Pre emptive hits on any older mercedes with an unknown history can increase general reliability. Things like adding a little aditional oil to the cv joints does no harm. Spend the 10 dollars or so and recondition the lift pump that may have unknown miles on it. Check the regulator on the alternator to see if there is too much brush wear evident. Or carry a spare regulator.

Since the general change of small garages into convienience stores over much of the landscape. It can be hard to find mechanical help on the road when needed.

The last two times I had issues on the road there where no local service facilities that would look at the car for several days. Between the few tools I had on board and purchasing a couple more I repaired the car on the corner on a service station lot with their permission. The second breakdown was more serious and I found a tow truck driver who had a garage at home and we worked together to repair that car.