OM616/OM615 crankshaft W123 240 D 220 D – buying guide
Anyone overhauling a W123 240 D or a /8 220 D often finds, after disassembling the engine, that the old crankshaft can no longer be used without further work. With the four-cylinder diesels there is an added hurdle: the OM615 and OM616 look very similar, and despite the same OM615 engine designation the 200 D has a different crankshaft. This guide shows how to recognize crankshaft damage, what to look for when buying a used OM615/OM616 shaft, and which models fit.
How do you recognize wear or damage?
The crankshaft converts the reciprocating motion of the four pistons into rotary motion and drives the timing chain via the duplex sprocket. The front counterweight carries the degree scale for setting the start of delivery, the flywheel carries the starter ring gear and the friction surface of the clutch. In the OM615/OM616 the shaft runs in five main bearings. Whether it can be reused usually only becomes clear once the engine is disassembled.
| Finding | Meaning |
|---|---|
| Clear scoring, deposits or corrosion on main journals or crankpins | Bearing damage or damage from sitting idle – shaft must be measured and ground to repair size or replaced |
| Journals already at the last regrind stage | No further grinding possible – replacement shaft required |
| Crack or runout error found during inspection by the engine rebuilder | Shaft no longer usable |
| Wear marks and surface rust on the friction surface of the flywheel | Have the flywheel resurfaced; the crankshaft itself may be fine |
| Damaged teeth on the starter ring gear | Check the ring gear or flywheel – not crankshaft damage |
| Engine shakes badly when switched off | Usually not a crankshaft problem but worn engine mounts – see W123 diesel shakes when switched off |
Causes
The diesels from the W115 and W123 often have several hundred thousand kilometers behind them. Lack of oil, extended oil change intervals and worn bearing shells leave scoring on the journals. Many engines have already been overhauled once, so the shaft has already been ground to undersize. Added to that are engines that sat for a long time: moisture causes corrosion on the journals and flywheel. A used genuine shaft is therefore an economical basis for many overhauls – provided it is measured and inspected before installation.
What to look for when buying
- Determine the stroke: What matters is the stroke of approx. 92 mm – it applies to the OM615 at 2.2 l (220 D) and the OM616 at 2.4 l (240 D, 240 TD). The 200 D (OM615 at 2.0 l) has an 83.6 mm stroke and its own crankshaft. The five-cylinder 240 D 3.0 and 300 D (OM617) do not fit either.
- Compare numbers: The reference number of the crankshaft is A 615 030 76 01. Compare it with your old shaft or send us the engine number.
- Mind the transmission: The bolted-on flywheel (A 115 032 06 01 on the regrind core) is for manual transmission. For G 240 GD and vans, please inquire beforehand.
- Assess the condition: Look for bright main journals and crankpins without heavy scoring. A shaft with visible scoring only makes sense as a regrind core.
- Have it checked before installation: Our shafts have not been measured and have not undergone crack and runout testing. Have bearing journals, runout and freedom from cracks checked by an engine rebuilder.
Solution
If the old shaft can no longer be saved, a used genuine crankshaft A 615 030 76 01 is the obvious route. We have two units in stock, each with duplex sprocket, degree scale and bolted-on flywheel, without bearings and belt pulley:
- Crankshaft with flywheel, main journals and crankpins bright metallic without heavy scoring, stroke measured approx. 92 mm: 299,00 €
- Crankshaft with flywheel A 115 032 06 01 as regrind core, crankpin for cylinder 1 with clear scoring and corrosion, grinding as well as crack and hardness testing required: 129,00 €
Due to weight and size, both shafts are available for pickup only. We arrange the appointment after purchase; by arrangement you can inspect the part beforehand. You will find more parts for the diesel classic in our section Mercedes W123. If you are looking for a crankshaft for the six-cylinder gasoline engine, read our buying guide for the M103 crankshaft.
OM615/OM616 crankshaft + flywheel
Ref. no. A 615 030 76 01 · manual transmission
299,00 €
View offer →
Crankshaft + flywheel (regrind core)
Ref. no. A 615 030 76 01 · flywheel A 115 032 06 01
129,00 €
View offer →Compatible vehicles
| Model series | Models (OM615 2.2 l / OM616 2.4 l only, with approx. 92 mm stroke) |
|---|---|
| /8 W115 | 220 D (1968–1976), 240 D (1973–1976) |
| W123 sedan and T-Modell wagon | 220 D (1976–1979), 240 D, 240 TD |
Does not fit for the 200 D (OM615 at 2.0 l), the five-cylinder 240 D 3.0 and 300 D (OM617) and the gasoline engine M115. The flywheel is for manual transmission; for G 240 GD and vans, please inquire beforehand.
FAQ
Does the crankshaft A 615 030 76 01 fit the W123 200 D?
No. The 200 D has the OM615 with 2.0 liters and 83.6 mm stroke and therefore its own crankshaft. The shafts offered here have a measured stroke of approx. 92 mm and belong to the 220 D (OM615, 2.2 l) and 240 D (OM616, 2.4 l) respectively.
Does the shaft also fit the 300 D or 240 D 3.0?
No. The five-cylinder 240 D 3.0 and 300 D have the OM617 with its own crankshaft. The A 615 030 76 01 is for the four-cylinder OM615 2.2 l and OM616 2.4 l.
Can I use the crankshaft with an automatic transmission?
The crankshaft itself yes, but the bolted-on flywheel is for manual transmission. With an automatic, the flywheel must be exchanged for the matching drive plate of your vehicle.
Are the crankshafts measured or inspected?
No. The bearing journals have not been measured, and there was no crack or runout testing. On the shaft for 299,00 € the main journals and crankpins are bright without heavy scoring; the shaft for 129,00 € is expressly a regrind core. Have every shaft checked by an engine rebuilder before installation.
Are the crankshafts shipped?
No. Due to weight and size, both crankshafts are available for pickup only. We arrange the pickup appointment by message after purchase; by appointment you can inspect the part beforehand.
KFZTeile-Thot is a specialist business for tested and refurbished Mercedes parts with its own test benches and has over 1,000 positive eBay reviews. Want to know whether the crankshaft fits your engine? Send us your VIN and model year, and we will check it free of charge: +49 179 8991069 (Mon–Fri 8 am–6 pm) – or use our contact form.