Mateo92807

I used to own a 300 E, best car I ever owned, easy to work on, great to drive, bullet proof, loved my strait 6 petrol engine. But after owning Audi's for the last 10 years, I'm thinking of buying a 2nd car to do a little commuting in. I've always wanted a Diesel, never had the guts to buy one. Anyone own a mid 90's S350 TD that can talk me out of it?

Thanks in advance.

stox

The 3.5 liter engine is probably the single worst diesel engine built in the history of Mercedes. It is known as "The Bender" as it has a nasty habit of bending connecting rods. Do some some research, and you will realize that this is not a good choice. A '95 E300D would probably be a good fit for you.

Mateo92807

thanks for the info, that don't sound good. I love the look of the car, but yea I did some research like you said, not good.

Thanks.

Mateo92807

I don't like the E300's. I'm a bigger guy and I've got three kids, who when not in our SUV, they'll be in the back of my mzb. The S350 seems nice and big? How likely is the "bending"? What if the seller has had the Engine replaced already? I'm willing to take a bit of a gamble I guess. So more info please

stox

All I can say is that after doing the research, the possibility exceeded my risk tolerance, and I ended up with a S500 instead. Your tolerance may be different. Do you really need a diesel? An S320 may be a good alternative otherwise.

TMAllison

Supposedly, some of the later crate replacement motors with 3rd or 4th generation updated rods were more successful. Although, some of those apparently also have failed. I suspect MB had a reason for dropping the design and introducing the 606 family.

The early 90's W140's have the bio-degradeable engine harness. All of its electronics, which were excessively complicated to begin with, are now +15 years old......expect to spend some time and money to maintain one.

That said, the W140 was a great platform.

Mateo92807

I guess you guys have talked me out one more time! Unless I find one real cheap with low miles (yea we all dream of that).

DachoSa

Hey,

i am new here. I own s350 td from 93, and all i can tell is that it is a good car. Mine has 230000 km and still runs fine. When i bought it was consuming lot of oil.The problem was turbo charger. Repaired it and everything works fine from that time.

I only have one remark. I think that i am the only one with w140 without door closing assist feature.

D.

Mateo92807

yea I'm still keeping my eye open, I'm looking for one w/around 100K for a good deal, I think if I find one eventually, I might jump back into the MZB ownership pool. That or if I can find a good shape 87 300D wagon. Those seem to be harder to come by these days.

TMAllison

There have been a few folks who have bought a 3.5L (603.970) with the intent of putting a 603.961 donor engine in it if/when the orig self destructs.

IIRC, the head and IP from the .970 can be used on the .961 increasing its power slightly.