Tom, all sorts of unwanted fiddly bits were boned from my '79 240D...... vacuum locks, cruise control and the entire A/C system. I've got it down to just one vacuum line (engine shut-off) leading to the engine. And just a couple of electrical lines too - the temp guage and glow plug wire.

Meanwhile Autozone carries a steeper pitch universal aluminum fan blade that replaces the original 240D shallow pitch plastic fan. And the Mitsubishi radiator was greatest improvement of all. Who needs a fan shroud with the cooling system souped-up with superior Non-MB components?

Am amazed that anybody tolerates the fan shroud constantly getting in the way. I've got no patience for over-engineered junk that MB throws into their cars. They should probly fire half their engineering staff and recruit craftsmen instead. Much of the crap they put into these cars is truly laughable.

MB builds the finest engines, drive-trains, suspensions and coach - extremely well ballanced. But then they go overboard with junk tech accessories. Look at the manual sunroof, genuine work of art replaced by screwball electrical cable operated unit that's a howling joke.