Interesting pattern here, I replaced my '89 W124 300TE 156K miles last year with a perfect '01 W210 4-Matic wagon w/52k miles. Garage kept, not a water spont on it.
MB replaced the instrument cluster (pixel issue) under warranty, balancer was not in the scope of the recall, replaced a bulb or two here or there. I elected to have the dealer service the trans at 56k while still under warranty. I change oil every 6k w/filter. I just put new rotors, pads, and sensors on the front due to warpage. MB would not cover this, but that's no big deal since I can buy at cost from them. We bought this car for the long haul and the pleasure it returns while driving it. Dennis

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....just drive'em!
'89 300TE White w/Blue, 152K SOLD!
'93 300E Blue w/Tan, 154K SOLD!
'01 E-320 4-Matic wagon, 130K
'67 Vette Conv. White w/Blue, 217,421K