All modern engines are build to much the same spec these days, as were all MB engines that I know of. So are all the Volvo engines I've worked on. Ditto for VW after the flat fours.

They won't pass emissions requirements otherwise.

A 1970 Chevy 350 isn't a very good comparison, they were about the worst engine in production at the time -- crankpins up to 0.030" off center (in all directions!), lifter bores as much at 0.100" off center and up to 6 degrees out of line, piston clearance of 0.005" and higher, etc. Very sloppy from worn out production equipment, then nearly 20 years old (some of it older).

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!