autozen,

As far as the Camaro's engine placement goes, think about it! These cars have pretty good power. If the engine were any further forward, the car would be so nose heavy, you couldn't give it more than a 1/4 throttle when pulling away from the stoplight. Don't get me wrong, I'm not making excuses for them building such a difficult car to work on. I'm only explaining to you the reason for the engine placement since you said you couldn't figure it out.

My Corvette has the same problem, except they managed 50/50 weight distribution making it an extremely forgiving sports car to drive. I expect that the Vette is every bit as difficult to work on as a Camaro, probably MORE difficult. The difference between it and a 123 MB is that there's alot more there when you step on the loud pedal. This makes it worthwhile to hassle with, at least some of the time. It's a PITA to work on as well.

I have said before that I have driven my 240D through one of the hilliest and windingest roads around. This is the old road between Fort Smith and Fayetteville, Arkansas. It required patience, but it did just fine. The only difference between that road and many others is that it is only at about 2,500 feet above sea level. One other thing I might add in all fairness is that I think my Euro 240D may have lower gears than a US model.

All that said, I still wouldn't take two nice 123 five cylinders with automatics over a decent manual transmission 240D. That's just me.

We all have different things we want to see from a car. That's why they make different cars, not everyone can be happy with the same model. If you don't have to do your own work and prefer the extra power, then enjoy the 300D. I can think of many cars that are worse.

As for my whining, I will continue to whine every time I have to put a wrench to a five cylinder 123 car. They are a PITA! But if I want to go climb mountains, I'll be in one of my other cars, one with a gas engine.

Have a great day,