common guys whats the argument about??? its so freaken obvious the 617s are easier to work on... dont get me wrong .. i got a 83 300sd, with only 58.000 miles... i mean cherry... and i also have a 87 300sdl with 141.000 miles.. and believe me , yes the 603 might seem like the luxury edition.. but hey who started this s**t..huh.???? the 617..... and man i love looking at the 603 engine, but i heit working on it... its like a gasser.. with all the bull s**t electronics.. it just turns me off as far as thinking about a real diesel.. the real diesel is the 617 .. and i also got a unimog which i love, the 617 is alot like the unimog... enough said... my everyday driver is a 2004 s600 biturbo... i love the f*****n thing.... but at the end of the day when i settle in... when i need to make a trip to the liquor store for some scotch, i take my 617... and yes it feels great... my main point is ... the 617 is simple.. and thats what we all love about it...... peace..