Benz wasn't the only company with head cracking problems, the Volvo/VW/Audi turbo diesel of similar vintage does the same thing. Usually not so bad, but I've heard of them with the valve guides free in the head. Usually repairable because of the location of the water jacket on that head, unlike the one on the 603.

Design evolvution, things don't always work properly the first time, after all. I believe the head on my 300D is a #14, now had 205,000 miles and going strong. Others don't last as well.

Overheating will kill any of them, by the way, they cannot withstand the thermal stress. Probably never will, either. It's the cost of using aluminum (easier to produce, much lighter, better cooling).

Peter

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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!