Apsharp,

I believe you will find a few people here on line that have 300SDLs with quite a few miles and no problems including myself. There was a pole taken a while back about head problems and the overwhelming majority do not have head problems. Take a look at :

http://www.peachparts.com/shopforum/showthread.php?threadid=33066&highlight=300sdl

The key is not overheating the engine and you should never have any problems. Also, the trap oxidyzer should have been removed by now.

Another common item is that these engines sometimes have noisey lifters. THere is a lifter on one of the cylinders of my SDL that makes noise when cold but disappears when the engine warms up.

Don't rule out the 300SDL just because of a few stories you have heard. True, these engines are not forgiving if overheated but they reward you with super smooth performance and higher horsepower. I would advise you to avoid the 350SDL.

Herb
'82 240D
'87 300SDL