It seems like that's the fatal flaw of the Mercedes Diesel engine. I had a w116 style 300sd with over 300k on it and my compression measurements were STILL in the low 400psi range! Amazing! And it'd start with the GP's unplugged.

But it doesn't matter much when most people are realizing a broken chain before 350k-400k. Compression doesn't mean too much at that point! So... in order for the MB diesel to be worth anything more than a toyota (or VW) gasoline engine, I think there's got to be a solution to the timing chain problem. I have no complaints with 300 or 400k miles. I think that's amazing. BUT this is a much better engine I think than a toyota or honda gas. It's a bummer that the chain has given it the doom it usually has. Everything wears out I guess.

__________________
-E300d '99 350k
-Suburban '93 220k
-TDI Jetta '03 350k
Sold
-F250 '96 7.3
-Dodge Ram 12V
-E320 '95 200k
-E320 Wagon 1994 155k
-300d Turbo '87 187k miles
-E320 1994 200k
-300d Turbo '84 245k (sold to Dan62)
-300d Turbo '84 180k
-300sd '80 300k
-7.3 Powerstroke Diesel 15P Van 500k+ miles
-190d '89 Non Turbo 2.5 5cyl 240k (my first MB)
Tom's Imports of Columbia MO Ruined the IP in changing leaky delivery valve O-Rings - Refused to stand behind his work. Mid-MO MB drivers-AVOID Tom's.