I have a 1991 500sl with 115,000 miles. My independent mercedes mechanic tells me that he has never seen the bottom end of one these motors wear out.

The car is meticulously maintained and it has been throughout its life. Can anybody enlighten me as to expected mileage on this engine before a bottom end overhaul is required?

I am assuming that headwork will be required between 180,000 and 200,000 miles.

Thanks.

MG

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1991 500 SL
2002 BMW 745i
2003 Harley Electra Glide

Assuming the engine is perfectly maintained I would think you can expect 400,000+. Many people find that they perform top-end rebuilds between 100,000 and 350,000. Drive it.

It is likely that a properly maintained bottom end will outlast the rest of the car. Some have gone over 500,000 miles.

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Ali Al-Chalabi

2001 CLK55
1999 Dodge Ram 2500 Cummins Diesel
2002 Harley-Davidson Fatboy
Merlin Extralight w/ Campy Record

With almost every Mercedes made, the bottom end of the engine is the last thing that you'll ever have to worry about it. Gas, diesel, whatever. On the R129 you'll be shelling out bucks to fix the AC system and other stuff long before that engine is ever opened up.

The suspension components will all be worn out, most bushings will be worn out, the seats will be sagging and the paint will be fading, and the engine will be tight and strong.

Keep maintaining an M119 and you'll be able to transplant the bottom end into another car in 10 years...

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John Shellenberg
1998 C230 "Black Betty" 240K

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