The most durable Engines

Comparison & Details

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When looking for a used vehicle, you should also keep an eye on the potential longevity of the engine. In this article, we list some of the most durable engines and their characteristics to make your decision easier.

The first thing to say here is that the longevity of your engine is heavily influenced by maintenance and care. A well maintained and healthy car will always run significantly longer, no matter how stable the engine is designed by the manufacturer.

Contents
  1. 1) The B5244S engine from VOLVO
  2. 2) The OM 602 DE 29 LA engine from Mercedes
  3. 3) The 1.9 l TDI engine from VW
  4. 4) Conclusion
  5. More Articles

1) The B5244S engine from VOLVO

The first engine worth mentioning is the 2.4-liter inline 5-cylinder petrol engine, the B5244S, found in the Volvo V70. Produced for a single year (from spring 1999 to spring 2000), this engine benefited from an upgraded electronic throttle system, making it compliant with the Euro 3 emissions standard of its time.

Choosing a Volvo V70 equipped with this engine is a solid decision for anyone prioritizing durability. These cars are renowned for their ability to surpass 200,000 kilometers and are considered among the most reliable on the road. You can get this model only with an automatic transmission. Approximately 380,000 units of these vehicles are still on the road today.

Volvo V70, B5244S, longest-lasting engine no. 1
The VOLVO V70 with the B5244S engine

2) The OM 602 DE 29 LA engine from Mercedes

Next on the list is Mercedes-Benz’s OM 602 DE 29 LA, a 2.8-liter 5-cylinder turbodiesel engine with 129 horsepower. Featured in the Mercedes E290 Turbodiesel, this engine was produced between 1969 and 1999 and continues to impress with its reliability. Until a few years ago, it was the most popular and frequently used vehicle for cab rides. These cars often achieve a mileage of over 250,000 kilometers with a relatively low consumption of just under 7 liters on average.

The E290 turbodiesel was the first Mercedes-Benz engine equipped with a Direct injection, a turbocharger and intercooler. However, this engine was still without common rail system and has the typical noise development of a direct injection engine of the first generation.

Mercedes engine, OM 602 DE 29 LA, The most durable engines
The OM 602 DE 29 LA engine from Mercedes

3) The 1.9 l TDI engine from VW

The legendary four-cylinder 1.9-liter TDI engine by Volkswagen is a must-mention when discussing durable engines. Known for being one of the most efficient and robust engines ever built, it’s not uncommon for these units to exceed 350,000 kilometers. The 1.9 TDI was developed in the 2nd generation with pump-nozzle technology and a distributor injection pump.

The engine powered numerous vehicles across the Volkswagen Group, including the Golf, Passat, and Touran, as well as Audi models like the A3, A4, and A6. Output ranged from 75 to 160 horsepower. One of its standout features is its exceptionally low fuel consumption—just 4 liters per 100 kilometers. The design improvements addressed weaknesses in previous models, further reducing fuel consumption and operating costs. The cylinder heads are also more durable, ensuring greater overall reliability.

The problems of the 1st generation engines were solved by the renewed injection process and further reduced fuel consumption. As a result, the cylinder heads are no longer subjected to as much stress as in the previous model and the weak points have been eliminated. The 1.9 TDI engine is considered reliable, robust and cost-effective. It will take you from A to B for many years without any problems and it is therefore the No. 1 engine with the longest service life.

THE 1.9 liter TDI from VW in the Passat
The 1.9l TDI engine in the Passat 3BG

4) Conclusion

This article highlights three of the most durable engines still found on European roads today. While this list is far from exhaustive and continuously evolving, the mentioned engines stand out for their proven reliability.
Other noteworthy engines include:

4.0-liter V6 type 1GR-FE from Toyota
3.5-liter V6 GDI 6G74 from Mitsubishi
2.7-liter OM 612 DE 27 LA from Mercedes

Engines from the late 1990s to early 2000s often exhibit especially robust construction, frequently achieving lifespans well beyond 200,000 kilometers. Diesel engines with turbochargers are particularly prevalent, likely due to their simpler design compared to petrol engines.

Ultimately, longevity depends on proper care. Adhering to maintenance schedules—especially regular oil changes—and taking care of your vehicle will ensure these engines serve you for years to come.

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