No, but I like BMW a lot so I chose Munich as my virtual residence...
I must say that I like mercedes too, but only the older ones.

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1964 datsun 1500
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this is where I quote some dude, so I look smart because of quoting that dude that said something smart once

Munich is a state of mind.....?

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.

About 4 years ago, I had a factory crate engine installed in my W124 300D. Recently-and within the 4 year/50K mile warranty-it started exhibiting signs that looked like a head gasket or head problem. This was on a #20 head that came with the new engine. Pressure testing the coolant system caused hydrolocking. Took it to the dealer. The first time they said they found nothing. Took it back and they agreed to cover it under good will. When they took off the head, they found that there was no problem with the gasket but that the surfaces against which the valves close had "been beaten up pretty good". The engine ahd never been opened since it had been installed but the turbo had been changed when the engine was installed and again last fall when the IP was also changed. I have no further clarification other than the #5 pre-chamber also had been damaged. The only thing that I can think of is that my indy changed the nozzles on the injectors last summer and possibly the glow plugs at the same time. Any ideas on what could have caused this?

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

The tip off a glow plug.

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.

Tom,

Boy what a situation. I have been reading this thread and trying to figure out what would cause these engines to bend a rod. Is it usually the #1 rod or is it random?

Has anyone considered the torque on the head bolts? I think it is a fluctuating condition of events that causes a liquid to be introduced into the combustion chamber. Loose or stretched headbolts or even a drive in a heavy rain where puddles splash up to the air intake, to cause the event that makes the connecting rod(s) bend, and oval the cylinder, over time.

Something is moving, and it may be more than one cause. I think it's a combination and when they all align, Bingo, it's done and damaged the rod.

I have no doubt in my mind, that the factory MB Engineers, know the problem. I can't believe they let it out, to the Public. This is worse than GM, did with the 350 Diesel V8. GM at least developed a remedy with series II redesign.

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SONNY was right...Nobody Cares.
Calogero, from the movie, "A BRONX TALE."

I posted these pics a couple weeks ago, long before this thread, of a rock stuck in the throat of my turbo. I'm not trying to pick sides mind you, but I kinda see the rock theory as a possibility.... In light of recent events....

These pics were taken with my phone and the stone is somewhat difficult to see, but it was stuck between the spindle on the impeller and the throat of the turbo. Can't say how it got there or how it would make it into the #1 cylinder but there it is...

Here's the thread for a better look at the pics: http://www.peachparts.com/shopforum/attachment.php?attachmentid=52904&d=1204671242

Attached Images

  

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Muleears
'07 E320 Bluetec 133K my DD
'04 Jaguar XJ8 VDP, 34K
'10 Hyundai Accent 60K Grocery Getter
'02 VW Golf soon to be on the road again
'97 E300 Diesel Son's DD
'61 VERY tolerant wife

Hampton Roads, VA USA

Gone but not forgotten:
'67 250S 95K
'86 300SDL
'87 300D Turbo, 364K! R.I.P.
'98 E300 Turbodiesel, 213K
'02 S420, 164K
'01 Prius 138K

Data to support the rock theory...........who would have thunk..........

I think that there is a little more space.
Look at this picture (Mercedes S350 turbodiesel - w140 - Euro version):