If truly looking to steer away from steady repairs you'll probably want to go for a W203, W210 or W211 wagon....a well maintained low miles example will be the best in terms of low repair rate. We just went through this finding my bro a car, his W123 was constantly needing things and everything didn't work right (except engine), so he ended up with a very nice 2002 E320 W210. Its a fantastic machine. Quite an upgrade

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-diesel is not just a fuel, its a way of life-
'15 GLK250 Bluetec 118k - mine - (OC-123,800)
'17 Metris(VITO!) - 37k - wifes (OC-41k)
'09 Sprinter 3500 Winnebago View - 62k (OC - 67k)
'13 ML350 Bluetec - 95k - dad's (OC-98k)
'01 SL500 - 103k(km) - dad's (OC-110,000km)
'16 E400 4matic Sedan - 148k - Brothers (OC-155k)