I understand,
Maybe it was a bit stupid to power the vacuum pump off the timing chain, considering that is a bearing failed, they would migrate to the chain and gears. But understand, how many other cars can even get to 175,000 mi period. I have several MBs (1 diesel), a BMW (maintenance nightmare), several Chrysler products and a Honda. The other cars are no competition for the MBs in reliability. One of my Chryslers has 70k and is on its 3rd transmission, 4th starter, 2nd head gasket, 2nd water pump, 2nd belt idler... and so forth. My MB diesel required no engine or accessory work until it hit 185,000mi (and that was a water-pump that cost $27) other than standard maint and wear parts. Thats a record that I cherish. If something happened to my diesel now, I'd still say I got my $ out of it. Nothing ages like a Mercedes.

As for my Honda, being the 2nd Honda I've owned, all I can say is that they are good reliable cars, and probally a steal if you can find a decent one used. They age gracefully and usually not problematically for the first 100k or so. However after this, I found so amny failing components that I had to junk it. The Honda I have now has about 50k and has had no major problems as of yet. I won't EVER buy a Lexus.

What other Mercedes do you have that's broken?

Anyway, good luck car shopping!

ATLD


By the way, as an Engineering, I can tell you we do require future engineers to get actual shop time. It's required in the curriculum.