gabzor, my mistake about the distributor cap & rotor ... I saw the 300CE designation on the trunk lid and immediately thought of our 1991 & 1992 300CE engines. The engine in your car does not have a standard cap and rotor set-up. Instead it has the top-mounted coil packs (3) atop cylinders/spark plugs 2, 4 and 6.

Mobil 1 has swell agents to preclude leaks from gaskets and seals. I run it in our 1991, 1992, 1995 and 1998 MB automobiles without any leakage problems. In the case of the 1991 and 1995 engines I started using Mobil 1 when I bought each with over 100,000 miles ... still no leakage problems regardless of the horror stories you may read from time to time.

Replacing the thermostat should resolve the engine running hot. Check aroung the engine compartment for signs of coolant leakage ... white residue if the proper MB coolant is in the engine. As you probably know, green coolant is a no-no in MB engines.

Use leather rejuvenator on the seats. 303 Aaerospace Protectant works well on vinyl surfaces (the dash board) and rubber (tires, door & trunk seals). Try Meguiar's Cleaner Wax on the paint, although it appears the clear coat is shot.

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Fred Hoelzle