I purchased a 1992 300sd several months ago before finding this and similar boards. I have learned thet these cars have potential engine problems connecting rod failures. My car has 88K origijnal miles. It runs great, but uses a quart of oil every 2000 miles. Is this normal? ANy oterh symptoms? Anything I can do to avoid major problems? (other than selling it! )
I was hoping to drive this another 100000 miles or so.
Thanks

A quart every 2000 miles is not a problem. Do a search and you'll find that folks that experienced the 'rod bender' problem used oil at a much higher rate than you are currently experiencing. My suggestion is just to enjoy your car and not worry so much.

__________________
2002 500SL(Black/Black)
1992 300SE(Black/Black)
1992 190E 2.3(White/Navy)
1999 VW Jetta TDI(Pearl Green)
1986 SAAB 900 Base 3 door(White)
1983 Porsche 911SC(Chiffon)
1977 VW Scirocco(DiamondSilver)

I agree that a quart every 2000 miles isn't a big deal. I will also state, though, that many people on this board with the non-rod bending version of the OM603 use no oil between 5-10 thousand mile oil changes. If you're concerned about the rod problem, you could have all six rods replaced now with the bulkier upgrades, and enjoy your car confidently for the next 250,000. Or, just wait and hope that your engine is one of the good ones. From what I hear you've got a 50-50 (or a bit better) chance that you do.

For all that we talk badly about these cars, when the engines right they are an absolute joy to drive. Probably the best diesel driving experience you can have. (Well, I haven't been in a CDI yet. )

__________________
Tjohn

82 300 SD
77 450 SL (gone)

You are right on the oil consumption issue... my 87 300D with the 603.960 "non rod-bending" engine has used no oil in 6.5k on my last oil change interval. That is also using synthetic oil too...

__________________
--------------------------------------------
1960 MB 190Db w/ full sunroof
1985 Toyota Pickup
2006 Honda Odyssey EXL R&N
2001 VW Jetta GLS TDI

When you say your"car runs great" is there any smoke at any time. what kinda fuel milage does it get and are there any oil leaks?

I have a 1991 350 SDL with same engine ... mine appears OK at 150K, but I hate the statistics of this particular engine.

The only odd thing occuring on mine thus far was an occasional "miss" at highway speed after extended operation with a collateral puff of brownish smoke ... during a replacement of the glow plugs, I removed the intake manifold and cross over pipe, noted incredible amounts of carbonized gunk from what everyone believes is an EGR valve that is located to close to the valve cover rebreather intake ... i.e. oily fumes from valve cover exhaust meet hot air from exhaust and you have "carbonized gunk" (my term) that I think was being pulled into the combustion chambers and exploded with the fuel air mixture ... while there is no evidence to conclude this is directly related, to me it at least seems reasonable ... I had the intake manifold dipped several times and still had to clean it out with mineral spirit soaked rags to get the gunk out (some gunk is normal) ... the cross over was at least 40% blocked, BTW ...

As noted, my SDL is a joy to drive with mega mileage ... heavy, smooth an d confident handling. NOT like an E class, though, in handling department.

__________________
George Stephenson
1991 350 SDL (200K and she ain't bent, yet)
former 2002 E320 4Matic Wagon - good car
former 1985 300 CD - great car
former 1981 300 TD - good car
former 1972 280 SEL - not so good car
a couple of those diesel Rabbits ...40-45 mpg

The car blows some black smoke when first started, and again under hard acceleration. Has no leaks anywhere. Overall, it is a very nice ride and gets great gas mileage. I just hope the engine will last 200K or so. Thanks for the help.