How do you identify if a 350 rod bender was dealer rebuilt? Can a dealer search a VIN for service history? A newer 20 / 22 head would likely be installed?

Records.
Either paper records the owner has, or the dealer should be able to run a check.

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99 E300 TD -- sold
01 540i 6 spd

As I understand it, rebuilts or factory new (improved) crate motors can still bend rods. Is hit and miss.

Is why this engine was only around a few years.

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Terry Allison
N. Calif. & Boca Chica, Panama

09' E320 Bluetec 77k (USA)
09' Hyundai Santa Fe Diesel 48k (S.A.)

I have an aquaintance who is a long time MB tech. He told me they rebuilt some, but they mostly put crate motors in. You should be able to call MB and they will let you know what was done under warranty. I have heard that the updated rods are much beefier than the originals, but don't know if they are still proned to bending.

When I called about my 1987 TD, they were able to tell me when the CAT-Ox was replace and which dealer did the work.

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Doug

1987 300TD x 3
2005 E320CDI

Is there a way to identify replacement crate engines by the serial number?

Sixto
93 300SD 3.0