Buying another W140 Diesel (USA)

[Meles]

Well, my 1993 300SD (293k miles, 145k under my belt, 40k on wvo) just got done in by a deer and crazy me I want another rod bender. I am commited to diesel and just can't get myself to accept an older merc (new 2012 would be nice!). A safe car and the deer bounced off nicely.

Easily I could buy another one and it could blow up in months. I've heard of a Joe Tripp over at MBCA taking the 98/99 E300D turbo engine and dropping it in the W140. That is a nice insurance policy since these engines do show up form totalled vehicles ($1500 on ebay I just saw). More power, reliability, and a whole lot cheaper than rebuilding. Does anyone have further information on the efficacy of putting this 606.962 in a W140? I don't know if Joe is still around, but he was pming info out to those interested (not a member of MBCA myself). I think this would be a great resource to have available to all to save this wonderful car.

Does anyone have any tips on determining engine health on these or other major issues? I know a replacement ac condensor is a plus on any w140. I plan to inspect them myself. Hitting the road in a couple days as none in my area. May try to get my dealership to pull their maintenance records for some of the VINs to see if evidence of mercedes rebuild.