I have a '97 C230 that I bought last Summer with 111 000Km. Since I bought it, I've replaced 1) the battery = $300.00 for diagnostics + battery; 2) belt tensioner shock = $120.00 part and labour; 3) MAS = $700.00 part / labour; and have had regular maintenance. Other parts were replaced as a condition of buying the car: brakes; tires; ball joints; windsheild (had a crack). Despite the repairs, I love the car. It's a solid piece of German machinery!