I keep seeing post in the newsgroups that these engine are 'bad' but never elaborate. What's so terrible about them. Has MB suggested anything to stop head problems?

For a group of people to decide that a series of engines are bad is a bit crazy. Have seen more than 5 with over 300,000mi that haven't had any major work. The cause for cylinder head problems is overheating! Remember that these cars have two coolant warning devices, low coolant & gauge. But people still want to drive when these warning indicators say not to. I think that the 86/87 SDL is one of the finest cars out there.

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MERCEDES BENZ MASTER GUILD TECHNICIAN
ASE MASTER TECHNICIAN
27 YEARS DEALER M.B. TECH
190E 2.3 ITS RACECAR

I believe he is referring specifically to the 3.5 engine used in the late W126 and W140 chassis. These larger engines are reported to have problems with bent rods, head problems, and excessive wear. Other engines like the 87s, etc. don't have these symptoms. I've only heard it talked about many times but never anything real specific. I'd sure like to know though.

Hello,

It took me a while, but I found the place where I had remembered seeing an article about the 350D (603.97x), that describe some of the things y'all may have heard about.
Here's the link:http://www.mbz.org/complaints/350D/

Hopefully this will answer some questions, for sure it will raise new ones. I think its a can of worms being opened.

(You want fries with that?)

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03/83 300D
07/73 280

I didn't think there was much to the unsupported bad engine thing. I checked the link about the 350. I have my doubts about the likelihood of the impending disaster. If it were true there wouldn't be too many on the road. I see 4 or 5 in Raleigh NC along with mine. Heck one won the MB Club local rally last summer!

Thanks for the replies.

Chris

Well, in fact there aren't too many on the road!... only about 3,000 were made in the 126 body. Mine is running strong and true so far (knock on wood) but I'm keeping an eye on the fuel quality. These are the highest compression diesel engines Benz has ever put in a car (22.3:1) and would be subjected to some awful stresses with low-cetane rated fuel. I notice mine clatters like crazy (at idle and just above) with ordinary garbage diesel, but with a good verifiable premium diesel it just purrs. My 78 doesn't care what you put in it.
Take care,
Dennis

MB Doc what do you think of the higher cetane fuel recommendation for the 350? I've seen this in the MB newsgroup also.

Since most fuel stations don't post cetane ratings it would be very difficult to really know what fuel you are getting. I've seen a few stations that offer No.1 grade diesel fuel at a preminum price. Yes there have OM603.97_series rod failures due to fluid leaks into the combustion area. Some have been failures & others due to overheating & continued driving.

I am an owner of a W140 350d. the problem with the engine is that the cylynder rod bends. it is the firts cylynder its all way to the back. it is not sure as to when it can happen but as soon as the engines burns much more oil this is when it becomes obvious problem.

If you run a search on "rod bender" you will find a lot of threads related.

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.