When posting questions (or even replying to them), adding keywords really helps people who search. This goes hand in hand with the previous replies relative to specifying the model and creating a meaningful subject line. The search functionality on the site is powerful, but not psychic. For example, if I had a question about replacing the collapsed engine tappets (lifters) in my '86 300SDL, I would include at least these words into either my subject or the body: "OM603", "300SDL", and "W126" – this covers my model, engine type and chassis designation, which can be searched by those who follow. For good measure, if I could, I would try to include the keywords "tappets", "lifters", "R&R", "replace". Remember the search function looks in both the subject line _and_ the body, so incorporating those keywords in the text of the questions helps searches. The subject could look like “How to Replace Collapsed Valve Lifters on 300 SDL.” One of the sentences then could be “How do I R&R the tappets in my OM603 engine?” This is not everyday speak, but it is invaluable for those doing searches. I would presume the experts would also find this useful when they answer the question as well.

Of course, there is an art to this. It would be overkill to use “W126.125”, “OM603.961”, etc since they would make the question too cluttered. I have never searched for questions for my engine by using “OM603.961” since it is way too specific and would certainly yield few, if any results. In this example, since that engine type was used in several models, all of which could have similar issues, keeping the designation general really helps. It’s logical to assume that someone who owns an S350 or someone who owns an ’87 300D would use “603” or “OM603” as a search term. BTW, since “OM603” contains “603”, this would cover anyone using just “603” as a search word. This is similar to the use of Meta Tags in web pages to have search engines index a web site as high as possible on results.

I use the search function extensively and have only needed (so far) to post just a couple of questions. Sometimes it requires the patience of Job and I think this would make it easier for everyone. I also hope this would reduce the number of threads about a subject. I believe we have hundreds of threads about E-code (“euro”) headlights, alone! Just my 2˘ worth…

__________________
Casey Cooper
"From a long line of Mercedes ownership"

'86 300SDL 250K miles (Gone, but not forgotten); best diesel I have ever driven, too bad about the Achilles heel.

'81 240D 370K miles (Sold to my brother after 9 years and 150K miles of reliable driving!)

[Five other Mercedes in family clipped for less length.]