1993 300SD or is it a rod bender in disguise?
 

I've been looking for a 300SD (Not a W126 Chassis Type) and I'm wondering how I can look at a car and tell if it is really a 300SD or a rod bender, as it appears that some people selling these cars are aware of the rod bender bad reputation and attempt to deceive buyers into thinking the cars are 300SDs.

Can someone look at this craigslist ad and tell me if this is a rod bender or not?

And, if you guys can tell me how not to be fooled, I'd greatly appreciate it!

1993 Mercedes 300 SD Turbo diesel

Thanks to all in advance

Also, is this a rod bender?

Mercedes-Benz S350D TurboDiesel , 128,000 Miles , Clean Carfax!

Both are unless the original engine has been replaced.

Is there a W140 diesel engine that is not a rod bender?...... How can I tell if the engine has been replaced?

Don't mistake a seller that does not know for one that is acting with malice. Besides, it is always the responsibility of the buyer to decide what a car is and what it isn't.

I think all the 140 diesels are rod benders, unless the problem has been dealt with. My opinion, is tat if you get one at a good price, and its what you want, deal with the issue, when and if it occurs.

i made a similar decision when i bought my 05 CDI. I knew there was a risk of an expensive SBC repair, and it happened. I fixed it and moved on.

They're all WDBGB34s and have the OM603.971 rod bender regardless whether MB hung 300SD badges in 92-93 or S350 in 94-95. Some believe that the very last '95s with serial number like -28xxxx and greater have redesigned rods.

MB replacement short blocks, long blocks and crate engines have the serial number shaved off where you expect to find it by the IP and instead have a plate riveted to the starboard side bell housing flange. I don't know how to identify a Metric Motors rebuild. Those are about the only two sources I'd trust. I don't know that I'd trust a receipt to say redesigned rods were installed.

If you want a 140 Diesel, and I really miss my 140s, be ready if and when it burns oil and a new head gasket doesn't fix it to a) downgrade to a less torquey but higher revving 3.0 block, b) drop $7K on a Metric Motors block, c) swap in a 606 (lots of discussion how to do this), d) live with adding oil and billowing smoke. I never read or heard that bent rods stranded anyone.

Sixto
83 300SD

You're in for just tons of unavoidable expense on these. You'll likely not be able to dig deep enough to forensically know for a fact what's been done to most any rod bender MB of this vintage.

As Sixto mentioned, the '92-'93 300SD is actually a 350SD, but MBUSA renamed them apparently to escape the bad reputation of the 3.5L engine.

I have had 2 3.5L "rod benders", one in a '91 which was a fantastic car with no problems at 250k miles, the other in a '93 300SD, with no engine problems, but it apparently has the abovementioned factory reman engine.

If the car isn't burning oil or having problems at 200k miles, chances are it'll be fine if you don't overheat, and pay close attention to any other abnormal condition. If it were going to fail, it likely would have by now.

You can find a europeon engine at ebay.de they even have a v8 diesel over 320hp.

Just a question..... would a 1990 Euro 350GD Turbo have the same issues too?

Same engine. So yes.