Chip, I blew that same "s" shaped block to heater hose (the one on the driver's side) within 15 MINUTES of buying my 1992 500e in October.

On the test drive, everything was fine. Then, 15 minutes after doing the paperwork and handing over the cashier's check, I had major steam coming out of the engine bay and a temp gauge going straight up. Change those hoses!!! BTW, I had the car towed back to the seller's house and we fashioned a patch on the spot that got me home (220 miles), but it took some work. God bless AAA.

-- John