To DslBnz: I am particularly interested in your engine problem. I have a really good running engine in my wife's '93 300SD. I bought the car in '95 with 32,000 mi. on it. It has the 3.5 engine. However it has been using a lot of oil lately. It started to use oil at about 50,000 mi. It's oil consumption increased rapidly to the point that it uses 1 Qt. every 400 miles! The car has only 64,000 mi. on it!. The engine is smooth, quiet and powerful. It starts instantly in single digit weather. It has not lost any coolant. It doesn't have any external oil leaks.

I have never seen any postings of failed valve guides or seals on these engines on any forum. I have seen many postings of catastrophic engine failures. If you look at the postings on the following link you will be amazed. You will have to check out the 300 SD as well as the 350SD or 350SDL models to get the full picture. Most engine failures are noted in the 300SD section.

http://www.mercedesproblems.com/index.htm