I bought my 1990 300TE in September 2007 with 124,000 miles on it for $3600 US. It now has 132,000 miles on it and I have spent around $200 on maintaining it. I guess I'm pretty happy with it so far, it's gotten me, knock on wood, through 2 brutal Chicago winters, which is/was the point.
As this is my first MB after many BMWs I can run with that. I see many similarities between the 2 brands but I also see differences.
I can roll with either one of my old guys, a 1988 BMW 325iC with 171,000 miles on it (which I have owned for 10 years) or the 1990 MB 300TE with a 132,000 miles on it (which I have owned for 1.5 years). At any rate, they both run like tits, are fun and a pleasure to drive, so I take it all with a grain of salt. After living in New Mexico for many years I can take damn near anything though I reckon. But, I am experienced in the ways of German cars, have the time (retired), and have the ways and means. That possibly may not line up with your situation. I play this little game of driving the finest cars possible for the absolute least amount of money required....sick I know, but, it takes up my time.... keeps me out of real trouble the girl says....