Rog, I think it is difficult to find a Benz dealer willing to work on a W123. The two I spoke with claim that the W123 mechs retired years ago. I think we are faced with DIY or a good independent. Recently one of the better independents in Richmond VA told me they are shutting off the "older" Benz work.

By the way, I agree that if you cannot set all valves on the cam base circle at once then you have a bad camshaft that should be replaced. I ran into this on my 1978 300D. I am going to try my experiment anyway.

Fair enough. I just meant that any DIY job is assuming a risk yourself and if you don't want the risk you'll have to take it to someone who does.

-Rog