I'm thinking about buying a 1995 S350D. Can anyone provide any guidance on this car? I currently own a 1982 300SD, which I really enjoy, but it's getting to the point where little things are starting to fail. I'm looking for any information, good and bad, about the S350D. Thanks.

The person who runs this site has a few words of cuation.

http://www.wrisley.com/wmbz.htm

the 3.5 liter 603 diesel has been discussed a lot. this engine was used in 90 90 350sdls and the 300sd 140 body that followed.

it is affectionately known as the rod bender. i have a 90. about half of them have suffered bent rods at least once. highway mileage seems kinder to them than city. there is a fair number that have made 300k already wo any bent rods but a lot have had them too.

my favorite theory is that the 3.5 liter engine was bored out too much and the block flexes too much causing head gasket sealing problems. conditions can converge and a leak of fluid into the combustion chamber can result in a bent rod on startup. there is another theory that the carbon builds up in the combustion chamber til it bends a rod. also it is thought by some that globs of carbon/tar from the intake might come loose and be enough to bend the rods. some believe that the rods are too weak and just bend from fatigue.

whatever the cause there is no disagreement on the result.
bent rods also twist and so there is a misalignment that causes the cylinder to be worn in an egg shape. eventually causing lack of compression and missing.

many were replaced under warranty by benz. it is generally thought that they supplied stronger rods in these new engines. at least two people here have reported that they suffered bent rods on these replacement blocks.

so buying one is a dicey proposition. i bought mine cheaply knowing it needed a head gasket. so we have done that, doing a valve job and replacing exh valves and guides. and now it is running sweetly. if mine bends a rod i will replace the block with a 3.0 liter unit which doesnt hardley ever bend rods.

in the mean time, synthetic oil is recommended, changed religeously, and cleaning the crossover pipe from time to time.

good luck

tom w

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[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.

Yeah don't. Buy an S320 you get more power, about the same fuel mileage, and a lot more car for your money.

Go to Autotrader.com and see how much S320 you can get for your money as opposed to how much S350D.

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1999 SL500
1969 280SE
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