W116, BENZ AID - COMMON QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS

The driver's side tire of my wagon wears rapidly. I first noticed this not long after I purchased the car in 2008. Had it aligned and the shop said it really was not that far out of alignment. Since the tire continued to have the same wear pattern, the alignment job didn't fix the problem. Wondering where to start the hunt for the culprit. Control arms, bushings, etc. I've not done any work on the suspension of any car, so have no ideas here. Thanks, George

Just bought a one-owner '83 300D with 116k verified miles. Service book was regularly stamped. Car starts instantly, idles perfectly runs great. Has 2.5 bar oil pressure at idle. But it has a definite knock. Took it to the local independent MB repair facility. Diesel mechanic has three 300D's himself. I used my infrared remote thermometer and showed him that the injector body of #1 cylinder was showing just 120-degrees. Other four 170-175.
Injector was removed and replaced. Good compression--in the 300's. Haven't had chance to recheck temp. Knock is still there.
Now I am told it is most likely a rod knock! I don't have the money to start rebuilding the bottom end of this engine. Plus I am surprised that a rod bearing would go with this low mileage.