Who Makes Mercedes Engines? (The Surprising Truth Revealed)

So, you’re wondering who crafts those stunning engines for Mercedes-Benz?

We’ve got you covered!

Mercedes-Benz engines are primarily made in-house by the brand itself, with a helping hand from the Mercedes-AMG division. However, over the years, Mercedes-Benz also partnered with other automotive companies to manufacture engines together.

In this article, we will explore the talented people responsible for engineering these engines, some cool collaborations that might surprise you, and of course, a bit of history sprinkled in for good measure.

Let’s start!

Mercedes-Benz’s in-house engine production

When it comes to top-tier engineering, Mercedes-Benz doesn’t hold back.

Under the hood, there’s a world of precision, innovation, and sheer engineering brilliance.

Let’s check out how they make most of their engines in-house, shall we?

Daimler AG

Behind the scenes, pulling all the strings is Daimler AG.

As the parent company of Mercedes-Benz, Daimler ensures everything is up to par, setting high standards and guidelines for engine production.

While the Mercedes headquarters rests in the picturesque city of Stuttgart, the engines are made in a handful of production plants across Germany. These include Berlin, Kölleda, and Arnstadt. So, yes, most Mercedes-Benz engines are German!

Mercedes-AMG division

Next up is the powerhouse (pun intended) of the Mercedes family: the Mercedes-AMG division.

This segment of Mercedes-Benz is all about high performance!

Mercedes-AMG isn’t just a fancy set of letters.

Located in the town of Affalterbach, this division specializes in turning regular engines into roaring beasts. When you hear a Mercedes that sounds like it’s ready to race, you can bet that AMG had something to do with it.

While all AMG engines are noteworthy, some stand out from the crowd.

For instance, the AMG 4.0-liter V8 biturbo engine is a fan favorite.

With its power, efficiency, and glorious sound, it’s a marvel of modern engineering. And it’s just the tip of the iceberg!

Mercedes-Benz’s collaborations for engine production

Behind some Mercedes-Benz engines, there’s an exciting story of collaboration.

Mercedes-Benz has occasionally joined hands with other automobile giants to co-create new engines.

Let’s dive into some of these partnerships:

Partnership with Renault-Nissan

It’s no secret that Mercedes-Benz models are some of the most popular luxury vehicles on the market.

But what might come as a surprise is that some Mercedes-Benz models, like the A 250 and GLB 200, are powered by engines developed by Renault-Nissan.

The story of Mercedes using Renault motors started in 2010 when Daimler (the parent company of Mercedes-Benz) entered a ‘strategic agreement’ and acquired a stake of 3.1% in Renault and 3.1% in Nissan. (Source)

In return, the Renault-Nissan alliance got a stake of 3.1% in Daimler.

The agreement enabled sharing and co-development of petrol and diesel engines, allowing companies to reduce costs and increase economies of scale.

The Renault-Nissan and Daimler partnership resulted in the development and sharing of the Mercedes OM607, OM608, OM622, and M282 engines. These Renault-Nissan engines were placed in models like the Mercedes-Benz A 180, C 200d, GLB 200, and more.

If you want to learn more about all Mercedes-Benz models powered by Renault engines, check out our article here!

Collaboration with McLaren

When Mercedes-Benz and McLaren collaborated, the automotive world held its breath, and for a good reason.

Their joint venture was centered on a gem – the SLR McLaren.

This hypercar wasn’t just about speed; it was a combination of Mercedes’ luxury and McLaren’s racing DNA.

The engine, co-developed by both, was nothing short of a masterpiece, demonstrating what’s possible when luxury meets performance at the highest level.

History of Mercedes-Benz engines

Mercedes-Benz has been producing cars for over a century.

And a history lesson about Mercedes isn’t just about the iconic cars; it’s about the heart of these cars – the engines.

Mercedes-Benz’s early engine innovations

It all began in the late 19th century with two visionaries: Karl Benz and Gottlieb Daimler.

While both worked separately, their innovations would later merge, creating the foundation for Mercedes-Benz.

Karl Benz gave the world its first petrol-powered car in 1886 – the Motorwagen.

This three-wheeled marvel had a single-cylinder engine, signaling the beginning of the automobile age.

Around the same time, Gottlieb Daimler and his partner Wilhelm Maybach were crafting high-speed engines for carriages, boats, and even early aircraft.

Daimler’s 1901 Mercedes, named after the daughter of one of his distributors, had a revolutionary new engine design.

It’s no understatement to say that these early motorized ventures laid the groundwork for a global automotive brand.

Key engine milestones

Over the decades, Mercedes-Benz has been synonymous with engine milestones.

Here are a few that changed the game:

• Supercharged engines of the 1920s: In the roaring twenties, Mercedes-Benz introduced supercharged engines in their passenger cars, bringing racetrack performance to the streets. The famous “Kompressor” models, like the SSK, were a testament to this innovation.
• Direct injection in the 1950s: The 1954 Mercedes-Benz 300SL Gullwing wasn’t just a beauty; it was the first production car to feature direct gasoline injection, offering increased efficiency and power.
• Turbodiesel era: In the late 1970s, Mercedes-Benz was among the pioneers to harness the power of turbodiesels in passenger cars, introducing the 300SD with turbocharged diesel engines, setting a new standard in fuel efficiency and durability.
• BlueTEC and modern emissions: Recognizing the need for cleaner diesel technology, Mercedes-Benz launched the BlueTEC engines in the 2000s, significantly reducing harmful emissions and making diesel engines more environmentally friendly.

Quality of Mercedes-Benz engines

At the core of Mercedes-Benz, quite literally, are the engines – and their legendary quality.

“Runs like a Benz” isn’t just a saying – it’s a testament to the brand’s commitment to excellence.

For generations, Mercedes-Benz has been synonymous with engines that stand the test of time.

The secret? The combination of precision engineering and innovative design.

Mercedes engines are built to perform day in and day out.

Each Mercedes-Benz engine undergoes a series of rigorous tests, from cold weather challenges in the icy realms of Lapland to searing heat trials in the Spanish desert.

They face endurance tests, high-speed runs, and meticulous inspections to ensure every component, no matter how small, is flawless.

Conclusion

As we bring our engine-centric journey with Mercedes-Benz to a close, one thing is clear: it’s more than just a brand – it’s a legacy of engineering brilliance.

Understanding who makes Mercedes engines isn’t just about naming factories or collaborations. It’s about appreciating a deep-seated passion for automotive excellence that has spanned over a century.

It’s recognizing the meticulous craftsmanship, the relentless testing, and the drive to always be at the pinnacle of automotive engineering.

If you haven’t already, maybe it’s time to experience the engineering of Mercedes-Benz engines firsthand. After all, some symphonies are best felt from the driver’s seat.