Last Saturday I asked BB readers to list their favorite -- or most annoying -- design flaws in the 240. Thanks to all for sharing experiences, observations, and sounding off.

I've taken the liberty of separating them into (what I think are) design issues, materials issues, and other. Also -- while I have included every comment -- I've reworded a few. And I've tallied multiple mentions of favorites.

My criteria for the categories are:

1. "Design" means a design, configuration, or architecture, which -- if improved -- would yield a better product.
   

2. "Materials" means a failure or problem that could have been solved by simply choosing a better or different material for the component without changing the design. Often, this engineering aspect is cost-driven, not stupidity-driven. Sometimes, as with tailgate hinges, both categories fit.
   

3. "Other" are other snivels -- valid, but not related to design.

These are not in any particular order -- sorta combination of LIFO and FIFO.

DESIGN:

• Blower motor location, design, quality, robustness -- 3 mentions
  
  
• Tailgate wiring harness -- 5 mentions
  
  
• Tailgate hinge design, quality -- 3 mentions
  
  
• Oil filter access on turbos -- 2 mentions
  
  
• Front strut cups rust out
  
  
• Radiator, plastic tanks
  
  
• Chintzy fuse panel -- 3 mentions
  
  
• Rattles -- 6 mentions:
  • glove box (2)
  • center console
  • spare tire cover
  • rearview mirror (2)
  
  
  
• Rearview mirror design
  
  
• Door handles break
  
  
• Fuel filter under car, inaccessible -- 2 mentions
  
  
• Main pump under car, inaccessible
  
  
• Airbox thermostat
  
  
• Chintzy spare tire cover -- 2 mentions
  
  
• Plastic clips holding interior panels
  
  
• Need to flip rear seat to lower seat back -- 2 mentions
  
  
• Front brake lines attachment to calipers, wrapped around strut
  
  
• Taillights collect, hold water
  
  
• Chintzy pressboard trunk floor piece over well
  
  
• Gutterless engine bay
  
  
• Weak splash pan, poorly fastened
  
  
• Air filter location
  
  
• Inaccessible fan
  
  
• Inaccessible oil pan
  
  
• Inaccessible flame trap
  
  
• Inaccessible engine sensors
  
  
• Sun visor not effective side use
  
  
• No under-seat storage
  
  
• Wiper nozzles plug up
  
  
• Rear window defrost grid too easily damaged
  
  
• Chintzy outer window seals
  
  
• Driver's side door light lazy in cold
  
  
• No radiator drain valve
  
  
• Wiper linkage, pivots, cables, mechanism
  
  
• Body prone to leaks in many places
  
  
• Location, protection of critical 25 amp FI fuse
  
  
• Rust-prone: Floors, doors, taillights, trunk lid, spare tire wells -- 2 mentions
  
  

• Tailgate hinge material & construction -- 3 mentions
  
  
• Front strut cups rust out
  
  
• Radiator plastic tanks
  
  
• Door handles that break
  
  
• Engine harnesses -- 6 mentions
  
  
• Relays -- 2 mentions
  
  
• Spare tire cover cheap
  
  
• Plastic clips holding interior trim
  
  
• Chintzy pressboard floor piece, trunk floor, over well
  
  
• Chintzy license plate bracket
  
  
• Weak splash pan
  
  
• Chintzy spare tire cover -- 2 mentions
  
  
• Rear window defrost grid too easily scratched
  
  
• Chintzy window outer seals
  
  
• Cracked dash
  
  
• Rust: Floors, doors, taillights, trunk lid, spare tire wells
  
  
• Cheap 4" front speakers
  
  

• Cost of parts
  
  
• OEM water pump failed after 1 year, under warranty
  
  
• Stupid speedometer (?)
  
  
• R12 to R134a conversion (?)
  
  
• Lambda Sond (?)
  
  
• Cheap 4" front speakers
  
  
• No cruise control available on '93 models
  
  
• Crummy 5-speed transmission