I agree with you on the tire life on that car. Mine has had two sets of Michelins and a set of Toyos. None of them made it much past 25,000 miles. I've got a set of Bridgestone Potenzas on it now based on some recommendations of other drivers who liked them.

However, on your other repair issues, even though I'm not particularly keen on the amount of electronics thrown into these newer cars, my maintenance costs have been small. I do all of my own work on the car, so that's a huge help. I don't have the costs of everything that I've done, but I do keep a log of everything ever done to it. Looking over my list, I'd guess I spent maybe $5000 including about $1500 for tires. So even with the tires, that's only $700/year which I think is pretty good. Major issues for my have only been a window regulator, an AC sensor, a fuel shut off valve and a stuck glow plug.

It is basically a nice driver, but it's my third favorite car out of the three listed. I just haven't "bonded" with that car like I have the other two.

Len
'99 E300TD 88,000 miles
'83 240D 345,000 miles original owner and first Mercedes
'59 220S cabriolet