Others here have said that it depends on what you own and I agree somewhat. I happen to have a 1991 350SD--I've had it about 5 or 6 years and it is great. At the time I bought it I looked virtually all over the country and bought the best one I could find (black/grey, about 80,000 miles). I remember calling Mercedes-Benz and researching the numbers of various models and I think there were only about 600 of these cars brought into the U.S.

I have never heard anything about the "rod bender" engine until reading this forum. Can anyone provide any REAL information on the problem, such as technical articles, mechanic's experience, etc.? What rod is it? Is it possible that maintenance and improvements in lubrication can deter it? And what exactly does the rod replacement entail? Thanks a lot.