So I thought I was doing the prudent, smart thing when I bought my 1998 C230, because I thought that buying a newer car would mean less problems. It's also in AMAZING shape with 141k miles. Well, apparently I was wrong, because I have had more problems with this car in the last few months than I have ever had with an older MB. O_O

Firstly, it keeps blowing light bulbs (three so far) and the check engine light comes on randomly, with a misfire code. Still haven't been able to figure out what's going on with it. Then the AC blower regulator went bad...had to replace it with a new part. One of the flaps just started making an insanely loud high-pitched squealing sound whenever the air is direct at the floor...so I have to have it blowing at the windshield constantly. -_-

The most recent breakdown occurred about two weeks ago, and it was the transmission. It failed catastrophically in a parking lot when I was driving at about 2mph...loud banging noises, and the car came to a stop with a puddle of ATF on the ground. Had it towed to the mechanic, and the bill is now $2500 and rising. Apparently something had broken inside the tranny, and put tiny shards of metal everywhere...damaged just about every gear in the planetary set (I think that's what it's called) and the valve body was loaded with metal shavings. Strange since I had just had the fluid checked about a month ago, and everything looked fine. The fluid now looks black.

Anyway, I have had problems with this newer MB, and my father has had a lot of problems with his 02' C240, and 01' E55...makes me think that the newer MB's just aren't built to the same standards as the older pre-91 MB's. What do you guys think?

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Current cars:
2000 ML55 AMG, 174k miles
2003 C240 T-Modell, 202k miles
1995 S320, 207k Miles