My first 84 (before I totaled it) had 438,000 on it and needed some oil leaks fixed (namely the rear main seal). Didn't do it and totaled it at 438K. Engine still started perfectly. It was well maintained and I owned since it had 81K on it.

I imagine you could get similar mileage from newer gassers ie the Nissan VQ series engines. Provided of course you followed regular and proper maintainence.

BTW the parts for our 617's are generally less expensive than any Japenese engine.

Just because you found an exception to the rule (low mileage MB diesel needing rebuilding) doesn't dispprove the rule. Generally speaking these engines can run over 500,000 without a rebuild (provided they have proper maintenance).

If you open most any trucking magazine, the average late model OTR diesel truck engine is good for 750,000 to 1,000,000 miles. (OTR = over the road, highway miles).

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84 300DT Puke Yellow. Totalled after 438,000
84 300DT Orient Red. 169,000 (actual mileage may vary)
2002 Explorer EB (wife's)