Here's the strategic position of the W126 with 603.970 ... great car, very reliable chassis and electrics/electronics, easy to work on ... potentially costly engine issues - so, anytime you buy one, discount it heavily based on the engine. Then, if ya have problems, replace the engine or rebuild with updated part - do the experts agree updated and reliable 603.97x are available now? What's the cost? Discount close to that, then ...

How about strategic alternatives? W126 with straight six or small V-8? In the case of the six, it would appear to get about 5 MPG less or so, the small V-8 about 7 MPG different?

For me diesels were all about longevity, lower cost, and driving something "different." However, as I continue to repair and replace components on my now "close to 200K" 350 SDL, and change the oil every 3K (filters cost 3-4X over gas and the engines required twice the oil), and pay 10-22% more (high octane-regular) for diesel at the pump, I am beginning to reconsider my position. I could likely drive a nice car of many varieties for quite a bit less per mile - perhaps even a nice MB and then just deal with lower quality standards (I think mainly due to them not yet getting their arms around their supplier issues).

What does everyone think? With prices of diesel and improvements in gas engine technology and longevity, are we trying to hard to "be different?"

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George Stephenson
1991 350 SDL (200K and she ain't bent, yet)
former 2002 E320 4Matic Wagon - good car
former 1985 300 CD - great car
former 1981 300 TD - good car
former 1972 280 SEL - not so good car
a couple of those diesel Rabbits ...40-45 mpg