S-Class (W140) 1991-1999: 300 SD, S 350TD, 300 SE 2.8, S280, 300 SE 3.2, 300 SEL 3.2, S320, S320L, 400 SE, S420, 400 SEL, S420L, 500 SE, S500, 500 SEL, S500L, 600 SE, S600, 600 SEL, S600L, 500 SEC, 600 SEC

Need advice S350 purchase

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Old Feb 22, 2011 | 05:25 PM
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2000 Ford Excursion
Need advice S350 purchase

I have a chance to buy a 95 S350 with 70,000 original miles. I have owned an 85 300D and 86 300SDL, so I am aware of the strength of MB diesel. I also know about the bent rods, ovaling, oil consumption, etc. on the 3.5L engine, but here's my dilemma....I have been told that the issues were remedied by MB prior to March 1995, so the engines produced after that date would be unaffected by the 3.5L issues. IS THIS TRUE? Would an August 1995 engine be exempt from this?

2nd -- is there any way by looking at the engine I can know if it has had any rod work done already?

Thanks,

bfjones123
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Old Feb 23, 2011 | 08:42 AM
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oldsinner111's Avatar
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From: tennessee
s320
From what I have read,if the engine has a stamp above the engine numbers,it means manufactured in German.Which means a rebuilt engine.
The pistons wore the cylinders in a oval,thats why reboring new liners needed to rebuild.
Most engines failed anywhere from 50,000 miles to 150,000 miles.
I would be careful and bank the money for a rebuilt engine.Then you will have a fine car.
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Old Feb 23, 2011 | 09:57 AM
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2000 Ford Excursion
Thanks. I will check to see if the stamp is there.
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