I am looking at a 94 s350 with about 150k miles. The engine and trans was replaced per the records at 114K with a reman engine. I have been researching and have read some of the horror stories on thes 3.5s, but this one looks and drives really good and with the engine swap i wonder if i would be ok. I tracked down the prev owner and he stated a couple of small things he did while he had it, but nothing major. He did state that it used some oil and his MB mech friend said not to bother with trying to fix it since oil is cheaper than the possible work to fix. His MB mech friend told him that he thought one of the rings might not have seated correctly on the reman engine and that could be the cause, but unsure. He said usage was around 1 qt for 2weeks or so of heavy driving. The dealership that has it now wants $4,500 down from $5,990. Should I run from it or try to get it alot cheaper, etc? The oil consumption bothers me, but is a really nice car. I also have an 80 300CD that i love. If i get it cheap enough and the engine goes could i swap it with a different engine without a lot of mods... I really like the drive and feel of this car. Any thouhts would be appreciated and yes i am sort of a newbie to MB diesels!

Asked.......and answered in the same post.

The engine is on it's last hurrah.......

It's a really nice and taken care of, with service records to boot.

If i got it really dirt cheap is there an engine that can be swapped with limited modifications? Thanks for your help... you guys have a lot of good info.

Yes, there is.

You'll need to find a 603.961 from the earlier '86-'87 vehicles. It's a direct swap without much difficulty. Several folks have done it here. Figure $2K for the engine and another $500 for various parts to install it (while you're in there). If you purchase the vehicle for $2.5K, you can have a nice ride for $5.5K. Not a bad deal if you're willing to do the work.

The best combination is the short block from the 603.961 and the head from the existing engine. You'd have a combination that's good for another 200K miles without much risk.

I really appreciate the info... i will likely make the offer in that ball park and see what happens... ; )

Understand that $4500. with a bad engine is way too expensive. You can get a very nice S-320 for $8K or so in this poor market.........no need to do an engine swap on it just to drive a diesel.

Explain to the dealer that the engine is toast........a bent connecting rod has caused this issue and it's only going to get worse.

They'll probably tell you to pound sand........but, in this market........who knows......??

You could always swap in a 606.962! I know a couple people on these boards have done it!

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2005 SL65
1999 E300
1995 E300
1994 SL320
1988 560SL
1987 300TD
1982 300D
1955 300SL

I will not take this one unless they come wayyyy down which is unlikely, but we are in a recession. I will let you all know what, if any comes of this. Again I appreciate the advice and info!

good luck!

I <3 W140's. & i would love it in a Diesel...
but I think i'll wait for the W220's to turn 25 && i'll just bring an S420CDI over from europe. :/

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Matthew McIvor

2016 E350 4Matic Black/Black
2007 GL450 4Matic with Off-Road Pkg Silver/Black
1995 E300 Diesel White/Gray
1994 S600 Euro Black/ Black Velour
1986 560SL Blue/Blue/Gray
1986 190E Blue/Blue 93k