I don't have a lot to add, but I did want to say I agree with Tangofox007 that rebuilding with a new rocker assembly will cost $250. The rocker assembly is the part with the ball bearings that could come apart and wreck your engine. Since this is only about a 1" diameter bearing, I doubt it would make much noise before it destructs....you probably wouldn't know it was failing until it was too late.

I think your intentions are sound in trying to go through your new old vehicle and replace things that may cause you unreliability, but I am of the opinion that with 15 or 20 thousand parts on the car, you just aren't going to be able to check/repair/replace everything. There are literally hundreds of things that could break tomorrow and stop you cold.

My philosophy is repair the obvious things and drive it. The car will let you know what needs to be fixed in time. Face up to it, you have purchased a used car and until you develop some history you are flying blind.

My $.02 worth. Good luck!

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1976 240D
1987 560SL
2007 E320 Bluetec
1998 C280 (now son’s car)
1982 240D Manual - Sold