I heard there were problem on early 1990's 350 turbo diesel is that true.
 

I heard there were some issues with the engin on early 1990's turbo diesels is that ture and could some be more sepcific with the exact year I should be worry about.

Yo Blau.....if you have a Merkur XR4ti you're good for anything! Had one back in about 92.....Ford mechanics would just look at me and shake their heads. It was a fun car when it ran, though:D

TC

All of the 350 SD(L) engines were bad.

It was a defective engine design.

I would avoid them like the plague.

Here is a link:

http://www.mercedesproblems.com/mbproblems_1.asp

There are a number of good threads on this car and the inherent problems with the engine. Here is a good thread. Jim Smith's reply is particularly good:


http://www.peachparts.com/shopforum/diesel-discussion/31475-90-350sdl.html?highlight=350

My XR4Ti still runs great. It is up there with the Slk and ML
 

Funny thing is that I use the XR4Ti more than once to get parts for the 92 Honda Accord when it breaks down.

blau

Blau:

The 350 has a reputation for fragility, and several members have had done die at low milage. The rods bend, causeing severe wear on the piston bores, causing the engine to clank and blow oil. This appears to happen, literally, for one day to the next in normal operation.

MB has never admitted to a problem, but has replaced engines under warrenty. The rods (and the head) have been re-designed, and this appears to have fixed the problem.

That said, I know of at least on 1992 350 SDL with 275,000 miles on it, single owner, with no oil consumption and no work, so there you are.

The problem is that a rebuilt will set you back a cool $5000 for parts, and takes 50 hrs of labor, by the book. Replacement short block is about $9000 from MB, so this ain't a cheap fix if one blows.

you pays your money and takes your chances......

The MB rebuilds appear to be as robust as the 603 3.0 L.

Peter