t walgamuth,
I can't remember for certain, but I looked at the last couple of my posts, and did not see where I said the 80's cars had a "fatal flaw." I noted that Tomguy said that "nearly every MB in this era has a fatal problem," referring to all the years. That said, let me say the following:

I DO know that 80s engines were all aluminum (which saved weight at the expense of creating less durable engines), and that for 2-3 years 80's Benzes used only a single-row timing chain (which was just a very very bad idea!).

The 80's found automakers using much more aluminum and much less steel as a general principle. Steel resists damage better than aluminum, and is also easier to repair (weld, etc). Steel is also much safer than aluminum in an accident. The tradeoff is increased weight and rust (ala Alabassi's post).

I can say this: I love the delicious feeling of safety and security that I get driving my w116. Until the 80's, cars were tanks; after the 80s they weren't.

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Love driving my '77 450 SEL!
124,000 miles