Sorry I posted this in the wrong forum so I'm moving it here. I have read all the horror stories regarding this engine. Here is what I'm looking at, a 1991 350sdl with 172,000 miles on it. Is currently owned by a mercedes shop owner in my town, he has had it for the past 2.5 years and he has maintained and bought it from a guy who was his customer for the previous 7 years. I've drove the car and it rides and runs beautifully, very smooth and quiet. The owner claims that the vehicle needs nothing. Why would a shop owner buy one of these cars with their history? He wants $6000 firm. I know were beating a dead horse but should I go for it? could this be one of the 350's that are strong?

thanks
I posted this in the wrong forum so I'm moving it here.

Not all the engines failed, and those that did early on were replaced/rebuilt/repaired under warranty with strengthened connecting rods, making them a lot less prone to failure. I'd say if its still purring along at 172k with no issues its probably going to be fine for quite a while. Doing an oil analysis etc... would give you a clear idea of the condition of the engine. One with tons of wear metals (especially iron/magnesium/nickle) in the oil would signify that its doing its "self destruct" one with normal levels would mean it is not suffering from the problem.

Several members here own these cars and aren't having any engine probs.....the W140 is an expensive car to maintain in general though.

__________________
-diesel is not just a fuel, its a way of life-
'15 GLK250 Bluetec 118k - mine - (OC-123,800)
'17 Metris(VITO!) - 37k - wifes (OC-41k)
'09 Sprinter 3500 Winnebago View - 62k (OC - 67k)
'13 ML350 Bluetec - 95k - dad's (OC-98k)
'01 SL500 - 103k(km) - dad's (OC-110,000km)
'16 E400 4matic Sedan - 148k - Brothers (OC-155k)

In that year it was still a a W126. The last year. That price is low from what I have seen. Might be worth it if you go in knowing that you might need to do a rebuild-or a crate engine.

__________________
87 300D 265Kmi
Factory rebuilt crate 603.96x engine at 200K

for a written compression test.

the cars with hiway miles are much less likely to suffer from the bent rods.

if you buy it be sure to keep the crossover clean, block off the egr, and use synthetic diesel rated oil in the weights recommended int he ownres manual.

good luck.

i own a 90 350sdl. i have replaced the head gasket and done a valve job. i bought it with 132k needing a head gasket. it had been an urban cruiser. when the head came off the intakes were almost completely blocked with goo. now with new valves and head gasket it is purring powerful smooth and quiet. if it should bend a rod i will replace the block with a 3.0 liter unit.

tom w

__________________
[SIGPIC] Diesel loving autocrossing grandpa Architect. 08 Dodge 3/4 ton with Cummins & six speed; I have had about 35 benzes. I have a 39 Studebaker Coupe Express pickup in which I have had installed a 617 turbo and a five speed manual.[SIGPIC]

..I also have a 427 Cobra replica with an aluminum chassis.