Buckwheat wrote, "The 119.970 and .980 is probably the most robust, toughest and powerful motors ever to be put in production by MB. I keep two on the bench as a hobby, I have never seen an internal failure of a 119."

I'm with Robert. Why do we really need more than what the M104 6 delivers.
We aren't drag racing. Actually, the S320 does 0-60 in 8.9 seconds. Plenty fast for me. Cruising down the interstate at 80 mph is 2800 rpm versus a much lower figure for the V-8. About the same highway mpg as I understand.

The comment about never having seen a V-8 internal failure is kind a non-statement. So what. How many internal failures of IL 6 has anyone heard of? Virtually zero.

IL 6 has it's issues, like headgasket, but M104 is virtually bulletproof. Short timing chain path is a longevity advantage. I have a M103 engine with 245K, and an M104 with 252K. Both singing along.

It's pretty hard to argue that the maintenance cost on V8's is less. Maybe if you happen to keep a couple of engines on stands as you hobby. There are what, 5 people in the country that fit that scenario.

I have read about the oil tube failure issues on the V8's. No big deal if you do your own work. Big deal if you are paying to have it done. Same thing for timing chain or valve job.

There is no answer to the 6 versus 8 question, just different strokes for different folks.

Steve