Mercedes-Benz Turbos For Sale

It depends on the engine and condition. The older 2.2 CDI (OM646/OM611/OM612) is the most affordable at roughly R3,000 – R4,500, with plenty of used pull-offs about. The high-volume OM651 2.1 CDI runs about R3,500 – R6,500 and the OM642 3.0 V6 CDI around R4,500 – R8,000. On the petrol side the newer M274 and M270 2.0 turbos both run roughly R8,000 – R11,000 because there is limited used salvage — mostly reconditioned and new-aftermarket. Submit one quote request and compare verified suppliers for your exact model.

The most common cause on these variable-nozzle (VNT) turbos is the vanes and actuator sticking with carbon and soot, giving power loss, limp mode, a whistling noise or black smoke. Sometimes it is just the actuator or a clean and recon rather than a whole turbo, and worn injectors, EGR or DPF issues can mimic the same symptoms — so it is worth a proper diagnosis first. The OM642 V6 in particular has known oil-cooler and swirl-flap talking points that can present alongside a turbo fault, so a good supplier will advise on the surrounding parts.

The OM651 is the current-generation 2.1 CDI four-cylinder — it runs a single VNT turbo on lower outputs and a 2-stage bi-turbo (a small high-pressure plus a larger low-pressure turbo) on the higher-output C250/E250 versions. The OM642 is the 3.0 V6 CDI with a single GT2052V turbo. The 2.2 CDI (OM646/OM611/OM612) is the older four-cylinder family — the simplest and cheapest to source. So a C220 CDI could be an OM651 or an older 2.2 CDI depending on year. Give your model, year and engine when you request a quote so suppliers match the correct turbo.

All three are common in SA. A used pull-off is the cheapest and fine if it has been tested and comes with some warranty. A reconditioned or exchange unit (you surrender your old core) is usually quote-only and carries a longer warranty. New aftermarket or OEM-grade units cost the most but are brand new. On the bi-turbo OM651 and the VNT diesels, check exactly which units are included and whether the actuator is calibrated. Watch out for cheap "CHRA core" listings — a bare centre cartridge is not a complete turbo.

Confirm it by VIN or engine number — Mercedes uses more than one part number per engine, and the model badge alone is not enough. A C220 CDI could be an OM651 or an older 2.2 CDI depending on year; an E250 CDI may be a 2-stage bi-turbo rather than a single turbo; and the OM642 part number (A6420901480) superseded over the years. Tell us your model, year and engine (and ideally your VIN) when you request a quote and verified suppliers will confirm the exact unit before you commit.

It varies by supplier. Tested used units typically carry a 30–90 day warranty; reconditioned and new aftermarket units usually 6–12 months. Because a failed turbo can be caused by oil-supply, EGR or DPF issues, a good supplier will also advise on fitting the correct oil feed/return and priming the unit. Always get the warranty terms in writing and confirm whether fitment at a qualified workshop is required.