OM601 engine..Best engine ever made?

[klaus kallas]

I have a 1984 190D 2.2 with a 5-speed that has accumalated 340,000+ miles and still runs like new! Most of them I run into have similar high milage and was wondering what type of longevity other owners on this board have experienced?

On the rare occasion I have to work on the engine (belt, waterpump, etc) I am amazed at how well thought out the design is. I can get over the 72h.p. if the trade off is unlimited miles!!!!

Also, if someone knows of another 2.2 car ( 5-speed preferably), I'd like to put my father in one. He has an '85 Toyota Corolla diesel (how many of those have you seen??) that runs great and gets 55+ mpg, but the body has to be remade every spring as the rust demons love that Japanese metal. The Benz is also a more substantial car.

Let me know.... Thanks, Klaus.