O.K. Going through the posts have convinced me that if I want a car that will go forever and will give me great gas mileage, I need to go for an MB Diesel.

I currently have a 1984 380SE and I am fond of the 126 style.

Question is - which is a better bet ? A 300SD with a 617 engine or a 300SDL with a 603 engine.

I do not like the idea of living in constant trepidation of the 603 aluminium head cracking / warping if the temperature is not right. But I hear and read that it is a much more refined engine.

The 617 on the other hand does sound as though it is hardy. Then again - the idea of having the valves adjusted every 20K miles ! I don't know.......

Also, does anybody have one for sale - either kind.

I was going through a similar thought process over the past month or so. If you do a search of "user" and put BrierS in you can find my posts and the follow-up threads. I was more interested in the room so I looked for the '87 300SLD listings. As it turned out, I purchased a 1987 300TD w/131,000 miles. I flew to PA and drove it home. Loving it and enjoying finding all types of little things to work on. The forum members convinced me not to worry about the aluminum head. I firmly believe that monitored and well cared for they are not going to be an issue. Best of luck. Steve