... I sent MBUSA a complaint email about the failure rate of their head gaskets on 103-104 engines, including mine which has failed once before, and maybe a second time now.

My complaint was based on my experience as well as seeing constant posts about "oil in the coolant" on this forum. Here is the response I received from MB:

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Thank you for your e-mail.

We regret to learn of the circumstances which caused you to write. We do,
however, disagree with your comment that the head gasket on our 103/104
engines has been a"common problem".
We have NO known problems with the cylinder head gasket for the 103 and
104 engines. We advise you have your vehicle inspected by an authorize MB
Dealer.

If you would like to discuss this further, our Technical Specialist can be
reached at 1-800-FOR-MERCedes (1-800-367-6372) between the hours of 8 A.M.
and 6 P.M. Eastern Time.

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NO known problems eh? I don't know whether to laugh or cry.

~~Paul