Blau:

The 350 has a reputation for fragility, and several members have had done die at low milage. The rods bend, causeing severe wear on the piston bores, causing the engine to clank and blow oil. This appears to happen, literally, for one day to the next in normal operation.

MB has never admitted to a problem, but has replaced engines under warrenty. The rods (and the head) have been re-designed, and this appears to have fixed the problem.

That said, I know of at least on 1992 350 SDL with 275,000 miles on it, single owner, with no oil consumption and no work, so there you are.

The problem is that a rebuilt will set you back a cool $5000 for parts, and takes 50 hrs of labor, by the book. Replacement short block is about $9000 from MB, so this ain't a cheap fix if one blows.

you pays your money and takes your chances......

The MB rebuilds appear to be as robust as the 603 3.0 L.

Peter

__________________
1972 220D ?? miles
1988 300E 200,012
1987 300D Turbo killed 9/25/07, 275,000 miles
1985 Volvo 740 GLE Turobodiesel 218,000
1972 280 SE 4.5 165, 000 - It runs!