How to keep your Volkswagen alive for the complete idiot and a $19.00 tool set from Grand Auto were all I needed to extend the life of my '59 VW back in the late 60's. I remember commuting from Chico State to Reno and I'd pat the little guy on the "dashboard" when we'd make it over Donner Summit -7200 feet, 'cause it was all downhill from there to town.

No gas gauge but I had the coolest 8 track. Could drop the 36 horse engine on my belly in about 45 minutes with two (trusty) roomates lifting the back end up and over. Numerous burnt valves, broken fan belts, worn clutches, sheared pulleys plus dozens of valve adjustments and oil changes. Maybe it was the 36 horse engine but it was the simplest thing I've ever worked on.

Even if I could find two guys to lift the 300D up and over I don't think I wanna try dropping the 5 cylinder turbo on by belly!. There's no comparison between the VW and a MB 123 but, as someone said, it brings back the memories.