I'll make a wager that we (as a collective group) can fix 90% of the issues that occur with these vehicles if we are given a careful and accurate explanation of the symptoms. As a collective group, we've got far more experience and knowledge on these engines and vehicles than just about anyone else out there.

Even the dealerships have no edge on us simply because there is no experience left, in most cases, to troubleshoot a 23 year old diesel.

My brother works in the dealership and his comment is that once it's five years old, there's only about four techs that can work on it.

"But what about my 22 year old SD"?

He laughed and pretty much said that only one old timer might recall some things about it........but the odds are not very good.

So, if you still cling to the theory that you are paying good money and you expect knowledgeable and precise diagnosis and repair on your M/B, you're simply deluding yourself.