This problem with these cars I think is somewhat interesting.
The MB dealer techs are somewhat tightlipped about this....I assume as to not badmouth MB's as I have heard that Mercedes comes down very hard when they hear their products are being badmouthed by their dealers...I finally got some information from a dealer in another state that I had used in years past...that I guess trusted me not to relay his name to MB directly. I also talked to an independent that told me he had replaced the piston rings and done a valve job on a 90 350SDL and the car has been fine for 100K. Although it seems that most people...especially those under warranty went with a new short block.
I had a long heated conversation with the regional MB rep...one of the things he told me was that he has never heard of problems,nor paid any claims with a replacement engine......time will tell I guess?
Curiously he also told me I might look at a 98-99 E300 Turbodiesel(W210) as MB had paid many less warranty claims on those cars versus the S class(140) cars


Warren
1992 300SD
Columbus Ohio
turner@greif.com