The engine in your Mercedes-Benz car or SUV is made up of many different components. Each has a unique job to do, and since they all work together to keep your favorite luxury ride running right, they're all just as important as one another. This can make it tough to keep straight what each part is and what it does, not to mention to know what to look to tell you one's going bad.

Not to worry, though. If you're looking to learn more about what's in that compartment under your hood, we've made it easy. You can get all the crucial details right here.

All About Mercedes-Benz Engines and Their Parts

What Each Does

Take intake valves, for example. They're responsible for regulating the complement of oxygen and fuel in the engine. Pistons put that mix under the right pressure, while spark plugs ignite it, helping to "crank" (start) the engine and keep it running on its own power.

Exhaust valves, however, are tasked with regulating the fumes the combustion process creates. Valve covers help protect all the valves in the engine, while the camshaft helps ensure they open and close at proper intervals. Meanwhile, the cylinder head helps keep gases and oil from leaking out.

The crankshaft has a critical role, though: turning all that engine power into rotary motion. The drive shafts and the transmission then take it up, using it to turn the wheels and spin the tires. Of course, there's also an oil pan or oil sump, which stores the motor oil that gets used to lubricate everything and keep it all moving the way it's supposed to.

Plenty of other parts -- everything from gaskets, bolts, and washers to spring keepers, seals, bearings, and more -- make sure Mercedes-Benz engines fit together correctly and operate up to the brand's exceptional standards. Any of them can stop working suddenly, though, and when they do, engine problems invariably result. Luckily, there are some telltale symptoms to look for.

The Signs They're Going Out

Keep an eye out for a lit Check Engine light or other warning lights on the dash. You may also see more exhaust billowing from your tailpipe than normal, or even a marked drop in gas mileage. Others include your vehicle taking longer than usual to warm up, idling roughly, having trouble accelerating, or stalling. You may not even be able to start it at all.

If any of these describe your situation, run an engine inspection. If the results call for any replacements, our store ought to have what you need for the project -- genuine Mercedes-Benz parts.

Why OEM Engine Parts are the Best Choices for a Mercedes-Benz Vehicle

It's simple: Mercedes-Benz makes them for its cars and SUVs specifically, so they're guaranteed to fit them right from the get-go. Finding what's compatible with yours in our catalog is easy -- just browse by make, model, and model year. Buy today, and you can take advantage of fast shipping and delivery directly to your door.