Did MB make the 94 and 95 year model 350SDL the same specs ?

Does anyone know if there r differences between the 2 years model ?

MB offered the S350 in those years. The only differences are body details such as amber corners in the 94 and white/amber corners in the 95.

Same basic 603.970 introduced in the 90 350SD/L.

Sixto
95 S420
87 300SDL

Oh, in the W140 series (92-95) MB only offered the SWB S-class with a Diesel engine. Also detail differences between the 92-93 and 94-95.

The 92-93 300SD have the same 3.5l 603.97 as the 90-91 350SD/L and 94-95 S350. Same basic engine anyway. The 90-91 might have different EGR and ARV systems.

Sixto
95 S420
87 300SDL

My bad. The W126s have the 603.970 and the W140s have the 603.971. I think it's the same basic block.

Sixto
95 S420
87 300SDL

Is there any truth that MB ironed out the rod bending issues for the 94/95 model or r they just as prone as the 91 model in rod bending and oil burning ?

It seems that 95s are susceptible to bent connecting rods, at least from what I've read in this forum. I think someone noted that the connecting rod part numbers changed several times since 1995.

The EPC says that the 603.971 connecting rod was replaced 3 times. An earlier part number is shown as original for the 603.970 so the W126 rod was replaced 4 times, with everything from the first replacement shared with the 603.971.

What does that tell you? I'm not sure. The 603.96 rod was replaced 6 times! I've never heard of a 3.0 bending rods. And guess what, your 2.5 uses the same rods as the 3.0. Since 1993 there have been 4 replacements of the 2.5/3.0 rod.

FWIW I believe the -17- head was standard issue in 1995 and MB stopped at -22- (2 or 3 iterations). 603.97s are not known to be susceptible to head cracks. Maybe it was to fix the problem with gaskets failing between the timing chain cavity and the #1 combustion chamber. That happens on 603.97s.

Sixto
95 S420
87 300SDL

Go i guess the 94/95 350 SDL is no better than its predecessors.

I have been eyeing the 95 350 SDL and had hoped to acquire it down the road. I was under the impression that the rod bending issues were resolved by the time the 94/95 models came about.

I now have been enlightened and will most probably steer away from them.

Remember, the MAJORITY of engines did NOT bend rods...

You can always pay your money and take your chances.

It might rust to pieces, or be destroyed in a crash, before you lose it to a bent rod.

Food for thought.

Best Regards,
Jim

do not bend rods because the rods are weak, imho.

tom w

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