All about OM654 engine: tuning opportunities, specs, reliability
It’s widely known that OM654 is one of the latest generation of four-cylinder diesel engines by Mercedes-Benz. Are you wondering if it’s possible to tune the vehicles equipped with it? Look no further. At bFlash we offer world-wide exlusive unlock solutions for OM654 new family of engines, giving every chiptuning expert, automotive professionals and their end-users the opportunity to enjoy ECU calibration and a better engine performance.
Since 2022 bFlash released the only available solution for 4 different Mecredes-Benz platforms dated from 2021+. Due to the fact that our tuning world facing challenges on accessing the ECUs with more complex and advanced security layers and a chance of OEMs closing the loopholes exploited by many tool-makers, our solution is protected from a public release.
Contact us if you want to learn more about unlocking Mercedes MD1/MG1 platform and want to order the service.
OM654 Reliability: Chiptuners perspective
Sometimes different tuners and end-users on social media ask us about OM654 reliability and if we know any poblems that come with unlocking and/or tuning it. At bFlash we have no reported issues with reading/writing ECUs on OM654 diesel platform after it was unlocked by our tool. Keep in mind, we bear no responsibility for the tuning files flashed afterwards, as with our unlock solution we only provide access to ECU calibration area.
We also provide a full list of both supported platforms and car models on our Mercedes ECU Unlock page. Speaking specifically about OM654, some of the popular cars for tuning include Mercedes Vito, Sprinter, GLE (W167) 300d, GLA/GLB/GLC 200d-300d and more.
Pro Tip 1: Not sure if the customer’s ECU can be unlocked? Just send us email at [email protected] and our team will gladly assess if we can provide you with the required access to ECU calibration area.
Speaking of the tuning potential, with ECU remapping, the end users can gain between 20HP to 110HP depending on the control unit type, tuning file provider, the gas mileage on the car, any performance parts installed and more. Remember, with Stage 1 tune you cannot extract the maximum power or torque from the engine as it only includes the software calibrations.
Why is OM654 diesel engine so popular with tuning? The answer is simple. Mercedes-Benz aimed for a broader application of OM654 engine across various cars and vans with front-, rear- and all-wheel drive. And the compact dimensions of the engine (17% less than previous gen) allows more flexibility in adapting OM654 to different diesel vehicle models. Therefore, it can be found in many different service and passenger vehicles.
Meet the advanced technology in the OM654 Engine
Mercedes-Benz called OM654 diesel engine unit as a ground-breaking debut. It’s more lightweight, compact, economical yet powerful in comparison with the previous generations, mainly Mercedes-Benz OM651. As global climate targets are growing to be more challenging, there was a need for developing a new diesel unit that can be future-proof and have the same outstanding efficiency and exhaust emissions that meet the legislation. Learn more about it by reading the following OM654 Specs that can help you as a chiptuner to understand more about the engine.
As mentioned above, OM654 can be found in a multiple vans and passenger cars from a Mercedes fleet, making it as one of the most common chiptuning MD1 platforms. Below are the most important new technologies and innovations available in OM654:
All-aluminium construction of a four-cylinder diesel engine
Steel pistons with stepped combustion bowls, NANOSLIDE® cylinder coating, fourth-generation common rail injection
All exhaust treatment technologies configured directly on the engine
Significantly lighter and more compact: 168.4 kg vs. 203.8 kg (-17%), two-litre displacement instead of 2.15 litres, cylinder spacing 90 mm vs. 94 mm, compared to OM651
Lower noise level and outstanding vibration comfort thanks to a raft of measures
Pro Tip 2: Knowing how to read ECU names can be a helpful skill for beginner tuners. For example, according to Bosch’s ECU naming logic, the D in MD1CP001 means Diesel. And OM654 can be deciphered by following elements: OM is for diesel fuel, 654 is a model designated for this family of inline-four cylinder diesel engines, superceding OM651, the diesel from the 651 family.
Mercedes claims that when it comes to OM654 vs OM651 diesel engines, the new generation (654) addresses the prior mechanical concerns while boosting the fuel efficiency, reduced emissions, and enhanced durability. The new diesel engine is engineered to comply with upcoming emissions regulations, including Real Driving Emissions (RDE) standards. Unlike the current NEDC testing cycle, the WLTP (Worldwide Harmonized Light Vehicles Test Procedure) is designed to bring laboratory fuel consumption figures closer to real-world values. Europe also plans to implement the RDE testing procedure, a move that Mercedes-Benz fully supports.
Fuel economy improvements of 13% over the OM 651, with combined consumption figures as low as 5.4 L/100 km in test conditions.. NVH has been reduced through a stiffened block, dual-mass flywheel and optimized injection timing, though some real-world tests note it remains marginally louder than modern diesels.
To maximize emissions efficiency, all critical components for emissions control are mounted directly on the engine. With advanced insulation and enhanced catalyst coatings, there's no longer a need for active engine temperature management during cold starts or under low load conditions. This not only improves emissions performance but also enhances fuel efficiency—particularly for short trips. Additionally, the engine's close-coupled exhaust aftertreatment system minimizes heat loss and ensures optimal operating conditions.
Pro Tip 3: With this advanced engine knowledge, you can handle typical customer questions regarding the engine life post-tuning on any of the Mercedes-Benz vehicles with OM654 engine.
Pro Tip 4: Did you know that a common customer’s feedback following the Stage 1 tune is the improved fuel economy? That can help you with selling the tune to your end-users.
At bFlash, we have seen multiple cases of Stage 2 tunes for various Mercedes-Benz MD1/MG1 platforms that our clients develop for their end-users. Please, keep in mind that post Mercedes ECU Unlock, bFlash users can tune the ECU as many times as they want and there is no need for additional Unlock procedure if it has been done by our team once before. The only exception is if there was a dealer’s update and ECU gets locked again, though this never happened. In this case, the procedure of Unlock has to be performed once again. bFlash team will proceed with the OM654 new Unlock free of charge.
Now let’s focus on tuning opportunities on OM654
Our engineering team worked hard to crack the advanced security layers and we were finally able to introduce a world-exclusive solution for all 4 MD1/MG1 Mercedes-Benz platforms 2020+: OM654, OM656, M139, M256. That makes 2 diesel and 2 petrol engines available for chiptuning and calibration.
We offer you a chance to flash OM654: 1.95D with MD1CP001 (MRD1/MRD1NFZ)) by OBD or OBD over BENCH. How does it work? First, you need to purchase the service on our website. Then you are required to send the ECU to our bFlash Unlock center in Willebroek, Belgium. Within 24-48h your ECU is sent back and you can read/write, datalog and use the diagnostic feature on it. Remember, you must have bFlash tool for it, as it is the only tool with an OBD protocol for those MD1CP001 and MG1CP002 ECU.
If you are located in UK, you can purchase bFlash tool from our official resellers, such as DC Tuning, C4librate, Viezu, or ChiptuningShop. bFlash master tool will provide you with unencrypted access that allows you to write any relevant tuning files you wish, while bFlash slave gives you the chance to read/write encrypted files linked to the master tool.
bFlash also supports high-speed datalogging on the OM654 platform. After unlocking, the ECU can be connected via OBD for real-time data capture. This allows tuners to monitor boost pressure, fuel rail pressure, injection timing, EGT, MAF, and many other live parameters with low latency and high resolution. The datalogging feature is essential for developing reliable and optimized tuning solutions.
With this exclusive solution, tuners can future proof the Mercedes engine with better combustion for more power and/or reduce carbon buildup because of the EGR.
How to use bFlash to read/write OM654 engine
To get started, connect the bFlash tool using the correct bench cable and follow the software prompts to identify the MD1CP001 ECU. Check this Youtube tutorial for our customers that explains how to ID in OBD for Mercedes platforms.
After the Unlock, go onto your bFlash account, under the Unlock section and download your original file. bFlash tools cannot read those ECUs, the file is extracted during the Unlock process.
Whether you are looking to get the full bFlash capabilities or more interested in starting with the Mercedes ECU Unlock (OM654, OM656, M139 or M256) to capture your local market, bFlash team can serve your needs.
If you want to start your tuning history with bFlash with the Unlocks mainly, reach out to us at [email protected] so we can make you an personal offer for a dedicated tool. If you have questions about unlocking or tuning the OM654 ECU, or need help getting started with bFlash, do not hesitate to contact us. Our team is ready to assist with setup, and technical support.