Michael,

I sure agree that for most of us, the added power of a turbo is not essential. Mine is a turbo version but I have never been in a situation where a less powerful engine would not have sufficed.

I wanted to ask about your "longevity" comment. Before buying this car I always assumed that a turbo somehow stressed an engine and would, therefore, lead to shorter life. That just seems to be common sense.

But....I got ahold of an article in Car and Driver magazine from 1983 in which a turbo 300 was reviewed. That article said that the turbo actually improved the gas mileage of the engine. They gave a very technical argument that had to do with the way the combustion process occurs in a diesel vs. a gas engine.

I have also read many times that the turbo's life is similar to the engines and that it typically does not fail.

Being a bit paranoid, I'm wondering if you know something I don't about my turbo version. I sure want to think that the engine in my car is as durable as any other 617 diesel!

So my question is....does anyone have factual information regarding the relative life span of a turbo 617 vs. non-turbo 617?

Nic
85 300CD