Found a really nice 350SD, 121k blue/parchment. Perfect condition in and out
new michelins, repainted wheels, all records. Here's the rub. I've read all the negative press on the 350 engine. This car runs perfectly now, but last year
it came to a halt with a broken timing chain. I spoke extensively with the tech
and the sercice manager at the shop that did the repairs and they swear that only four valves were bent when the chain broke. No damage to the piston crowns was seen. They did a complete valve job with new guides, seals, seats etc and new timing chain components, also put in new glowplugs
poly belt and accessories. Spoke to the machine shop that did the work and
they said it pressure tested fine. The car has no history of overheating, but has a new radiator as insurance policy. The engine purrs and drives perfectly
with no indication of a bent rod or two, and I've driven a 350 with the rod problem--you can tell by careful listening. The question is, do I go for it or pass. His shop has about thiry high end newer MBs, so they seem to know what is happening. I expected it would be priced around 13k, but I think I can get it for far less. They sure are nice cars and I can see why lots of
people think the 126 was the best of the "classic" Benzes. There's nothing else that comes close to the whole package, but I really hate to get burned if I have to re-fix that engine.

Steve