thanks. i was tossing around the idea of looking under the valve cover. I am not by any means an experienced mechanic, just know what i know from reading and experience on my own cars. if it ends up needing a full-fledged overhaul, then i'm just gonna say screw it and get an early C-Class like I've been wanting to.

Speaking of which, anybody have any tips on common trouble spots for the early C-Class ('94-'97ish)?