I have never gotten the same serial number back from anyone.

No, I can't imagine that you ever would. I'd guess that IBM probably does its refurb work in Thailand and other spots where they are made originally. Not sure what there is to salvage out of a bad drive other than the case and top plate (maybe drive electronics can be updated?)

Anyhow, they're out of 30s to my benefit. With a three-year warranty, if they would have just failed at 35 months, I might have gotten 120s!!

Jim