Thanks FI and B. Tell me about the water in the trunk. How would it get there? The thing that really impressed me is tyhe complete lack of blowby. And I started the car cold. I also pulled the valve cover breather tube and blocked it off at the cover. I was able to hold it closed for about ten seconds, and there was no noticable change in the car's idle. I didn't hold it any longer than that.

There is a great Indie in my area that has been working on MBs for a long time. They have an excellent reputation and I would insist on an inspection by them. I want to do this because this will be my wife's daily driver. I drive a Dodge diesel and a small isuzu diesel pup, so I do have some mechanical ability. That said, she now drives a '99 Lincoln that is pretty nice, and she has to like the car enough to change. I enjoy working on my vehicles as most of the people on this board do and the info on this board is fantastic, so I can handle modest repairs and maintainance(sp?).

Please keep the opinions coming.

Thanks in advance.

M