercedes Benz G Class 250/300 Diesel encompasses the naturally aspirated and turbocharged diesel variants that defined the G-Class's legendary off-road reputation throughout the W460 and W463 generations - from the 2.5-litre OM602 five-cylinder through to the 3.0-litre OM606 six-cylinder turbodiesel.
Mercedes Benz G Class 250/300 Diesel
Engine History Timeline
OM617 five-cylinder diesel (G 300 GD W460) 88hp, naturally aspirated, the original military-spec diesel
OM602.931 2.5-litre five-cylinder diesel (G 250 GD W460/W463) 92-94hp, the more economical entry-point diesel
OM603.931 3.0-litre inline-six diesel (G 300 GD W463) 113hp, naturally aspirated, replaced the OM617
OM606.964 3.0-litre inline-six turbodiesel (G 300 Turbodiesel W463) 177hp, the high-performance diesel that transformed G-Class capability
Key Specs Snapshot
Every diesel engine fitted to the Mercedes Benz G Class 250/300 Diesel range is covered below, with UK rebuilt pricing and known failure points from real owner experience.
Mercedes Benz G Class 250/300 Diesel Engine Codes - Specifications & Replacement CostMercedes Benz G Class 250/300 Diesel Engine Codes - Specifications & Replacement Cost
2.5L Diesel (1988-1992)
Compatible Trim Levels
- G 250 GD (W460)
- G 250 GD (W463)

Find your exact engine code, specs and UK replacement cost guide.
Used
Tested, ready-to-fit engine
£1,200-£2,800
Reconditioned
Addressed known issues, tested
£2,800-£4,200
Rebuilt
Full teardown, upgraded internals
£3,200-£4,800
Common Failure
The OM602 is a robust engine, but head gasket leaks and vacuum pump failure are well-documented issues on higher-mileage units - the vacuum pump's internal bearings can fail catastrophically if not replaced by 200,000 miles.


The Mercedes Benz G Class 250/300 Diesel range relies on three engine families - OM602, OM603 and OM606 - each with well-documented weaknesses. The OM603 dominates classic G-Class diesel replacement demand with injection pump and timing chain issues, while the OM606 offers greater power but shares similar timing chain concerns. Every rebuilt engine supplied through EnginesMarket includes upgraded components designed to address the original failure point - plus a minimum 12-month unlimited mileage warranty. Below we break down the most common G Class 250/300 Diesel engine failures, what they cost to fix, and when replacement is the smarter financial decision.

Why the G 300 GD Loses Power and Starts Poorly
Affected Vehicles
Mercedes Benz G Class G 300 GD (OM603.931, 1990-1993)
Typical Failure Mileage
120,000 - 180,000 miles
Root Cause
The duplex timing chain stretches over time, while the mechanical Bosch inline injection pump suffers internal seal wear and calibration drift - both lead to poor starting, excessive smoke, and eventual engine damage.
Why It Happens
The duplex timing chain stretches over time, while the mechanical Bosch inline injection pump suffers internal seal wear and calibration drift - both lead to poor starting, excessive smoke, and eventual engine damage.
Dealer (parts + labour)
Not available (dealers rarely touch classic diesels)
Specialist (parts + labour)
£600-£1,000
What it involves
Remove pump, fit new seals, bench calibrate to factory spec
Suitability
50k-70k miles; for running issues without chain noise
Dealer (parts + labour)
Not available
Specialist (parts + labour)
£1,200-£1,800
What it involves
Replace timing chain, tensioner, guides; inspect sprockets
Suitability
80k-100k miles; corrects the root cause properly
Dealer (parts + labour)
£8,000-£12,000
Specialist (parts + labour)
£3,500-£5,500
What it involves
Supply & fit rebuilt OM603 with new chain, rebuilt pump, upgraded tensioner
Suitability
Full long-block warranty; required if chain has jumped or pump damage is severe
| Repair Tier | Dealer (Parts + Labour) | Specialist (Parts + Labour) | What It Involves | Suitability | Estimated Time |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Minor - Injection Pump Reseal & Calibration Minor | Not available (dealers rarely touch classic diesels) | £600-£1,000 | Remove pump, fit new seals, bench calibrate to factory spec | 50k-70k miles; for running issues without chain noise | |
Major - Timing Chain & Tensioner Replacement Best Value | Not available | £1,200-£1,800 | Replace timing chain, tensioner, guides; inspect sprockets | 80k-100k miles; corrects the root cause properly | |
Full Replacement - Rebuilt Engine Best Value | £8,000-£12,000 | £3,500-£5,500 | Supply & fit rebuilt OM603 with new chain, rebuilt pump, upgraded tensioner | Full long-block warranty; required if chain has jumped or pump damage is severe |
Vehicle Value Check
Vehicle Value Check
A typical G 300 GD in good condition is worth £15,000-£40,000 depending on mileage and condition - the full replacement cost of £3,500-£5,500 is small relative to vehicle value, making a specialist rebuilt engine excellent value for preservation. If the vehicle is worth under £8,000 (high-mileage or project condition), evaluate repair options first.
Our Recommendation
Our Recommendation
On a classic G 300 GD, we recommend timing chain replacement and pump calibration together as a preventative investment - doing one without the other often leaves the owner chasing problems within 12-18 months. Main dealers are rarely interested in these classics; use a specialist who knows OM60x engines intimately.

Don't Let Engine Failure Write Off Your Mercedes Benz G Class 250/300 Diesel
A failed engine doesn't have to mean the end of your classic G-Class. Whether you're dealing with an OM603 injection pump issue, OM606 timing chain stretch, or OM602 head gasket failure, EnginesMarket makes it simple to compare prices from trusted UK Mercedes Benz G Class specialists. Every rebuilt engine in our network includes upgraded components designed to address the original failure point, a minimum 12-month unlimited mileage warranty, and nationwide delivery with supply & fit options available.
Compare rebuilt OM603 Mercedes Benz G Class 250/300 Diesel engine prices
Important Information
Important Information
"All prices are indicative UK market ranges based on historical quote data and repair requests from our network of engine specialists. Dealer pricing is estimated based on published main dealer labour rates and genuine OEM parts pricing. Specialist pricing reflects actual quote data from EnginesMarket's UK network. Actual costs vary depending on damage severity, vehicle condition, variant, and workshop location within the UK. Use our free comparison tool to get tailored quotes for your specific Mercedes Benz G Class 250/300 Diesel. Every engine supplied through EnginesMarket carries a minimum 12-month unlimited mileage warranty - always confirm exact terms with your chosen supplier."
Mercedes Benz G Class 250/300 Diesel Engine ReplacementFrequently Asked Questions
Question 1How much does it cost to replace a Mercedes G Class 250/300 Diesel engine in the UK-
A Mercedes G Class 250/300 Diesel engine replacement typically costs between £3,200 and £6,500 depending on engine code, condition type, and whether fitting is included. OM602 units start around £3,200, while OM606 turbodiesel units range from £4,500 to £6,500.
- Rebuilt OM603 (G 300 GD): £3,500-£5,500 supply only
- Rebuilt OM606 (G 300 Turbodiesel): £4,500-£6,500 supply only
- Used engines from breakers: £1,200-£4,000 but higher risk
- Labour for supply & fit adds £800-£1,500 to any engine price
Question 2What are the signs of OM603 injection pump failure in a G 300 GD-
The OM603's mechanical Bosch injection pump typically shows warning signs before complete failure - poor cold starting, white smoke on start-up, rough idle, and loss of power are the most common symptoms.
- Hard starting when cold that improves as the engine warms
- White or grey smoke from the exhaust, especially at idle
- Injector pump seal leaks (diesel weeping from the pump body)
- If the pump fails completely, the engine will not start at all
Question 3Is the OM606 engine in the G 300 Turbodiesel reliable-
The OM606 is one of Mercedes' most over-engineered diesel engines and is legendary for longevity - many examples exceed 300,000 miles with basic maintenance. The timing chain is the main weak point, stretching approximately 1 degree per 100,000 miles.
- Regular oil changes (every 6,000-8,000 miles) are critical for chain life
- Timing chain inspection at 150,000 miles is recommended
- The engine responds well to specialist tuning (250-300hp achievable)
- With preventative maintenance, 300,000+ miles is realistic
Question 4Should I repair or replace my G Class 250/300 Diesel engine-
Repair if the failure is isolated (e.g., injection pump seals on OM603, timing chain tensioner on OM606, vacuum pump on OM602). Replace if there's bottom end damage, bore scoring, or multiple major failures.
- OM603 injection pump calibration: £600-£1,000 - excellent value if caught early
- OM606 timing chain replacement: £1,200-£1,800 - do this preventatively
- Full OM603 rebuild: £3,500-£5,500 - for catastrophic failure or 180k+ miles
- Full OM606 rebuild: £4,500-£6,500 - still less than finding a replacement vehicle
Question 5How do I know which engine code my G Class 250/300 Diesel has-
Check your vehicle log book (V5C) for the engine number, which includes the engine code prefix (e.g., OM602, OM603, OM606).
- V5C log book shows full engine number with code prefix
- Engine code stamped on cylinder block (visible from under vehicle, left side)
- G 250 GD: OM602.931 (2.5L five-cylinder)
- G 300 GD: OM603.931 (3.0L six-cylinder naturally aspirated)
- G 300 Turbodiesel: OM606.964 (3.0L six-cylinder turbocharged)
Question 6Can I fit a used G Class 250/300 Diesel engine myself-
We strongly advise against DIY fitting on a G Class diesel. The complex 4MATIC/4WD system, gearbox alignment, and injection pump timing requirements demand specialist equipment and expertise.
- 4MATIC transfer case alignment requires specialist knowledge
- Injection pump timing requires precise calibration tools (OM603/OM606)
- Engine and gearbox must be separated correctly to avoid damaging the torque converter
- Specialist supply & fit costs £800-£1,500 - worth every penny for these classics
Question 7What warranty comes with a reconditioned G Class 250/300 Diesel engine-
Every engine supplied through EnginesMarket carries a minimum 12-month unlimited mileage warranty, with many specialists offering 24-month coverage on OM606 rebuilds. This includes parts and labour for any manufacturing defect or installation error.
- 12-month unlimited mileage is the minimum standard
- OM606 rebuilds often include 24-month warranty due to their robust design
- All warranties cover parts, labour, and MOT compliance
- Extended warranties available at point of purchase
Compare Mercedes Benz G Class 250/300 DieselEngine PricesToday
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