Don't know for sure, Steve, we've had the car for a bit over a year now, synthetic all the way, so the sludge was a surprise. I would have thought the engine would have cleaned up. It seems to have been a timebomb!

We bought the car from a wholesaler who found out the car needed a blower motor and sold it to us cheap (I know, I know). The car was and is very clean, and seemed mechanically okay. My mechanic got the car for a diagnosis and called me.

I would have been totally devastated (and the recipient of some hard stares from my wife, who relies on my automotive judgment) if we had blown the chain while driving, a big sigh of relief there.

Like everyone here says, know the car you buy or don't buy. Or be prepared for lots of overdue maintenance and worse!

We wouldn't own the car if not for my mechanics. They do MB's. When they go out of business, I find another mechanic who I like, and I drive the car he/she specializes in. I love these cars, but they are out of my maintenance price range without friends in the business. MB's are not for the faint of heart! They do make the heart stir, though!

what am i saying, i might have to go back to doing the wrenching myself before I abandon the faith....

__________________
Peter
1985 300TD 4-speed 212K
1992 400E 343K
2001 E320 72K