I think part of the explanation is that when something gives trouble you hear about it. When everything is going along hunky-dory, you never hear about it.

It's like in business if something goes wrong, the news travels like wildfire, but when everything is going well for a customer, no one ever hears a word.

I still believe that there are many more of these cars on the road that are just rocking along like mine, than there are those that are giving trouble like those that we hear about here.

My brother in law is my tech at the dealership and drives an '86 300D that he bought with almost 300,000 miles on it. The diesel 124's are plagued with more problems than the gas ones, i.e., the trap oxidizer and aluminum head.

He now has almost 400,000 miles on it and all is well. We have an ongoing argument about which is best the 124 or 123. I actually think that it's a wash, but he insists that the 124 is better in every way. When I'm with him I take the side of the 123 just to keep the friendly argument and interesting discussion going, but in reality, I think the 124 IS a better car.

I'm sorry you folks are having bad luck,