Yes, Benz had a lot more electronics introduced in the early years of the W202, and W210 etc. I'd blame it on the battery since this sounds like a similar situation I had with my 1997 C230 [very similar car].

Something also to remember is that this is a Mercedes of the eco-junk degrading wiring harness era and the crappy design caused all kinds of electrical flaws as age and time went by when the harnesses degraded.

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Only diesels in this driveway.
2005 E320 CDI 243k Black/Black
2008 Chevy 3500HD Duramax 340k
2004 Chevy 2500HD Duramax 220k