I would love to hear a confirmation on turnne1's comment on 1995 S350 models already having the modified engine during production.
When the day comes I have to give up the '81 300SD it would be nice to have a selection of newer generation diesels worthy of replacing a W126. Although the VW TDI models are awfully tempting, it's hard to get weaned from a long wheelbase Benz.

VA300sd, my friend has a '94 S350D which
did the engine kaput rod at 90K miles to the tune of $10K plus for a rebuild at a dealer.
Don't know about the 1995 year but say
Nein Danke to the '94 year.
yeah, its a looker alright!

------------------
1979 300D
133K miles
1989 300SE
1995 C280

Much thanks for the info on the '94, unkl300D.
Perhaps the year to consider is 1995 models and newer.

And TXBill - Howdy.
The safer option may be to grab a clean 1983-1984 300SD from an original owner.
I think there are some still out there with less then 200,000 miles on the clock.

In the meantime, steady cruising in the 81, which feels like will last forever if rust doesn't get to it first.

In regard to TxBill comment about power....the 1992 300SD is my third diesel benz the first being a 1985 300SD and then a 1992 300D 2.5...I can say the 1992 SD is much faster and smoother than the 1985 and a little slower than the 300D ,which was a rocket for a diesel. but also in regard to the other issues closing assist and evaporator...I have had both done in the last year(warranty)...Having owned 126 and 124 I can tell you the 140 shines above those two...but the repairs are very expensive....I mentioned to my tech at the dealer I wonder what will happen when the cars are worth 8-10K and the repairs are about as much as the car is worth?....

Are all the cars "push rod benders". I am looking at a 300SD 93 that has 110,000 miles on the clock. The car is mint and at a good price. Are they really all Push rod benders.?

__________________
"Damn the torpedos, four bells full speed ahead"
-Admiral Farragut




-1987 300E Smoke Silver
-1997 S320 Black on Black
-Soon To be E55 AMG
-27 foot Grady White Offshore Sportfish.

The wierd thing about this engine is somepeople never had problems...I have cars with excess of 200K that never had problems....but a word of advice MB will not provide any assistance to you if you car has over about 75K or so
As for the other problems of the 140...evaporator core and closing assist pump...those are common problems and that evaporator is an expensive job ..about $3000. But for a car that stickered at 70-80K I guess you can expect some expense.
Having owned a 126(1985 300SD) and a 124(1992 300D 2.5) I can assure that the 140 is head and shoulders above those in drivability,smoothness,comfort and overall luxury.
It is a shame that the early 140's had so many teething problems..but I hear the 1995's are much beeter in that regard.
Also buying one of these without a warranty can be a crapshoot...so if you can't get a warranty factor that into your offer and have the car throughly checked out by a good MB dealer