CJ,
I apologize for not responding earlier. I didnt get a notification when you wrote the update. I had the engine replaced because I had a snapped timing chain which messed up valves, head etc. I think that the reason it snapped is because my previous mechanic which replaced the chain in the past, messed up. Its a long/painful story, but I dont think that the problems with my car are not because of MB weakness in design but my weakness to find a good mechanic! You can read my other posts in the forum. Just search for my name.

-andreas