The OM602.961 engine is almost as indestructable as the old OM617.95 engines and is actually a bit more powerful and less complicated than the engine used in the '90s 124 300D 2.5s. The vacuum pumps usually require replacement every 150kmi (they can't be rebuilt) and the serpentine belt tensioner often requires work about every 75kmi. The 722.4 series transmissions seldom last much past past 200kmi although some that were largely highway driven, have. The AC system is EXPENSIVE to service and at 17 years is likely to need work and that will be expensive as parts are expensive and the work is VERY labor intensive.

Aside from oil oozing at the right front of the engine (above the alternator - 3 of my 5 OM60x engines ooze there), head gasket problems on that engine are VERY uncommon.

My 190D 2.5t is my favorite car!

Marshall