Well, I thought I should post an update on the C280 - especially for anyone following this thread later.

Looks like the problem is a cracked insulator on one of the spark plugs. Now, here's the interesting part. This engine has less than 1000 miles on it. It came directly from MB. With the WRONG plugs in it! The plugs were a hotter heat range. Here's the other interesting part. It has a head gasket leak. MB is paying to replace it. But Randy can't figure out why it would leak, unless it had an old gasket in it (as I understand it, the gasket's been re-engineered because of the problems with the old design). I suggested to Randy that MAYBE the engine had been in someone's inventory for a few years...

Anyone have any thoughts on this?

__________________
Bill Streep
San Antonio
'57 190SL (toy)
'08 S5500 (mine)
'09 CLK550 (wife's)
'06 SLK350 (daughter's)
'11 GLK350 (daughter's)
'03 CLK310 (spare)