Older Mercedes' diesels lasted so long because of their generally weak horsepower per liter output. A 1976 200D W123 had a 2-liter engine and 55-horsepower. At this power rate, there is less strain, wear and tear on the motor. Also, older diesels didn't rev as high, which also accounted for their longlivity.

I am sure these modified diesels will last for some time, but not as long as their stock counterparts. 400+ horsepower from a 2.5-l engine is pretty much asking for trouble. Also, the 190D was never designed to work with the amount of torque this engine produces. The torque amount means wear and tear on the transmission - which has to be modified I assume because there is no way a stock 190D transmission would be able to handle all this power.

Nonetheless, cool 190D's. Would be awesome to pull up next to a Porsche in one of these and SMOKE HIM. Literally.

*Cough Cough*