I've done everything on that list except the tie rods and idler arm on my 1994 C280, plus a water pump and lower control arm bushings, over the last three years. While not the same chassis (yours is the last year W201 and mine the first year W202), my car is 13 years old (September '93 build date). None of this is out of the ordinary for a 13-15 year old car, regardless of where it was maintained.

You wont experience these things with a 2002-03 C class until it gets on in years to a similar age.

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Jonathan

2011 Mazda2
2000 E320 4Matic Wagon
1994 C280 (retired)