Some parts prices skyrocketing?
 

I've noticed some scary price trends on little-used parts at some of of the internet dealers.
A headlight wiper is $287, a clutch/bearing for a smog pump is $750.

I guess as the cars get older, we are faced with more salvage parts, or a little less relentlessnes in keeping them perfect.

I have a few boxes of original Bosch H9DC plugs; maybe I'll hoard them for my later retirement income.

DG

Yes indeed.....I have a set of Bosch H9DCO and one set of the Beru equivalents. After that I'm not sure what I'm going to run.

Will never understand why MB switched to a resistor plug for the M103 when all along we were told those were not suited for our ignition systems.

cars run fine on resistor plugs as long as they are copper core.

proven over and over.

.....as for parts..... head to the boneyard or watch members...

For your air pump issues...

just run the early M103 alt bracket and fan bearing bracket along with the shorter belt... presto, no more smog pump to worry about. :)