Even the smallest model of the new generation of Mercedes diesel engines - the 2.2-liter 4-cylinder E 220 D, launched in 1993, designated on the domestic market as OM 604 - is an achievement of modern engine construction in terms of its characteristics. German manufacturers were the first to start serial production of a 4-valve pre-chamber cylinder head for a diesel engine. Almost vertically arranged valves are actuated by two overhead camshafts. Moreover, the exhaust camshaft connected by a chain drive to the crankshaft, on its side, through the gear, drives the intake camshaft. To achieve good torque, a suction system with relatively long separate pipes is used. In addition, for the first time in a diesel engine, a system similar to the electronically controlled fuel injection system of a gasoline engine was used (for diesel engine OM 604 - a system with a distribution fuel pump), and CAN bus (CAN - Controller Area Network - switched tire data). The CAN bus makes it possible, by changing the output data, to interact between the engine group and electronically controlled vehicle components, such as the ASR system (traction control), anti-lock braking system ABS, automatic transmission and readiness control system.
If we compare the power characteristics of a 4-cylinder diesel engine with a W 115 engine (/8) 60-70s, you can see a huge difference. If the previous 220 D had 44 kW/60 hp. at an engine speed of 4200 min-1, then a new engine with the same cylinder capacity has 70 kW/95 hp. at a frequency of 5000 min-1.
Models E 200 CDI and E 220 CDI with 75 kW/102 hp. and 93 kW/125 hp accordingly, since June 1998, a 4-cylinder diesel engine with a prechamber operating principle has been replaced.
Since June 1999, the E 200 CDI and 220 CDI models have been modified, their power has increased significantly: up to 85 kW / 116 hp. – with E 200 CDI and up to 105 kW/143 hp - at 220 CDI.