92-95 SD Series

[PJF]

I'm a newbie (to the forum) and I have a question about 92-95 3.5l turbo-diesel S class. Given their history of engine problems associated with rod design, is there such a thing similar to (for lack of a better term) infant mortality? Stated differently, after x number of miles on the engine, is there no longer the concern that the engine will self destruct as I have read about in numerous articles. Assume that recommended service shall be preformed.

The reason I am asking is that my job puts me on the road 40K per year and I have just seen too many fatalities. I need more sheet metal around me and I need good fuel economy. The S class is a stout vehicle and having owned diesels in the past, I know and understand them. I am also considering an E-Class/ 300 Turbo Diesel.

Thanks for the advice.

Pete

[andmoon]

Look for one that has already bent the rods. I bought my 3.5 because the motor was rebuilt with updated rods (although some say the updated ones bend too).

[Brian Carlton]

Since the cause of the bent rods has not been fully determined, there cannot be a point beyond which the vehicle can be considered safe from the problem.

The 3.5L engine can bend a rod at any point in its life. When you purchase one, you are taking an $8K crapshoot.

If you want a lot of steel around you, consider a W126 gasser.........either a 300SEL or a 420SEL. Sure they burn more gas, but, you would need to drive over 100K miles to finally make up the difference in the purchase price. With the cost of diesel fuel currently at 20% over the cost of RUG, you might need to drive 200K to finally break even. The 350SD and SDL make no economic sense.

[t walgamuth]

a lot of sense.

however if you buy it cheaply enough and service it diligently and drive it mostly on the highway, you may be one of the lucky ones who doesnt have the dreaded rod problem.

i have a 126 body 90 350 sdl. i paid 4000 for it needing a head gasket. i have done that and many other smaller things like tires and shocks. it drives really nicely and gets good economy. if i get a bent rod, i will rebuild with a 3 liter short block since they dont have the rod problem. and at that time will have essentially a new motor.

and eventyually the price of diesel will, i believe, settle back between regular and super where it usually stays for the last ten years or so.

tom w

[Hatterasguy]

You can buy a heck of a lot nicer S320 for the same money as a 100k+ mile S350D.

[Californian]

I bought mine to run veggie oil. 100K miles means I save $15K in diesel. money.