Thanks, but I copied that picture from e-bay. Mine looks just like the picture but not quite that clean.

Yes, thanks to this great forum, I learned how do my own engine oil and oil filter changes for the E320 and the C230. In addition to the satisfaction and savings of doing it myself, I love not having to trust jiffy lube and not having to drop off for the day at my tech's.

About every other or every third oil change, I also do the engine air filter, the climate control cabin filter, wiper fluid, and wipers blade inserts all around.

I'm taking the wagon to tomorrow's MBCA-sponsored "tech session" and hope to add to my repertoire. I plan to learn how to change the steering damper, power steering fluid/filter, and self leveling fluid/filter. In addition, I hope to have a couple niggling questions answered like how to lubricate the side rearview mirrors and why my fairly new gas cap recently failed.

Time allowing (I'll probably leave these to the nest session), I hope to find out about changing the break fluid, changing the engine coolant/thermostat, and replacing various suspension rubber bits.

Our wagon has a mere 115,000 miles on it. We got it about five years ago with 65,000 miles. We made good use of its Starmark warranty and had lots of "free" work done to it (wiring harness, head gasket, radiator, throttle actuator, and numerous other smaller things).

I like my 202 OK, but I absolutely love the 124 wagon. It works tremendously well for us as a family utility vehicle (two boys and all their associated gear) and is a pleasure to drive. The best is cruising at 70 or 80 mph... the M104 simply purrs and seems to be begging me dip further into the throttle.

About a month ago, heading home from Home Depot (VA-50 Eastbound) with about seven hundred pounds of cargo piled up and tied down from the dashboard way back to the tailgate, I pulled up next to young gentleman driving, from outward appearance, what he thought was an exceptionally sporty Japanese made car. I never looked directly at him, but I could hear and see that he was itching to have a go. The light turned green. He jerked into motion, front wheels chirping and engine buzzing. I calmly applied power and left him behind. The next light was two or so miles down the road. From his posture waiting for the light, he appeared surprised and humbled.

Did I say I love the 124 wagon?

__________________
Michael

1988 300 SL (5 Speed)
1994 E320 Wagon
1997 C230