I just returned from a vacation in Florida and if you have read any of my posts recently you will see I had some issues with my '84 300D. I have felt this way before but I think I may be approaching the breaking point. I spent a good deal of money finding a nice clean 123. And I have spent even more money and endless hours trying to keep after the issues but it just won't seem to quit. I keep hoping that the next major issues will be the last but it never seems to be. About two months ago I R&R'd the cylinder head to replace a bad headgasket and did the usual rebuild/valve job, chain guides, tensioner, etc. Just 3 weeks ago I rebuilt the entire suspension, every piece of rubber is new, front to rear. The ride is now excellent. But I digress. I have replaced so many major components that I am wondering why I am bothering. To date:
shocks
2 front calipers
waterpump
aux pump
monovalve
2 sets of axles
rear window gasket
2 trim pieces
rebuilt seats
replaced CC system
rebuilt master cylinder
motor mounts
engine shocks
clean/check injectors
headlight switch
shifter bushings
front wheel bearings
tierods
drag link
upper control arms/balljoints
lower balljoints/bushings
track rod bushings and mounts
rear control arm bushings
rear subframe mounts
differential mount
front swaybar bushings
rear swaybar links
rebuilt power antenna

Still needs doing:
fix leaking heater core
fix possible damage to axles/hubs from loose bolts
fix ACC leak, no heat to floor, vacuum leak-harsh shifts, etc.
fix seeping oil lines
replace exhaust-recently found rear muffler has hole, downpipe is pretty rusty.
rubber brakelines are showing dryrot
radiator

I have not included all the normall wear items, belts, brake pads, adjustments, etc. that have needed to be done. I have and have had other vehicles with more miles and similar age with far fewer issues than the MB. The added complexity of MB designs only exacerbates the issues when the systems get old and fail. I really like the way the car drives, the styling, etc. but it is starting to get me down when every time I drive it another issue pops up. I don't enjoy driving it anymore. Thankfully I can let it sit in the garage untill I feel like working on it. I may even pay a decent indy I know to just fix the problems for me. I do know many people how own Toyotas, Hondas, and dare I say it, even some domestics that don't have these constant issues. Yes the MB is older but it has been babied its whole life, I have the records to prove it. Its just proving to me that the "garage queen" reputation is not undeserved. Its pretty bad when Camrys and Accords start looking good..... I'm just tired of wrenching on this thing. RT

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When all else fails, vote from the rooftops!
84' Mercedes Benz 300D Anthracite/black, 171K
03' Volkswagen Jetta TDI blue/black, 93K
93' Chevrolet C2500HD ExCab 6.5TD, Two-tone blue, 252K