Having a few VW's where some parts are NLA, I have always been amazed at MB parts availability.
Standing at a VW swap meet listening to some cheap ass trying to bargin on a 4$ item has often made me simply pull 4 singles out, pick up the item and hand over the cash. I get wanting a good deal, but for fox sake, don't be stupid.
My FLAPS has been great at getting me odd bits for all the MB's, as he has a great relationship with all the local dealers, and often sources parts from Germany, putting several folks needs into one order to save on shipping. It's all hobby cars, except me with the daily driver.
Pay more for NOS rather than a poor reproduction that requires you torture yourself to fit? You bet. In a heartbeat. So many projects, so little time.
The MB's gone away are because of New England Rustosis, a particular strain of tinworm. Not from NLA parts.

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95 E300D gave away
77 300D, 227k, station car
83 300CD 370k, body gone away to the rust gods, engine is in a Yota pickup, going strong
89 190E 2.6- 335k, no more
79 VW FI Bus- 154k summer driver
59 VW Beetle ragtop- 175k
12 VW Jetta- 250k
74 MG Midget-78k