Mercedes Benz Vaneo 1.7 CDI Engine ReplacementCompare Prices & Get Quotes
Get quotes today from trusted UK Mercedes Benz Vaneo 1.7 CDI engine specialists. Compare prices on reconditioned, rebuilt and used OM668 diesel units - supply & fit available with a minimum 12-month warranty.
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3 Simple Steps to Finding the Right Replacement Engine
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Variant History
Mercedes Benz Vaneo 1.7 CDI Engine History & Specs at a Glance
The Mercedes Benz Vaneo 1.7 CDI launched in 2001 as the diesel workhorse of the W414 platform - a compact MPV/van hybrid that shared its engine architecture with the W168 A-Class. Powered by the OM668 DE1.6 LA 1.7-litre common-rail diesel, the 1.7 CDI offered strong low-end torque and excellent fuel economy for urban commercial and family use. Production ran from 2001 to 2005, with two power outputs - 75hp and 91hp - across Trend, Ambiente, Family and Commercial trims.
2001
Vaneo 1.7 CDI launched with OM668 DE1.6 LA 75hp (55kW) and 91hp (67kW) variants
Mercedes Vaneo 1.7 CDI Engine Problems Repair Cost vs Replacement
The Mercedes Vaneo 1.7 CDI's OM668 engine is generally robust and durable for its era - one owner reported 360,000 km (224,000 miles) with no major engine problems. However, the combination of EGR system clogging, turbo actuator wear and injector seal failure creates distinct failure patterns that drive UK replacement enquiries. Every rebuilt OM668 engine through EnginesMarket includes upgraded components addressing the original failure points, plus a minimum 12-month unlimited-mileage warranty.
Common failure points and repair options
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EGR Valve Clogging
Affected
Mercedes Vaneo 1.7 CDI (OM668, 2001-2005)
Typical failure mileage
70,000-100,000 miles
Root cause
Carbon-heavy exhaust gases recirculate directly into the intake manifold without a modern DPF to filter soot, causing rapid valve sticking and restricted airflow. Owners report mass amounts of smoke from the exhaust, particularly on take-off and under high revs. The valve's plunger becomes thick with black, gummy oil. Fault codes P1403 (EGR vacuum transducer) and P1470 (charge pressure control) are common.
The OM668 responds well to a standalone EGR valve replacement and intake strip-down. We recommend this route for most budget-conscious owners unless diagnostic tests confirm deep internal scoring or coolant ingress. A simple clean of the EGR valve and checking for kinked vacuum hoses can resolve many smoking issues.
The turbocharger's pneumatic wastegate actuator diaphragm degrades under sustained heat cycles, causing boost pressure leaks, erratic vane positioning, and ECU limp-mode activation. Symptoms include stalling during deceleration, RPM limiting above 3,500 rpm, and loss of power. The turbo's or EGR's vacuum control valves may be leaking vacuum.
Repair options
Repair tier
Dealer price
Specialist price
Minor - Turbo Actuator & Hose Replacement
£900-£1,350
£450-£750
Full Replacement - Rebuilt OM668 Engine with New Turbo
£3,700-£4,500
£1,150-£1,600
Our recommendation
Replacing just the actuator is a cost-effective first step for a Mercedes Vaneo 1.7 CDI showing intermittent boost loss. However, if metallic scraping is audible or black soot is present around the turbo housing, a full rebuilt engine with a fresh turbo core is the only reliable long-term fix. Check the wastegate actuator rod retention clip - a missing clip is a known cause of actuator disconnection.
Injector seals degrade over time, allowing combustion gases to escape past the injector. Owners report a "Phhhew" sound every 4th stroke, along with smoke and smell in the engine compartment. Injector seats on the cylinder head need to be re-cut; without this, new seals will leak again.
Repair options
Repair tier
Dealer price
Specialist price
Intermediate - Injector Seal Replacement & Seat Recut
£400-£700
£250-£450
Full Replacement - Rebuilt OM668 Engine
£3,500-£4,500
£950-£1,550
Our recommendation
Injector seal failure is a common and relatively inexpensive fix on the OM668. A competent specialist can replace seals and recut seats in around four hours. If the vehicle has a history of multiple injector failures or the head is damaged, a rebuilt engine may be more cost-effective.
The OM668 uses a chain-driven double overhead camshaft arrangement. The timing chain tensioner can wear over time, causing chain slack and a rattling noise on cold starts. The intake camshaft is driven via a single roller chain, with the exhaust camshaft driven via gearwheel engagement.
Repair options
Repair tier
Dealer price
Specialist price
Preventative - Timing Chain Kit
£800-£1,200
£450-£750
Full Replacement - Rebuilt OM668 Engine
£3,500-£4,500
£950-£1,550
Our recommendation
Do not ignore a cold-start rattle on your Mercedes Vaneo 1.7 CDI. A timing chain kit replacement is significantly cheaper than repairing a bent-valve OM668 engine. Many Vaneo 1.7 CDI owners have reported 360,000 km (224,000 miles) without engine problems - but chain tensioner wear is the main exception.
Don't Let Engine Failure Write Off Your Mercedes Vaneo 1.7 CDI
Navigating EGR clogging, turbo actuator failure, injector seal issues or timing chain wear doesn't have to mean scrapping your Mercedes Vaneo 1.7 CDI. Our platform instantly connects you with vetted UK engine specialists who provide transparent, competitive quotes tailored to your exact OM668 engine code. Every replacement unit is bench-tested, fitted with upgraded components that resolve known factory weaknesses, and backed by a 12-month unlimited mileage warranty with nationwide delivery and supply & fit options available. Compare Mercedes Vaneo 1.7 CDI engine prices today and secure a reliable, cost-effective solution without the main dealer premium.
Everything Mercedes Benz Vaneo 1.7 CDI owners usually ask before choosing a rebuilt, reconditioned or used replacement engine.
A rebuilt Mercedes Vaneo 1.7 CDI OM668 engine typically costs **£950-£1,550** supply-only, depending on power output (75hp or 91hp) and supplier. Used units start from **£450**. Supply & fit adds **£450-£750** labour. Prices vary by condition and supplier location.
Your Mercedes Vaneo 1.7 CDI uses the **OM668 DE1.6 LA** engine, also known as **668.914 (ME2)**. This 1.7-litre common-rail diesel was fitted to all Vaneo 1.7 CDI variants from 2001 to 2005. Verify via your V5C logbook, VIN plate, or by entering your registration on our compatibility checker.
OM668 DE1.6 LA / 668.914 is the sole diesel engine for Vaneo
Check V5C logbook section D.2 or use our VIN decoder tool
EGR valve failure on the Mercedes Vaneo 1.7 CDI typically presents as **excessive black smoke** from the exhaust, **loss of power** under acceleration, **rough idle**, and **limp mode** activation. Fault codes P1403 (EGR vacuum transducer) and P1470 (charge pressure control) are common.
Replacing a Mercedes Vaneo 1.7 CDI engine is worthwhile if the vehicle is in good condition and the replacement cost stays below the vehicle's value. With Vaneo values typically **£800-£2,500**, a rebuilt engine at **£950-£1,550** plus fitting represents a significant investment - carefully assess body condition, mileage and MOT history. For sub-£1,000 examples, a used engine from £450 may be more economical.
With proper maintenance, the Mercedes Vaneo 1.7 CDI OM668 engine regularly exceeds **200,000 miles**. One owner reported **360,000 km (224,000 miles)** with no major engine problems. Regular oil changes, EGR valve cleaning and timely injector seal replacement are essential for longevity.
Well-maintained OM668: 200,000+ miles achievable
EGR cleaning every 30,000-50,000 miles recommended
Regular oil changes with correct 5W-40 spec essential
The Mercedes Vaneo 1.7 CDI shares the OM668 engine with the W168 A-Class, but mount points, wiring harnesses and ECU calibrations differ. Always verify chassis-specific compatibility before ordering a replacement unit. The Vaneo uses engine code **668.914** while the A-Class uses **668.940** variants.
Physical engine block interchangeability does not guarantee plug-and-play installation
Comparing Mercedes Vaneo 1.7 CDI engine quotes is completely free and carries no obligation. Enter your registration above, tell us your OM668 engine code, and receive transparent, fixed-price quotes from our vetted UK specialists within hours. Whether you need a used engine for a quick fix or a fully rebuilt OM668 with upgraded EGR components and a 12-month warranty, we'll match you with the right supplier for your budget.
50+50+ Mercedes Vaneo 1.7 CDI engines supplied through our network
12-Month12-Month Warranty on every rebuilt OM668 engine