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.
Supply & Fit Available
12-Month Warranty
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From £450 to £1,550
Used from £450 · Reconditioned from £850 · Common codes: OM668 DE1.6 LA, 668.914
From £450
Tested, bare/short engine
From £850
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 Vaneo 1.7 CDI Replacement Engineto Finding the Best Mercedes Benz Vaneo 1.7 CDI Replacement Engine
Most replacements completed within 3-5 days.
Variant HistoryMercedes 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.
Variant HistoryMercedes 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.
Mercedes Benz Vaneo 1.7 CDI
Fuel TypeDiesel
Engine CodeOM668 DE1.6 LA / 668.914Engine Size1.7L (1,689 cc)Engine History Timeline
**2001** - Vaneo 1.7 CDI launched with OM668 DE1.6 LA 75hp (55kW) and 91hp (67kW) variants
**2002** - TouchShift automatic transmission option introduced
**2003** - Peak UK sales year; EGR valve revisions introduced (A6681410060)
**2004** - Late-production OM668 units receive updated injector calibration
**2005** - Final production year; Vaneo discontinued with no direct successor
Key Specs Snapshot
Fuel TypeDieselEngine CodeOM668 DE1.6 LA / 668.914Engine Size1.7L (1,689 cc)Bore x Stroke80.0 mm x 84.0 mmCompression Ratio19.0:1
Power Output75hp (55kW) / 91hp (67kW)Torque180 Nm @ 1,600-3,200 rpmValve TrainDOHC, chain-drivenInjectionCommon-rail direct injection, Bosch 3-plunger high-pressure pumpYears Produced2001-2005Every OM668 engine fitted to the Mercedes Vaneo 1.7 CDI is covered below, with UK rebuilt pricing and known failure points.
Mercedes Vaneo 1.7 CDI Engine Codes - Specifications & Replacement CostMercedes Vaneo 1.7 CDI Engine Codes - Specifications & Replacement Cost
1.7L Diesel (2001-2005)
Fuel TypeDieselEngine CodeOM668 DE1.6 LA / 668.914 (ME2)Engine Size1.7 Litre (1,689 cc)ConfigurationInline 4-cylinder, 59° inclination to front, light-alloy blockPower Output55kW (75hp) / 67kW (91hp)Torque180 Nm @ 1,600-3,200 rpmValves4 per cylinder, DOHC, double roller chain camshaft driveFuel SystemCommon-rail direct injection, Bosch 3-plunger high-pressure pumpYears Fitted2001-2005
Compatible Trim Levels
- 1.7 CDI Trend
- 1.7 CDI Ambiente
- 1.7 CDI Family
- 1.7 CDI Commercial
- 1.7 CDI TouchShift
Find your exact engine code, specs and UK replacement cost guide.
Used
Tested, ready-to-fit engine
£450-£950
Reconditioned
Addressed known issues, tested
£850-£1,400
Rebuilt
Full teardown, upgraded internals
£950-£1,550
Common Failure
EGR valve clogging from carbon-heavy exhaust gas recirculation (70k-100k miles), turbo actuator diaphragm degradation causing boost loss and limp mode, injector seal failure leading to compression loss and smoke, and timing chain tensioner wear.
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.
Why Mercedes Vaneo 1.7 CDI Engines Lose Power and Smoke Excessively
Affected Vehicles
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.
Why It Happens
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.
Dealer (parts + labour)
£350-£500
Specialist (parts + labour)
£150-£300
What it involves
Removal of EGR valve, manual decarbonisation with carburettor cleaner, vacuum hose inspection and lubrication
Suitability
Effective if caught early; may need repeating if root cause (vacuum leak) not addressed
1 - 2 daysDealer (parts + labour)
£850-£1,200
Specialist (parts + labour)
£400-£650
What it involves
Removal of clogged EGR valve, replacement with updated unit (A6681410060), professional carbon cleaning of intake runners
Suitability
Restores power; addresses the root cause permanently
1 - 2 daysDealer (parts + labour)
£3,500-£4,500
Specialist (parts + labour)
£950-£1,550
What it involves
Supply & fit of bench-tested rebuilt OM668 unit with pre-cleaned intake ports, new EGR valve, and 12-month warranty
Suitability
Necessary only if severe EGR failure has caused hydrolock or excessive cylinder wall scoring
1 - 2 daysAll prices are indicative UK market ranges based on current UK specialist supplier data.| Repair Tier | Dealer (Parts + Labour) | Specialist (Parts + Labour) | What It Involves | Suitability | Estimated Time |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
 Minor - EGR Valve Cleaning Minor | £350-£500 | £150-£300 | Removal of EGR valve, manual decarbonisation with carburettor cleaner, vacuum hose inspection and lubrication | Effective if caught early; may need repeating if root cause (vacuum leak) not addressed | 1 - 2 days |
 Intermediate - EGR Valve Replacement & Intake Clean Best Value | £850-£1,200 | £400-£650 | Removal of clogged EGR valve, replacement with updated unit (A6681410060), professional carbon cleaning of intake runners | Restores power; addresses the root cause permanently | 1 - 2 days |
Full Replacement - Rebuilt OM668 Engine Best Value | £3,500-£4,500 | £950-£1,550 | Supply & fit of bench-tested rebuilt OM668 unit with pre-cleaned intake ports, new EGR valve, and 12-month warranty | Necessary only if severe EGR failure has caused hydrolock or excessive cylinder wall scoring | 1 - 2 days |
Our Recommendation
Our Recommendation
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.
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.
Compare rebuilt OM668 diesel engine prices for your Mercedes Vaneo 1.7 CDI
12-Month Minimum
UK Specialists Vetted
Best Price GuidanceImportant 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 Vaneo 1.7 CDI. Every engine supplied through EnginesMarket carries a minimum 12-month unlimited mileage warranty - always confirm exact terms with your chosen supplier."
Mercedes Vaneo 1.7 CDI Engine ReplacementFrequently Asked Questions
Question 1How much does a Mercedes Vaneo 1.7 CDI engine replacement cost-
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.
- Rebuilt OM668: £950-£1,550
- Reconditioned OM668: £850-£1,400
- Used OM668: £450-£950
Question 2What engine code does my Mercedes Vaneo 1.7 CDI have-
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
- 75hp and 91hp variants share the same engine code
Question 3What are the signs of EGR valve failure on a Mercedes Vaneo 1.7 CDI-
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.
- Black smoke on take-off and under high revs
- Loss of power and poor acceleration
- Rough idle and stalling
- Check engine light with P1403 or P1470 codes
Question 4Is it worth replacing the engine in a Mercedes Vaneo 1.7 CDI-
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.
- Vaneo 1.7 CDI values typically £800-£2,500
- Rebuilt engine plus fitting: £1,400-£2,300
- Used engine plus fitting: £900-£1,700
Question 5How long does a Mercedes Vaneo 1.7 CDI engine last-
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
Question 6Are Mercedes Vaneo 1.7 CDI engines interchangeable with A-Class W168-
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
- Engine mounts require Vaneo-specific bracket verification (A1682400 series)
- ECU flash files must match Vaneo VIN to prevent immobiliser faults
- EngineMarket specialists cross-check chassis code before dispatching any unit
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