I'll repost this just for kicks -- this is the response I received from "Kathleen Durning" awhile ago at MBUSA after sending them an email complaining about the head gasket problems on their M103/104 engines:

-----------------------------------------------------------------------------

Paul,

Thank you for your e-mail.

We regret to learn of the circumstances which caused you to write. We do, however, disagree with your comment that the head gasket on our 103/104 engines has been a"common problem".
We have NO known problems with the cylinder head gasket for the 103 and 104 engines. We advise you have your vehicle inspected by an authorize MB Dealer.

If you would like to discuss this further, our Technical Specialist can be reached at 1-800-FOR-MERCedes (1-800-367-6372) between the hours of 8 A.M. and 6 P.M. Eastern Time.

-----------------------------------------------------------------------------

I wonder if she was typing that with a straight face

~Paul

___________________
'91 300E, 208k miles