Not trying to start a fight here but my views about the TDI product differ with some of the other posters. There is nothing wrong with a TDI and as a 9 year owner I would say that besides oil changes, fuel filters and one timing belt change my TDI has asked for very little. And at 53 mpg highway I appreciate the car a great deal. And as for a belt change every 60k (or 80k or 100k depending on model) it's really not that much of an inconvenience. Timing the IP post belt install is a breeze with the software.

A lot depends on what your purchase criteria is, but if you want to stay with a MB product that's fine, but you need to identify what your purchase motivation is to begin with and then fit products that meet the criteria established. If you're buying a Benz because it is a Benz then skip the criteria part, you've already made up your mind.

my .02

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Steve A
92 W140 OM603
97 VW Jetta TDI
90 Passat variant TDI 6 speed MT
94 Chevy K1500 6.5TD
05 E320 CDI
+ others