I made a typo and fixed it in the message.

Sorry for the mixup.

New style VP's have an improved bearing design that is supposed to keep the ball bearings out of the motor.

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Brian Toscano

Actually, the new style pump has a screen mounted to collect the bearings should the pump fail, mine had the new style pump and it did prevent some material and some bearings from going into the pan, the problem with either style pump any of the parts from the failed pump can find their way to the timing chain causing big problems, once the parts find their way down to the oil pan they are unlikly to do any damage because of the screen on the oil pump pickup. I did find some small shavings in the oil filter. Car runs excellent, my advice if your car has more than 150k change it.
Ron

md21722 + Capitano Ronaldo,

Thank you!

'checked and my 124 has old style cover (no screws, and 167,000 mi.)AND
thanks to you , I'll change it out for new style.