which engines are considered the most durable/reliable of all the benz diesel engines? which are the most compatible with the wvo/svo conversion? i have heard certain types of injection are superior to others for wvo/svo. i prefer the body of the 115 sedans to the 123 sedans, but i still love the 123 and will choose depending on the better engine for me. mercedes has made so many beautiful vehicles...as a newbie it is overwhelming.

I have heard that the early 615 engines were not very long-lived and suffered from cylinder wear issues. Other than that , I don't think there is much difference. My own sense is that OM617s tend to last longer. That may be because they don't have to work as hard as the 4-bangers or it may be that their owners' had the extra money to take better care of them.

I am sure there will be some debate on ths topic.

Rick

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80 300SD (129k mi) 82 240D stick (193k mi)77 240D auto - stick to be (153k mi) 85 380SL (145k mi) 89 BMW 535i 82 Diesel Rabbit Pickup (374k mi) 91 Jetta IDI Diesel (155k mi) 81 VW Rabbit Convertible Diesel 70 Triumph Spitfire Mk III (63kmi)66 Triumph TR4a IRS (90k mi)67 Ford F-100 (??)

the 615s are good engines too but dont have the steel sleeves. so they wont wear as long as the later engines. i am not sure now what year the sleeves came into use, but i think it was around 74.

tom w

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[SIGPIC] Diesel loving autocrossing grandpa Architect. 08 Dodge 3/4 ton with Cummins & six speed; I have had about 35 benzes. I have a 39 Studebaker Coupe Express pickup in which I have had installed a 617 turbo and a five speed manual.[SIGPIC]

..I also have a 427 Cobra replica with an aluminum chassis.