Gregor: Another question: is the quality of the 5 seperate FM preset tuners as good as the larger tuning device that is operated through the dial.
Sound/tuningwise no difference - they are just trimpots, and the dial operated device is another potentiometer (AM ranges have a variable cap). However, mechanically they may have problems. I bought two of these machines, and together they had one (1) preset that worked when they arrived to me. They get stuck. If they are heavy to turn or the indicator doesn't move at all, desolder them, carefully pull off the thumbwheel, spray some cleaner/lubricant on the axle and work it with pliers until it moves well. I got them all fixed this way.
I also have a lot of experience with the dial cord Lacking "official" cord, I had to go through something like three different types of line until I found one that works. First thread it on the pulley of the varicap (turn it fully to one side first, attach the spring and think which way you have to thread), then the dial pulley and the two small pulleys on the left, this way you don't have to stretch it too much when you pull the cord on the last pulley at upper right. Leave the dial pointer last. I actually made the cord loop a little longer and put one additional turn on the dial pulley so it wouldn't slip so easily (if you have a correct type of cord, this shouldn't be necessary).
One more thing, the guide/spring of the wires going to the dial pointer has to be attached right (there's a hole in the holder at the other end where you have to stick it), otherwise it won't stay flat on the dial once you assemble the unit, and will get caught in the components below. I spent many a frustrating moment with this... Also remember to lubricate the guide rail for the dial pointer, which likes to get stuck as well.
While you have the dial apart, clean the dial window rails and reglue them, they are probably cloudy and loose anyway. Don't break the dial pointer light bulb, it's a pain to replace.
Good luck and have fun with this excellent receiver!