M57 vs OM606

WilTrattles · Apr 14, 2025

Hey everyone just wanna know some more about these conversions.
I’m looking at m57 conversion for my Ute but it looks pretty full on when it comes to things like wiring and pricing whereas the om606 seems pretty straight forward with those things and seems to be a bit cheaper.

What I want to know mostly is regarding daily drivability as I’m going to go all over the country with it, reliability, fuel economy, tuning etc

I have a zd in at the moment and I’m rather over it but I just want some more opinions anything and everything helps.

Neardood1 · Apr 14, 2025

Swapping in a non-factory engine is never going to be as reliable as a well looked after OEM one. There are always issues that result from swaps, some of which are unforeseen and may leave you stranded.

ZD's are perfectly reliable when looked after properly, and with the right mods can produce good figures.

GQshayne · Apr 14, 2025

OM606 will be harder to find here, so I would think the price would reflect that. M57 is common now, so parts and knowledge shuld be easier to find.

lok28oo · Apr 14, 2025

heyhey · Apr 15, 2025

I think the M57 conversion is better supported and known. It's kinda like saying RB vs 2JZ or LS vs Coyote

RoBoCoP · Apr 15, 2025

I agree with Shayne, The BMW X3 - X5 with M57 are a lot more common here than the Merc OM606. You can buy a complete car: 2007 - 2009 X3 for $5K - $10K, especially if it's had body damage. The only parts issue would be any adapting parts used in the install.

M57 vs OM606

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