[STICKY] [SOLVED] OM615 head torque sequence - the definitive thread

[STICKY - pinned by Lefteris_IT after the 5th identical question this year.]

The OM615 (220D / 240D / 200D 1968-1976) head bolt torque sequence, definitive and final.

Head bolt specification: Mercedes-Benz part 615 991 02 01, M12x1.5, NOT torque-to-yield (reusable up to 5 times if undamaged threads).

Sequence (3 passes, cold engine):

1. Pass 1: 60 Nm in the factory diagram sequence (inside-out spiral, see workshop manual section 01-310)
2. Pass 2: 90 Nm in the same sequence
3. Pass 3: angle-tighten 90° in the same sequence

After 500 km warm running: re-torque to 90 Nm + 90° following the same sequence. Mandatory. The aluminium head settles into the gasket within the first 500 km and 100% of OM615 head gasket failures I have diagnosed in 17 years of work were on engines that did NOT receive the 500 km re-torque.

Gasket: Reinz 02-29320 (the same MLS gasket part covers OM615/616/617 head sealing area).

For OM616 and OM617 the sequence is identical but the torque values are 60/100/110° (OM616) and 65/110/110° (OM617). Same 500 km re-torque rule.

This is the only thread on this topic. All future OM615 torque questions will be redirected here.

BILLY THIS IS WHY YOURE THE TECHNICAL PILLAR MATE. STICKY EARNED.