Mercedes Benz Sprinter 211/317 CDI Engine ReplacementCompare Prices & Get Quotes

Short summary: A rebuilt OM651 engine for the Sprinter 211 CDI costs £2,800-£3,800 supply-only; a rebuilt OM654 engine for the Sprinter 317 CDI costs £3,500-£5,400 supply-only. Supply-and-fit adds £450-£850 labour depending on complexity.

• Sprinter 211 CDI (OM651.950/958): rebuilt unit £2,800-£3,800; used engine from £1,200
• Sprinter 317 CDI (OM654.920): rebuilt unit £3,500-£5,400; used engine from £1,800
• OM651 timing chain tensioner replacement (labour only): £1,200-£1,800 at specialist
• OM654 EGR cooler replacement: £1,200-£1,650 at specialist

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. The OM651's single most critical failure point is timing chain stretch from approximately 120,000 km .

• 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: Reduced performance, increased fuel consumption, rough idling and dashboard warning lights are the classic warning signs on the OM654 engine. The low-pressure EGR valve and cooler can become clogged with soot over time, particularly on urban delivery cycles.

• Reduced power and poor throttle response
• Increased fuel consumption
• Check engine light with emissions-related fault codes
• If caught early, EGR cleaning costs £450-£700 at specialist

Short summary: The OM651 is fundamentally reliable - 200,000-300,000 km examples are common - but has predictable weak points: timing chain stretch from ~120,000 km, early Delphi injector failures, EGR clogging, and water pump leaks . The OM654 is a modern engine with improved efficiency but can suffer from low-pressure EGR clogging and DPF regeneration issues. All are manageable with the right maintenance schedule.

• OM651 is fundamentally robust with strong torque and good economy
• Timing chain stretch is the most critical failure point - recall REC-005099
• OM654 EGR clogging and DPF issues are common on short-journey 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 issues typically appear between 60,000-110,000 miles. The OM654 is too new for definitive long-term data but is showing good durability with regular servicing.

• OM651 (Sprinter 211 CDI): 150,000-200,000 miles with regular servicing
• OM654 (Sprinter 317 CDI): too early for definitive data - EGR and DPF issues from 50k-85k miles
• 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

Short summary: Yes, if the Sprinter is otherwise in good condition with no structural rust or major transmission faults. A rebuilt OM651 costs £2,800-£3,800 - far less than replacing a £4,000-£12,000 vehicle. The OM654's higher value (£15,000-£35,000) makes replacement even more financially justifiable.

• Sprinter 211 CDI values: £4,000-£12,000 depending on year, mileage and condition
• Sprinter 317 CDI values: £15,000-£35,000 - modern Euro 6 vans retain strong values
• Rebuilt engine with upgraded components fixes original weak points
• Supply & fit typically £3,250-£6,250 depending on engine code
• New engine includes 12-month unlimited mileage warranty