Well, I certainly wouldn't own my car if I couldn't do my own repairs. The german engineering stuff is just bunk. If I compare the engineering in my wifes Lumina to that in the Benz I have to give the nod to GM. An example would be the belt tensioner which I have just completed on both. The Benz was a royal pain while the GM was all of 10 minutes. Lots of other examples available. In quality of materials and machining there is no comparison however. Also the near 20 year old Benz at double the years and miles is far tighter and rattle free. The Japanese cars appear to have good quality of engineering,materials, and machining which doesn't explain why there are few 80's japanese cars on the road. Maybe the owners have no attachment to these cars and dispose of them in a timely manner.

I like my 124 and am in the market for another. I must be nuts.

Jorg