Im considering the purchase of a 1992 300SD(140) with the 603 engine code. Ive read a lot of the threads regarding the "rod bending" and other problems with this engine always with the caveat that if the engine has replaced its OK. Is there an easy way to check by VIN or engine code to know if the car has the right engine?
Thx
Richard

Yes, if you have the VIN checked you can get the original engine number from that inquiry.

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MERCEDES Benz Master Guild Technician (6 TIMES)
ASE Master Technician
Mercedes Benz Star Technician (2 times)
44 years foreign automotive repair
27 Years M.B. Shop foreman (dealer)
MB technical information Specialist (15 years)
190E 2.3 16V ITS SCCA race car (sold)
1986 190E 2.3 16V 2.5 (sold)
Retired Moderator

I have the original engine number from the Russian web site. But how do I proceed to know what work has been done on the engine?

If the engine number on the block, matches the Russian site...original engine. If the engine number in the car does not match, new engine.

If the head isn't a #17, IIRC, it means that the engine hasn't necessarily been replaced but some internal work has been done.

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1983 Mercedes-Benz 240D
Automatic, A/C, Power Sunroof, Power Right Side Mirror
231K Miles FOR SALE MAKE OFFER

Even replaced 3.5 engines have bent the new strengthened rods.......

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Jimmy L.
'05 Acura TL 6MT
2001 ML430 My Spare

Gone:
'95 E300 188K "Batmobile" Texas Unfriendly Black
'85 300TD 235K "The Wagon" Texas Friendly White
'80 240D 154K "China" Scar engine installed
'81 300TD 240K "Smash"
'80 240D 230K "The Squash"
'81 240D 293K"Scar" Rear ended harder than Elton John

This car will not have had a #14 head originally.

Jim

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14 E250 BlueTEC black. 45k miles
95 E320 Cabriolet Emerald green 66k miles
94 E320 Cabriolet Emerald green 152k miles
85 300TD 4 spd man, euro bumpers and lights, 15" Pentas dark blue 274k miles

Original head on 3.5s is #17.

Sixto
87 300D