I'm sure I've thrown away hundreds of parts over the years, and with absolute impunity - never a single problem. Much of what I've thrown away MB doesn't even bother to put on the cars anymore. I think the 90s were the age of excess - lots of over-engineered parts and systems. In the end I think it's largely a personality issue. If your a minimalist you like keeping it simple. These old sedans are just going to the salvage yard anyway.