At that price, I'd be looking at prices for a factory replacement engine. I have been an avid reader/seldom poster on these lists for some time and the general consensus on the W140 chassis diesels is that they are wonderful cars, but you have to factor in the cost of a replacement engine into the cost of ownership. Period. Too bad you didn't join the list before your purchase. It may have saved you some grief. Rick Knoble 1985 300 CD
I would not say replacing all the rods is "cheap". Dealer price on a set with upper and lower bearings is > $1400. Thanks -Dave Walton