I think they're built to withstand such abuse. Just take a look at the W123s still being used today as taxis. How many 70s and 80s American autos do you see still in taxi service? (though I saw more than a few in DC recently).

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'81 MB 300SD, '82 MB 300D Turbo (sold/RIP), '04 Lincoln Town Car Ultimate

Sooner or later every car falls apart, ours does it later!
-German Narrator in a MB Promotion Film about the then brand new W123.