My wife's uncle has got a 2000 W202 diesel with about 500,000 kilometers on the clock. I get the impression (but could be wrong!) that he doesn't really go in for servicing all that much but as far as I know it hasn't let him down. I think he plans to sell it on when it tops 600,000 kms... I've been a passenger in it a couple times and it seems in great shape despite the apparent lack of love!