Mercedes Benz Sprinter 208/211/313/316 CDI Engine ReplacementCompare Prices & Get Quotes

Short summary: A rebuilt OM651 engine for the Sprinter 208-316 CDI costs £2,400-£4,500 supply-only, depending on variant and power output. Supply-and-fit adds £450-£850 labour. Prices vary by variant, engine code, and specialist location across the UK network.

• OM651.950 (208/211 CDI, 80-109hp): rebuilt unit £2,800-£3,800; used engine from £1,200
• OM651.955 (213/313 CDI, 129hp): rebuilt unit £2,995-£4,200; used engine from £1,400
• OM651.958 (216/316 CDI, 163hp): rebuilt unit £3,200-£4,500; used engine from £1,600
• OM651 timing chain tensioner replacement (labour only): £1,200-£1,800 at specialist
• 12-month unlimited mileage warranty included on all reconditioned units

Short summary: A rattling noise on cold start is the classic warning sign on the OM651 engine. The timing chain tensioner seal can leak oil (REC-005099 recall), causing chain slack and guide wear. If ignored, it can lead to catastrophic engine failure and significant commercial downtime.

• Cold start rattle lasting 1-3 seconds - earliest warning sign
• Oil leak from the timing chain tensioner area (recall REC-005099)
• Check engine light with timing correlation codes
• Metallic debris in the engine oil (severe cases)
• If caught early, tensioner replacement costs £1,200-£1,800 at specialist

Short summary: The original copper injector seat seals harden and crack over time, allowing high-pressure combustion gases to blow past the injector. This rapidly carbonises the injector bore and cylinder head, eventually warping the sealing surface. Early Delphi piezo injectors (pre-2012) are particularly prone to failure.

• Diesel smell in the cabin or engine bay - early warning sign
• Carbon crust ("Black Death") around the injector body
• Rough idle or misfire
• If caught early, injector seal replacement costs £650-£900 at specialist

Short summary: The OM651 is fundamentally a robust and reliable commercial diesel engine - 200,000-300,000 km examples are common. However, it has predictable weak points: timing chain tensioner seal leaks (REC-005099), injector seal blow-by, and EGR cooler cracking. All are manageable with the right maintenance schedule and proactive attention.

• OM651 is fundamentally robust with strong torque and good economy
• Timing chain tensioner seal leak is the most critical failure point - recall REC-005099
• Injector seal blow-by and EGR clogging are common on high-mileage vehicles
• Regular oil changes with Mercedes-spec low-SAPS oil are essential

Short summary: Properly maintained OM651 engines routinely reach 150,000-200,000 miles before major work. Timing chain tensioner issues typically appear between 60,000-110,000 miles.

• OM651 (Sprinter 208-316 CDI): 150,000-200,000 miles with regular servicing
• Timing chain inspection recommended from 60,000 miles (120,000 km)
• Service interval is 10,000 miles or 12 months - use Mercedes-spec low-SAPS oil
• Late oil changes accelerate timing chain wear and injector seal degradation

Short summary: Yes, if the Sprinter is otherwise in good condition with no structural rust or major transmission faults. A rebuilt OM651 costs £2,400-£4,500 - far less than replacing a £4,000-£15,000 vehicle. Commercial operators typically save £15,000-£30,000 versus purchasing a new Sprinter van.

• Sprinter 208-316 CDI values: £4,000-£15,000 depending on year, mileage and condition
• Rebuilt engine with upgraded components fixes original weak points
• Supply & fit typically £2,850-£5,350 depending on engine code
• New engine includes 12-month unlimited mileage warranty
• 80,000-120,000 additional miles typically achievable from a rebuilt engine