I'm so glad it's not just me then! I marvel at the CIS as a concept and curse at it as an application. My SL has been an 18 year long story of "fix one thing, two more break"! This past month was the first time in ownership that it's gone through 2 consecutive tanks of fuel without having to be parked for something going wrong and I hope it decides to stay that way for a while! I certainly don't mind working on it, but good lord, it's sure nice to drive it without worrying about the "next fault".

Seriously though, these older Mercedes vehicles were marvels of engineering when they were built (they still are), but 20-30 year old technology breaks down from age, use, and neglect and requires service. The more electronic gadgets you have, the more likely they are to have issues later in life. It's just part of owning an older car, if you aren't willing to work on it from time to time, pick something newer and Japanese. Or if you're a glutton for punishment and really love electrical infidelity, buy a Ford from the 80s or 90s! Talk about drive you to drinking...

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Current stable:
1995 E320 157K (Nancy)
1983 500SL 125K (SLoL)

Gone but not forgotten:
1986 300SDL (RIP)
1991 350SD
1991 560SEL
1990 560SEL
1986 500SEL Euro (Rusted to nothing at 47K!)

Gone and wanting to forget:
1985 524TD 167K (TotalDumpster™) [Definitely NOT a Benz]