Mercedes-Benz OM642 190/195 kW (258/265 HP) Stage 1 Ball Bearing Hybrid Turbocharger – VKLR | Up to 2.3 Bar Boost

High-Performance Hybrid Turbocharger by ETK Performance

Engineered for increased airflow, strong performance and reliable daily driving.

At ETK Performance, we manufacture our own hybrid turbochargers rather than simply reselling aftermarket units. Each turbocharger is developed to deliver improved airflow capacity and higher performance potential while retaining practical everyday drivability.

This upgraded VKLR ball-bearing hybrid turbocharger is designed for Mercedes-Benz OM642 3.0 CDI diesel engines in the 190 kW (258 HP) and 195 kW (265 HP) power variants.

With an upgraded compressor system and OEM-based turbocharger design, this hybrid provides increased airflow potential while aiming to maintain factory-like spool characteristics.

Key Features

• VKLR Ball Bearing System – Retains the VKLR bearing configuration, designed for efficient and stable turbocharger operation.
• Up to 2.3 Bar Boost Pressure (33.4 PSI) – Capable of operating at higher boost pressure with appropriate engine calibration and supporting modifications.
• Upgraded Hybrid Compressor – Increased airflow capacity for higher performance applications.
• OEM-Like Spool Characteristics – Designed to maintain responsive low-RPM operation without sacrificing everyday drivability.
• Precision Balanced Rotating Assembly – Prepared for smooth operation at high turbocharger speeds.
• Refurbished and Inspected Housings – Carefully prepared and assembled by ETK Performance.
• OEM-Based Design – Retains factory-style installation characteristics.

Technical Specifications

Specification	Details
Manufacturer	ETK Performance
Turbocharger type	Stage 1 Hybrid VNT Turbocharger
Bearing system	VKLR Ball Bearing
Engine application	Mercedes-Benz OM642 3.0 CDI
Original engine power	190/195 kW (258/265 HP)
Boost capability	Up to 2.3 bar / 33.4 PSI (gauge)
Actuator	Electronic
ECU calibration	Custom tuning recommended
Application	Street Performance / Tuned Diesel

Performance and Boost Capability

The ETK Performance Stage 1 VKLR hybrid turbocharger is designed to provide increased airflow capacity compared to the factory turbocharger while maintaining strong everyday driving characteristics.

The upgraded compressor configuration allows the turbocharger to support higher boost pressure and improved performance potential without requiring a completely different turbocharger installation.

This turbocharger is capable of running up to 2.3 bar of boost pressure, making it suitable for performance-oriented Mercedes-Benz OM642 diesel builds.

The hybrid configuration is developed to retain OEM-like spool characteristics while providing additional airflow at higher engine loads.

Actual power output and achievable boost pressure depend on ECU calibration, fuel delivery, intercooler efficiency, exhaust backpressure, intake temperatures and overall engine condition.

Recommended Supporting Upgrades

For the best performance, we recommend:

• Custom ETK Performance ECU calibration
• Upgraded intercooler for improved charge-air cooling
• High-flow exhaust system where legally permitted
• Proper boost pressure, EGT and exhaust backpressure monitoring
• Healthy fuel injection system

Manufactured by ETK Performance

We manufacture our hybrid turbochargers ourselves – we do not simply resell them.

This allows us to maintain direct control over component selection, assembly quality and technical support.

Every turbocharger is carefully prepared with performance, reliability and long-term usability in mind.

Turbocharger Core Options – Your Core / Our Core

We offer two purchasing options depending on whether you already have a suitable original turbocharger.

Your Core

If you select the Your Core option, you must send your original stock turbocharger to our ETK Performance headquarters (HQ).

We will use your supplied turbocharger core as the base for manufacturing your upgraded Stage 1 hybrid turbocharger.

Please contact us before shipping your turbocharger to confirm compatibility and receive shipping instructions.

Our Core

If you select the Our Core option, we will supply a suitable turbocharger core from our own stock and manufacture the upgraded hybrid turbocharger for you.

There is no need to send us your original turbocharger.

Availability of this option depends on our current turbocharger core inventory.

Production Time & Availability

Production time may vary depending on the availability of turbocharger cores at our headquarters.

If suitable turbocharger cores are in stock, production can be completed faster. If cores are currently unavailable, additional time may be required for sourcing and preparation.

For Your Core orders, production can begin after your original turbocharger has been received and inspected at our headquarters.

Please contact ETK Performance before placing your order to confirm current core availability and estimated production time.

Worldwide Shipping & Technical Support

We offer worldwide shipping for our hybrid turbochargers.

For custom configurations, ECU tuning recommendations, compatibility questions, core availability or production estimates, please contact ETK Performance before ordering.