do any of them escape the rod failures?Looks like this car was run in a garage on a thread wheel.Is this model a luck of the drawcar?Comments for a mb diesel lover please.

I have a 1991 350SD and LOVE it, however, I have 200k miles and the rods have been replaced as well as a valve job. I have always heard to stay away from low mileage 350s. That mileage is what I heard is around average for engine failure.

I have been criticized, however, if I had a choice, I would do a 86 or 87 300SDL (looks identical - stronger engine). before buying an unknown 350 especially one with low mileage. Please do be aware that these two years (86 & 97) did have some head problems - cracking.

clintoc,

If you get a good deal on it, you can afford to replace the rods before they destroy the engine at much less cost than a rebuilt engine.

P E H

Believe it or not I actually was looking for one of these monsters, but before I could find a could one I came across the 126 I now own. As long as you realize the engine is weak, and are in a position to do as PEH said, I'd hop on it. Obviously, your prepurchase inspection should include having someone check to make sure the rods aren't all ready bent and the cylinders aren't out of round, but to me the 90-91 126's with a strong running diesel engine is about as good as it gets - at least until the CDIs get here.

__________________
Tjohn

82 300 SD
77 450 SL (gone)

From the ones that I have seen, the post 87 diesels carry a (an obscene) premium to the 87 SDLs. For the car you describe, I would bet that the owner wants 12K or more. A similar or slightly higher mileage 300SDL would be 6 to 9 K and a lot more reliable.

Add in the potential engine/rod repair and it doesn't seem like a good investment.

(that goes for any of the 350 S class diesels- 126 or 140 chassis).

alec

__________________
84 300TD - 235k - Farbe "Surfblau" bought at 213k
87 300SDL - 131k - Farbe "PimpGold" bought at 115k
00 Klepper Faltboot Expedition Double