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Opinions can vary, but the M104 speaks for itself. Its potential, durability, and performance have earned it a solid reputation among enthusiasts. Care to share your perspective? Always open to a good discussion!

True, BMW’s inline-sixes are legendary in their own right and certainly rival the 2JZ in terms of performance and engineering. But the M104 deserves a mention too. It might not have the same cult following, but its durability, smoothness, and tuning potential make it a worthy contender in the right hands.

It’s all about perspective-the SL was always more of a cruiser than a sports car, so the gearbox, while interesting, was never designed for razor-sharp shifts. As for the M104’s durability, that’s definitely up for debate. Its potential is undeniable, and the fact that many 30-year-old M104-powered cars are still running strong today says a lot about its longevity.

The K20 is a solid choice. It’s well-known for responding brilliantly to turbos. As for the 2JZ-GTE, it’s undeniably legendary with massive aftermarket support. That said, prices vary-on German eBay, a 2JZ goes for around €8k, while an M104 is closer to €1.2k, making it an appealing budget option. The OM606 is definitely Mercedes’ peak, but the M104 still holds its own for unique builds. It all depends on your priorities!

I’d say the M57 is a legendary diesel engine, so calling it underrated might be a stretch. Even in its stock form, it’s an absolute beast. However, you could argue that its potential is often underestimated, especially how relatively easy it is to push it to 450hp.

That's true, I think with the raft of BMW petrol engines out there sometimes the M57 does not get mentioned enough, especially considering how astronomically reliable they are with just their regular maintenance. I have this engine in my x5 and it still puts a smile on my face to this day😁

M57’s are secret god killers, very cheap and easy to get a M57N to 550hp on stock internals, BMW definitely went backwards when they replaced it with the N57, and pound for pound M57’s are cheap with an absolute massive array of aftermarket parts available

@@thatroverguy1937 spot on! Not to mention they can also be super reliable even with mods done right.

@@rohwannaidoo7010 I have a friend that and I quote wants to “M57 the world” he started off doing Land Rover defender M57’s, then did a discovery 3 M57, Range Rover Sport M57, now he’s putting them in cars, he’s done loads of em, I’m actually in the process of getting ready to put one in my P38 Range Rover

It's funny that you mention this, because I talk about the Volvo 2.4 engine in my underrated engines video.

I don't know about that, they arent reliable at all if you go big power. They all have cracked blocks if you put big boost on them. Sleeved block is different thing tho. They do sound great tho ( i own one)

The engine you see here is an overbuilt example, but to push the M104 beyond 600hp, all it really needs are stronger rods and head studs-everything else, including the pistons, remains stock. And if you’re aiming for a screaming 9k rpm, just add double valve springs.

I can confirm. I've actually owned a VR6 Golf back in the day.

That's right! They are basically identical in design.

I actually mention Volvo engines in my video.

@TheSpiritOfDriving oh rite I didn't watch the hole video:) I've been picking up redblocks for between 70 and 100 pound running I pay 70 on a 2.0 and 100 in a 2.3 if it's turboed then 150 which I think is super cheap

​@@jamieeedden777well i dont think that you can put out 1k hp from those without smashing limiter. Other wise very robust engines. You can get almost 300hp from na redblock

I know right 😅

That's awesome! Sounds like it might be a swap? Either way, great choice!

Swap from W208 to W460.

That’s pretty cool! With its strong low-end torque, it sounds like a perfect match for that classic G-Class.

No doubt, the M50 is a beast with a turbo, BMW really nailed the base engineering on that one. But don’t count the M104 out too quickly. With the right setup, it’s capable of some impressive numbers, and its robustness has earned it a loyal following. Both engines shine in their own ways, it all depends on what you’re looking for!

I know, right? But to keep the prices down, those who know already know. These old Benzes are already climbing in value, so might as well share the passion here!

Not many by far can handle that kind of power and rev to 9,000 RPM with so few internal upgrades. The M104 stands out for its insane potential, especially considering its reliability at those levels. It’s in a league of its own! 🔥

That's right-even the old 12-valve M103 could handle 500+ hp on stock internals without breaking a sweat. But hitting that magical 1000+ hp mark with just a few internal upgrades? Now that’s truly impressive. The M104 doesn’t get nearly the credit it deserves compared to the 2JZ! 🔥

You're absolutely right-the 2JZ came turbocharged from the factory, which gives it a natural advantage for handling big power out of the box. The M104, on the other hand, starts as a naturally aspirated engine, making its performance potential even more impressive when boosted. And let’s not forget, the M104 is still way cheaper to buy and much easier to find. Both engines are legends, but the M104 offers incredible value for what it can do!

A stock 2jz can't handle much power

Fair point-'cheap' and 'Mercedes' don’t usually go hand in hand. But compared to the legendary 2JZ, the M104 is definitely more affordable and far more abundant. It's an underrated gem hiding in plain sight for those who know where to look.

You're absolutely right-it’s not as simple as just slapping on a turbo and calling it a day. But to reach 1,000 horsepower, the M104 only needs rods, head bolts, and valve springs swapped, along with a bolt-on turbo kit. These upgrades let it rev to 9,000 RPM and handle the power reliably. Nobody said it’s 'easy,' but compared to what many other engines require to hit four-digit horsepower, these are relatively minor upgrades. It’s all about perspective!

Any builds you can point to?​@@TheSpiritOfDriving

@@chrise36coupethink there was a Russian guy called turbo bandit who built a fair few high hp 104’s

Bmw m57 450hp with just injector and turbo swap.

@ that’s what I just said, it’s not a 2jz.

You're right-it’s not just a quick fix. But for the M104 to hit 1,000 horsepower, the core upgrades are rods, head bolts, and valve springs, paired with a bolt-on turbo kit. Compared to building many other engines to this level, it’s relatively straightforward. Of course, it still takes knowledge and effort-no engine builds itself-but that’s part of what makes it so rewarding!

@@TheSpiritOfDrivingpretty much the same for a jz and even an rb. hell an rb25 could do that

This is an AI written comment​@@TheSpiritOfDriving

Actually, there’s a real person behind this channel reading and replying to your comments! We’re all about keeping things accurate and engaging with fellow enthusiasts. AI might be cool, but the spirit of this channel is 100% human. 😎

@@TheSpiritOfDrivingsounds suspiciously ai to me 🤣

Inline 6 is far smoother than V6

The straight-six isn’t just marketing-it’s engineering. Its inherent balance gives it near-perfect smoothness, rivaled only by 12 cylinders or rotaries. But considering how rare and impractical those are, the straight-six stands out as a practical masterpiece. Got a smoother alternative in mind? Genuinely curious to hear your perspective!

@@TheSpiritOfDriving im saying i had an old inline 5 and it was “smoother” than a brand new inline six

@@TheSpiritOfDriving yall saying its smooth as if an inline 4 would shake the car to pieces, my current inline 4 is so “smooth” that it feels like an electric car So yes, it is marketing

Interesting take! A 6-cylinder is inherently smoother than a 5-cylinder due to its even firing order and perfect primary and secondary balance, which reduces vibrations at any RPM. That said, smoothness can still feel subjective-modern inline-4s, like yours, have advanced engine mounts and balance shafts that mask vibrations. Marketing might amplify the perception, but the engineering speaks for itself!

That sounds awesome! The idea of a 190E with an M104 build is pure brilliance-I’d love to see that project come to life.

@ total dream! My head gasket for the M103 just went out the other day… may just say screw it and buy an M104!

That’s a solid upgrade! If you go for the M104, the 3.2 is definitely the one to get.

@@TheSpiritOfDriving for sure. Make it a speed demon!

Probably in the garage... rebuilding it. Again. 😂

@ 😂😂😂

Yea it’s pretty underrated for being a $20k motor

Absolutely agree-the Audi 5-cylinder engines are amazing, especially in the TTRS/RS3. But I wouldn’t call them underrated-they’re already well-known for their performance and come seriously fast right from the factory. Still, no denying their tuning potential is incredible!

Not so reliable and the all consuming oil from factory

Both solid engines, no doubt! But they’re mostly Aussie exclusives, and the Barra is huge-hard to fit in much. The M104, though? Found worldwide, and its design is practically identical to the 2JZ. No forgetting those legends, just shining a light on this underrated gem!

@@TheSpiritOfDrivingany benz engine is NOT easier to find than a barra🤦‍♂️🤣

@@FoggyWaterFishingyou’re definitely Australian if you think this lmao

Just bolt it on eh' ?

Australia get the bara 4200. And ford gives us Americans the truck motor variant

With how it revs it would be best naturally aspirated

Thanks!

Thanks for the suggestion! I actually agree, the 1.6 MIVEC is a great little engine.

Thanks, will do!

Hallo!