Separate from the VIN, M-B uses a coding of engines containing a hierarchical numbering system:
The Gen I W450 City Coupé and W452 Roadster gasoline Suprex engines are all “M160s.” They would be further identified by additional digits following the basic group number (e.g. M160.1, M160.11, M160.2, …) based on capacity or modifications. “M” denotes “Motor,” and all M-B gasoline engines are either 100 or 200 series. The Suprex diesels have a basic designation of “ÖM660.” All M-B diesels are in the 600 series, and “ÖM” denotes “Ölmotor” (Oil Motor). Their kinship with the gas Suprex is evident – 160/660.
The Mitsu engines in the W454 forfours also got M-B designations:
M122 – 1.1L gasser; M133 – 1.3L gasser; M134 – 1.5 gasser; ÖM639 – 1.5L diesel
The normally aspirated, 71ps, 999cc Mitsu 3B21 in the W451 has a M-B designation of M132.910. The 61ps and the turbos will be M132.(something).
Similarly, M-B body styles get their Germanic nomenclature. M-B 300/500/600SLs are variants of W129; the 190 is a W201.(something). A Gen II smart coupé is a W451.331, and a cabrio is a W451.431. “W” denotes “Wagen” – sedan platform or chassis. And so it goes.
Linear Mode
