Actually, the block on the 2.3L four and the equivalent age six cylinders is quite similar, with shorter stroke and aluminum rather than cast iron head. Crank is probably a bit lighter, but they are HUGE compared to american products of similar vintage.

Benz built them tough in those days, I'm always amazed that people can rebuild them and they don't run forever!

Peter

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1972 220D ?? miles
1988 300E 200,012
1987 300D Turbo killed 9/25/07, 275,000 miles
1985 Volvo 740 GLE Turobodiesel 218,000
1972 280 SE 4.5 165, 000 - It runs!