Greetings! My wife's 84 300TD has 205,000 miles on it and we are about to take it on a trip up to Colorado (with the four kids and our dog!). I asked my mech. about how often the timing chain needs to be replaced?? He said that Mercedes rec. every 100k but didn't seem that interested in replacing the chain for $495!! The engine is really tight and burns not a drop of oil! My poor old 78 300d burns about 3/4 every 500 miles. Every now and then I look for a up-to-date model (1984) but have yet to find one in as nice of shape as my 1978. Hey I could go on and on.... But I do love it when I drive up to the gas station here in San Diego and have to only pay $1.55 a gal. compared to $2.10 for normal unleaded. I LOVE IT!! Sorry, I need to stop! Thanks for your wisdom..