have the tendency to bend rods. all of the cars you mention have this engine.

i have a 90 350. personally i like the 126 body a lot better because the 140 cars are (for me) too big and too complex.

the cars that bent rods under warranty got new engines from benz which are supposed to have stronger rods. but some folks here have suffered bent rods with them as well suggesting that weakness in the actual rod is not the problem.

on the other hand the 3.0 version of the 603 doesnt have the rep of bending its rods. but early versions tended to crack heads.

so, if mine ever bends a rod i will redo it with a 3.0 block.

i personally (and there is no clear consensus on the reason) believe that the 3.5 liter engine was bored out too much weakening the block so that it twists too much causing head gasket problems which lead to liquid in the combustion chamber enough to cause interference and bending rods.

there is also evidence to suggest the problem is carbon or tar in the combustion chamber doing the dirty deed. and some feel the rods are too weak and just bend.

hope this helps.

tom w

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[SIGPIC] Diesel loving autocrossing grandpa Architect. 08 Dodge 3/4 ton with Cummins & six speed; I have had about 35 benzes. I have a 39 Studebaker Coupe Express pickup in which I have had installed a 617 turbo and a five speed manual.[SIGPIC]

..I also have a 427 Cobra replica with an aluminum chassis.