I've owned quite a few different non MB diesel engines - and two 603s. I like them very much. I like the power curve. Though I don't love the power curve with the auto gearbox so much. They are quiet and easy to work on. Predictable, if I may say. That idler pulley and spring and shock are failure points, but just replace them when they start to make noise. My complaint is that engine is long enough to make working on the front of it a pita. I've resorted to removing the radiator just to free up space and ultimately to save time. I am thinking about installing the all aluminum radiator. Here in southern Nevada the heat is a concern. My #14 head has almost 300k miles - so far so good.

__________________
DS
2010 CL550 - Heaven help me but it's beautiful
87 300D a labor of love
11 GLK 350 So far, so good
08 E350 4matic, Love it.
99 E320 too rusted, sold
87 260E Donated to Newgate School
www.Newgateschool.org - check it out.
12 Ford Escape, sold, forgotten
87 300D, sold, what a mistake
06 Passat 2.0T, PITA, sold

Las Vegas NV