Mercedes-Benz 108 CDI
Renault-based small diesel (K9K). Economical but with little power reserve. Prone to EGR fouling and DPF issues under pure short-trip use.
Renault dCi at Mercedes Rates
75 hp Renault diesel with a Mercedes badge. Gets the deliveries done. The identical Kangoo costs significantly less used — and the Renault dealer charges less too.
Engine Weaknesses 6
The Renault K9K-based OM607 uses a timing belt that must be replaced every 120,000 km or 6 years. Neglecting the change leads to snapping and severe engine damage.
Symptoms: No noticeable warning before snap -- sudden failure with no advance notice if change is overdue
The OM607 is an interference engine with a timing belt (Renault K9K). Mercedes specifies 200,000 km; Renault recommends 120,000 km for the same engine. If the belt snaps, pistons meet valves -- immediate engine destruction.
Symptoms: Usually no warning before snap; sometimes faint squealing or rattling on cold start
The Renault-based K9K diesel shows known injector weaknesses. Defective injectors cause poor combustion, increased soot production and drastically shorten DPF regeneration intervals.
Symptoms: Rough idle, power loss, black smoke, frequent DPF regeneration, fault codes for individual cylinders
With predominantly short-trip use, the injectors on the OM607 coke prematurely. Cleaning additives can delay this; replacement costs 800-1,500 EUR.
Symptoms: Rough engine running, power loss, increased consumption, black smoke on acceleration
The EGR valve on the OM607 is prone to carbon deposits with typical urban driving. On the A/B 180d with frequent short-trip use, this is one of the most commonly cited weak points.
Symptoms: Engine warning light, power loss at mid-range rpm, limp mode, fault code P0400/P0401
The 1.5-litre diesel OM607 is primarily designed for long-distance use. With predominantly urban driving and short trips under 10 km, the DPF cannot reach operating temperature for a complete regeneration.
Symptoms: DPF warning symbol, frequent prompts for motorway driving for regeneration, rising oil level through fuel dilution
Vehicle Weaknesses 5
On vehicles from Aug.–Sept. 2016 the underbody brake line may not have been correctly secured. In the worst case, brake fluid loss.
On vehicles with reversing camera, moisture can penetrate the latch. The tailgate then unlocks spontaneously while driving.
The cavities at the rear wheel arches and along the sliding door guide rail rust from the inside out. Typical Kangoo/Citan problem on vehicles over 6–7 years old.
The Citan is frequently loaded to the limit as a delivery vehicle. The rear coil springs then break prematurely, especially on poor roads.
Sliding door rollers wear significantly faster in commercial use with frequent opening/closing. Door jams or jumps out of the guide.