Mercedes-Benz OM601 engine

{{one source|date=July 2025}}

{{Infobox automobile engine

| name = Mercedes-Benz OM601 engine

| image = Mercedes-Benz OM601 naturally aspirated diesel engine.jpg

| caption = OM601 engine

| manufacturer = Mercedes-Benz

| configuration = Inline-4

| production = 1983–2000

| predecessor = Mercedes-Benz OM616

| successor = Mercedes-Benz OM604 engine

| bore = {{cvt|87|mm|in|2}}
{{cvt|89|mm|in|2}}

| stroke = {{cvt|84|mm|in|2}}
{{cvt|92.4|mm|in|2}}

| displacement = {{cvt|1997|cc|L|1|order=flip}}
{{cvt|2197|cc|L|1|order=flip}}
{{cvt|2299|cc|L|1|order=flip}}

| length =

| diameter =

| width =

| height =

| weight =

| block = Cast iron

| head = Aluminum

| valvetrain = SOHC, 2 valves per cylinder

| turbocharger = Yes (.97x only)

| fuelsystem = Indirect injection

| fueltype = Diesel

| oilsystem = Wet sump

| coolingsystem = Water-cooled

| power = {{cvt|72-96|bhp|0}}

| torque = {{cvt|93-170|lbft|Nm|0}}

| compression = 22.0:1

}}

The Mercedes-Benz OM601 engine is an inline-four diesel engine that was manufactured by Mercedes-Benz from 1983 to 2000.{{Cite book |last=Taylor |first=James |url=https://www.google.ca/books/edition/Mercedes_Benz_W124/nbbzCQAAQBAJ?hl=en&gbpv=1&dq=Mercedes-Benz+OM601+engine+-wikipedia&pg=PT144&printsec=frontcover |title=Mercedes-Benz W124: The Complete Story |date=2015-05-31 |publisher=Crowood |isbn=978-1-84797-954-4 |language=en |access-date=2025-07-05 |via=Google Books}}{{rp|p=144}}

Three variants of the engine were built: a {{cvt|1977|cc|L in3|1|order=flip}} model, a {{cvt|2197|cc|L in3|1|order=flip}} version built for the US market, and a {{cvt|2299|cc|L in3|1|order=flip}} for commercial vehicles. The first two were rated by the manufacturer for {{cvt|72|bhp|0}} at 4200 rpm and {{cvt|96|lbft|Nm|0}} of torque at 2800 rpm; the increase in displacement reduced emissions in order to meet US automobile emissions requirements. The commercial vehicle version had {{cvt|78|bhp|0}} in standard variants, the turbocharged version (OM601.970) in the V230 TD and Vito 110D had {{cvt|96|bhp|0}}.

It is closely related to the 5 cylinder OM602 and the 6 cylinder OM603 engine families of the same era.{{rp|p=145}}

The OM601 was built with an aluminum head on an iron block. The camshaft and fuel injection pump are driven by a duplex chain from the crankshaft. A separate single row chain drives the oil pump from the crankshaft.

Fuel supply is indirect injection via a prechamber arrangement. The OM-601's injection pump is a mechanical fuel injection unit with a 5,150 rpm (± 50 rpm) mechanical governor, automatic altitude compensation, and a 'load sensing' automatic idle speed control. The pump is lubricated by a connection to the engine oil circulation.

Use of the block heater was recommended in climates where it drops below {{cvt|10|°F|°C}} for long periods.

The engine was used in the 208D 308D and 408D Mercedes-Benz T1 and later the Phase 1 308D Mercedes-Benz Sprinter.