I am just starting the job. I havent even pulled the pan yet. The service manual is unclear as to whether or not I need to remove the crossmembers or pull the engine to pull the pan.
I have read some threads on here about pulling the engine being easier, but they are for later models.

Can anyone give me advice?

It is a 1968 220D W115 with 615 series engine.

Thanks in advance.

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1980 300SD W116 - Daily driver. 362,800 miles and counting. (about 100 miles / day) -- on hold, have a ticking vacuum pump. New one on the way.

You can either take the engine out or drop the front subframe.

Now would be the time to install new sub-frame bushings and engine mounts.

Why just main bearings? Rod bearings wear out long before the mains. You do know you have to pull the crank to replace the rear seal, right?

I'd suggest finding a rusted out 240D and swapping that engine into the 220D.

Thanks for the input.

I actually don't know what all was damaged. The knock is definitely down low on the engine.
But, my oil pump failed and I didnt get it shut off before damage occurred. However, i did shut it off quickly, so I'm hoping just main bearings.

The engine only has 69,000 but if I could find a running 220 for 240 I would swap it out.

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1980 300SD W116 - Daily driver. 362,800 miles and counting. (about 100 miles / day) -- on hold, have a ticking vacuum pump. New one on the way.

The knock is most likely one of the rod bearings, not the main bearings. It is also possible that the crankshaft journals may be damaged or out of round, which would require grinding of the crankshaft journals. If you need to remove the crankshaft, you will definitely need to remove the engine. In either case, you should replace both the rod and main bearings (and the front and rear main seals if you remove the crankshaft).

Personally, I think it would be much easier to work on it if you remove the engine. With an engine hoist they are not that difficult to remove. Doing that kind of work from under the car is always a pain. And you wouldn't have to mess with the suspension.