I pulled my VP off my 602.911 and it has 247K. I guess I have been lucky. It is is the original open-ball bearing style. I am in the process of rebuilding the top end and have decided to dig deep for funds to replace as a result of numerous threads on this forum including this one. Probably should have factored in VP R&R from the beginning since its a "while you're in there" item.

The Pierburg at AllParts Express has the dam(n) style gasket pictured. I am hoping to just slap the new one on where the old one was.

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327K on 1986 W201, 602.911, 722.414 2.5 190D ("The Red Baron")
139K on 1993 W124, 104.942, 722.433 2.8 300E ("Queen")

http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4081/...0bb92d3c_m.jpg http://i370.photobucket.com/albums/o...g?t=1325284354

Do not worry about your difficulties in Mathematics. I can assure you mine are still greater.
- Albert Einstein

take a walk down memory lane...