I have a 1995 E300 diesel. When I drained the oil I counted 5 ball bearings in the oil (after I noticed two I put a magnet under the oil pan and got some more) and another part. I presume the bearings are from the vacuum pump so I removed it and bought another one. I cannot see where on the vacuum pump the bearings went - of course, maybe they all fell out. The other problem is what the other metal piece in the oil was - I have no idea. I have attached a photo. I am not sure how many bearings may have been in the oil since I have already dumped the rest of the oil. It also looks like something has been shredded by the engine - not sure if it was one of the ball bearings. The car runs fine except once in a while the idle is a bit rough.

Attached Thumbnails

 

The other ball bearings fell in the timing cover most likely. Hope they don't make it to the oil pump and clog the galleries.

__________________
Only diesels in this driveway.
2005 E320 CDI 243k Black/Black
2008 Chevy 3500HD Duramax 340k
2004 Chevy 2500HD Duramax 220k