Yup, batteries have become extremely expensive. I recently went to purchase a battery for my W126 which we don't drive much and just about choked when quoted a cost. Decided the W126 looked just fine where it is and whenever I need to drive/move it I can pull out the trusty old battery charger to get it started.

Yeah, yeah, I know, I'm a cheap SOB. My wife lets me know that on a daily basis.

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“Whatever story you're telling, it will be more interesting if, at the end you add, "and then everything burst into flames.”
― Brian P. Cleary, You Oughta Know By Now