Mercedes-Benz Diesel

Mercedes-Benz Diesel Performance Tuning & Servicing

Mercedes-Benz diesels span everything from the workhorse Sprinter van to the X-Class ute and the GLE SUV, and they share a common theme: refined, torque-rich engines wrapped in some of the most emissions-laden hardware on the road. At Willy’s Workshop we work on the full spread of Mercedes oilers across our Oxley (Brisbane) and Warana (Sunshine Coast) workshops, combining genuine European diesel know-how with in-house tuning and mechanical repair.

The engine line-up is broad. The OM651 2.1-litre four-cylinder powers many Sprinters, the Vito and a long list of Mercedes passenger cars, while the OM642 3.0-litre V6 sits in the X350d and higher-spec Sprinters. Newer GLE and Sprinter models run the OM654 2.0-litre four and the OM656 3.0-litre inline-six. Note the quirk: the X-Class itself does not use a Mercedes engine in its four-cylinder X220d and X250d variants, it runs Renault’s 2.3-litre dCi, which we treat differently when tuning and servicing.

Every one of these engines carries a DPF, EGR and AdBlue/SCR after-treatment system, and that is where most owners run into trouble. We focus on understanding how the factory calibration, after-treatment and turbo hardware work together so that any tune or repair keeps the car driveable, reliable and matched to how you actually use it here in South-East Queensland.

Engines We Tune

Mercedes-Benz diesel engines we tune

OM651 2.1L 4-cylinder (Sprinter, Vito, MB passenger cars)
120kW / 360Nm
High-volume four-cylinder diesel; known for timing-chain stretch, sensitive piezo injectors and EGR carbon build-up that we routinely diagnose and repair.
OM642 3.0L V6 (X350d, Sprinter)
190 kW / 550 Nm
Torque-rich V6 that responds well to a sensible tune; watch the well-known oil-cooler seal leaks and swirl-flap issues as the engine ages. Note the X-Class X250d instead uses Renault’s 2.3L dCi (140 kW / 450 Nm).
OM654 2.0L 4-cylinder (GLE 300d, current Sprinter)
198 kW / 550 Nm
Modern aluminium four with stepped-bowl combustion; a stronger timing-chain design than the OM651, but injector seals and after-treatment still need attention.
OM656 3.0L inline-6 (GLE 400d/450d)
243kW / 700Nm
Smooth, powerful inline-six with integrated after-treatment and mild-hybrid assistance on later cars; the modern replacement for the OM642 V6.
Tuning & Servicing

Why choose Willy’s for your Mercedes-Benz

Performance Tuning

Custom, dyno-verified ECU tuning developed in-house for your specific Mercedes-Benz diesel and how you drive it.

  • Custom remapping of the factory ECU on our dyno, with power and torque tuned to the limits of your specific engine, turbo and transmission rather than a generic file
  • Sensible gains on the torque-rich OM642 V6 and OM654 four, sharpening throttle response, smoothing the power delivery and improving in-gear pulling power for towing and freeway driving
  • Calibration that respects the standard DPF and after-treatment hardware, so the car stays driveable day-to-day and the regeneration strategy keeps working as intended
  • Before-and-after dyno runs and road testing so every change is measured and verified, not assumed, with the file refined until it is right for your vehicle

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Servicing & Repair

Full mechanical servicing and diagnostics for Mercedes-Benz diesels, from routine logbook work to the known weak points.

  • Logbook and major servicing including oil and filters, fuel filters and AdBlue top-ups, with diagnostic scanning to catch faults early on X-Class, Sprinter and GLE models
  • OM651 timing-chain and injector work, a known weak point on this engine in the Sprinter and Mercedes passenger range, plus EGR cleaning and carbon decontamination across the line-up
  • DPF diagnosis, forced regeneration and cleaning, plus EGR and AdBlue/SCR fault-finding when warning lights or limp mode appear
  • OM642 V6 attention to the well-known oil-cooler seals and swirl-flap issues, turbo, cooling and driveline repairs for vans worked hard in fleet and tradie use

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The Difference

Why drivers trust Willy’s Workshop

In-house ECU tuning
Custom maps written on your factory ECU — never generic off-the-shelf files
Dyno-verified
Every result measured before & after on our in-house dyno
Dealer-grade tooling
Genuine OEM software and diagnostics, not guesswork
Warranty-conscious
Logbook servicing kept up to date with manufacturer schedules
Two QLD workshops
Oxley (Brisbane) & Warana (Sunshine Coast)
Mercedes-Benz diesel performance tuning & servicing at Willys Workshop
FAQ

Mercedes-Benz diesel FAQs

Is tuning a Mercedes-Benz diesel worth it, and what does it cost?
For torque-led engines like the OM642 V6 and OM654 four, a custom tune can noticeably improve drivability, throttle response and towing pull, which is where most owners feel the benefit. Cost depends on the model, the engine and how much work the calibration needs, so we provide a quote once we know your exact vehicle. We do not sell off-the-shelf files; every tune is developed and dyno-verified for your specific car.
Will tuning or servicing void my Mercedes-Benz factory warranty?
If your vehicle is still under factory warranty, any ECU modification can affect that warranty, so it is a decision to make with your eyes open. Routine servicing carried out to Mercedes specifications by a qualified independent workshop like ours does not void your warranty under Australian Consumer Law. We will always talk through your warranty position before doing tuning work.
Can you delete or remove the DPF, EGR or AdBlue/SCR system?
Removing or defeating emissions equipment such as the DPF, EGR or AdBlue/SCR is illegal for road-registered vehicles in Australia and we do not offer it. What we do offer is proper diagnosis and repair of these systems, including DPF cleaning and forced regeneration, EGR servicing and AdBlue/SCR fault-finding, so the factory hardware works correctly instead of being bypassed.
What sort of gains can I realistically expect from a tune?
Gains vary by engine, turbo, gearbox and the condition of the car, so we will not quote a figure until we have it on the dyno. The bigger, more useful change on these engines is usually mid-range torque and throttle response rather than headline peak power. Every result is measured on our dyno before and after, so you see exactly what your vehicle gained.
Which Mercedes-Benz engines and models do you work on?
We cover the common diesel range including the OM651 2.1-litre four (Sprinter, Vito and many Mercedes passenger cars), the OM642 3.0-litre V6 (X350d and Sprinter), and the newer OM654 2.0-litre four and OM656 3.0-litre inline-six (GLE and current Sprinter). The X-Class four-cylinders, the X220d and X250d, use Renault’s 2.3-litre engine, which we handle separately. If you are unsure of your variant, send us the build details and we will confirm.
How do I book, and how long will the work take?
Book in at either our Oxley (Brisbane) or Warana (Sunshine Coast) workshop by phone or through the website. A standard service is usually a same-day job, while custom tuning needs the car for the day so we can complete the dyno and road-testing process properly. Bigger repairs, such as OM651 timing-chain work, we will scope and schedule once we have assessed the vehicle.
Two Queensland Locations

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We tune and service across South-East Queensland — choose the workshop nearest you.

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Get in touch

Our Locations

Sunshine Coast

P: (07) 5619 7869

Text us : 0485 885 957

E: sales@willysworkshop.com.au

12 Commerce Ave, Warana, 4575

 

Customer Service Opening Hours:

Monday to Friday – 7:00 AM to 5:00 PM

Brisbane

P: (07) 3377 3421

Text us : 0485 885 957

E: salesbris@willysworkshop.com.au

291 Cliveden Avenue, Oxley, 4075

 

Customer Service Opening Hours:

Monday to Friday – 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM