When I bought the volvo 850 wagon, what I really wanted was a Mercedes 300TE wagon with third seat...much nicer car, but I was scared away by horror stories of head gasket problems. I did my research on the 850 and heard very positive things, but now I find that, as you said, my 1997 requires the special OBDII diagnostic tool to read fault codes, so I cant even pull codes myself. Already I have had "check engine" problem. As i said, what I really wanted was a mercedes ..... does anyone have any thoughts/opinions on the mercedes six cylinder gas engines (300E) or later models??? Ive heard that head is long and aluminum and has problems at mating surface (twisting, moving) resulting in persistent head gasket problems. Ive also heard about transmission problems. I would also stay away from the 4-matic. I may just sell the volvo and get a mercedes, but not sure at this point.

Thanks

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1984 300TD Wagon, 407,800 mi (current daily driver)
1985 300DT Sedan, 330,000 mi (gone to that great autobahn in the sky)