Just to chime in...


My 94 has shown to be in incredible shape and i attribute that to its previous 2 owners. I think vehicle history has to take an incredibly important role in how the long term reliability is. My car shows just over 100k and i have only had to put new motor mounts on when i had the car inspected for sale to me. Previous owners were professionals, and had the vehicle routinely serviced (as paperwork shows) throughout its history. It was never abused, and always garaged. My paperwork shows that there were a few niggling items that were replaced per common MB recalls (electrical harness) being the most expensive. But wear and tear items with age, in any car with 100k miles will always creep up. Buying a MB is a huge leap for some, as i owned Jap cars for years, and finally went to a 300ce in 1995, and sold it prematurely, but came back to Germany in the form of a 95 M3 which was quite flawless and a blast to drive.

I was hooked when i drove again the w124, this time in 4 doors. My 94 drives like new, solid, no rattles, inspires a feeling of safety, and is relatively straitforward to DIY repairs. I just did the valve gaskets as they were original and weaping, i upgraded the waterpump preventatively (most cars with 100k need it buy mine was actually still working fine), and i did the EGR hot inlet pipe cleaning (which once the technique is known, is not difficult). I am planning to replace my rotors and brakes next, and shocks...both DIY projects that are fun and lets you really take control and knowledge of your $$$.

For any car to last long, you must drive it with care, which means, no racing, frequent oil changes (all areas), and the ability to learn how to diagnose symptoms that could lead to major problems (noises, leaks, brittle parts, etc).

I realize most MB owners aren't DIY guys...but once you get past the dealership or independent for alot of things that just take some tools, knowledge base, and common sense...i don't see my particular MB as any less reliable than other cars touted as 5 star. My fiancees Acura has had far more issues, and rattles than my e320..and she's spent more in the shop.

But cars are like women..everyone is different.