For anyone who is intersted: I got my car back yesterday after ten days. I am very optimistic that my problems are over. The car seems to perform completely different than before, I probably just missed it.

The transmission is shifting much smoother and even though it is warm in SC I can tell a distinict difference from what it is used to do when cold, see another post of mine. Bad seal, may yet be true as the problem was worst when cold.

The heating and cooling system actually switched over from A/C to heat last night in order to maintain the cabin temp. The car had never done that before without a little help from me: ie bump the the temp control Auto button. Replaced control head twice and thermostat six times

The turbo winds up much quicker than before. Used to be more lag time when you needed power. Unable to duplicate

The radio has stopped doing anoying things, changing volumne and switching stations. CD player caused these problems

So far I have gotten the key back every time I turned the car off with out a fight. Take foot off the brake and put car in park before shutting off.

The engine temp is not flucuating as much. Normal.

The idiot lights on the dash have gone out. Reset computer

The independent mechanic replaced the electronic control unit and then drove it for 250 miles, with my permission, over the weekend. If this takes care of my irritations I will be thrilled. Too bad MB could not find the problem while the car was under warrenty. I am now collecting donations to pay the Mastercard bill next month.


Have a great day


Paul Cleary

1999 E300DT 73000 miles