My answer is that the 606 is the sweetist diesel MB has brought to this country. 4 valves per cylinder with double overhead cams, it will rev sky high and pull like crazy in turbo form. They are also extremly durable and seem to return extremly good mileage. I think as the years roll on 606's will prove to be very very long lived. I have seen some nice tight examples with 300k+ on them.

The 603 comes in a close second for me. They are extremly durable and are fun to drive as well. The 603 has a very nice sound at full throttle and returns good mpgs.

Both of the above engines have no problem in the winter.

Now the older 617 is a good engine, but it is not as powerful or returns as good mpg's as the newer motors. Also dare I say this they don't seem to last as long and hold up as well.

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2016 Corvette Stingray 2LT
1969 280SE
2023 Ram 1500
2007 Tiara 3200