The head gasket issues with the OM602-3 are more time related. There seems to be an epidemic of head gasket failures on the early 90's OM602s lately. Most have a lot of miles on them when they fail, so I wouldn't even consider that to be a major fault. My 83 Vanagon Wasser Boxers' head gasket failed at 13k miles. I consider that a major issue.

The #14 head (OM603) cracking issue seems to be related to a weakness in the casting.

The OM617 seems to be the most stoutly built of the passenger car diesels. I like the way they sound too, so I may be a bit biased.

__________________
1979 240D, 4spd manual, Power Sunroof, manual windows, 147k miles, Pastel gray/Black MB Tex.
1991 300D 2.5 - Smokes like it's on Crack!