You're on the right track, clear the codes and see what re-appears. I beleive that there are some codes that will take 3 strikes to turn on the CEL like EGR, which is problematic (just like in the diesels) once the crossover tube gets plugged (clean/ream with a speedometer cable). I believe also that there are codes that will appear with the engine running.

The car is dependent on electronics and sensors, but if everything is in good condition, quite a robust design. If you have ASR, more to go wrong, but a nice system, when it's good it's great. If no ASR, less to worry about I guess. On the other hand, if you had a '90 or newer 300D you would also be dependent on sensors for your boost, ... and after '95 the diesels need even more electronics to stay running properly so it's not just a gas thing, it's a mandated OBDII government thing and emissions thing.

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Gone to the dark side

- Jeff