Certainly MB didn't make the greatest choices in every case favoring durability over manufacture expense, but there are MUCH worse examples around. VW's Diesel Jetta's have a whole host of electrical problems that would make Lucas proud. They burn up MAF sensors, eat up relays, ect... My old '96 Camaro Z-28 once stranded me due to a malfunction in the security system. Two of my work buddies have GM cars with the new plastic (ahemm, I mean composite) intake manifolds that have had to be replaced. One was practically new.

The point is, modern cars are too feature laden to be really reliable. The most reliable car I've ever owned (never stranded me) is an '88 Toyota corrolla I bought from a rental agency.

One of my work buddies occasionally drives a '60's Chevy pickup with a straight 6, cast iron everything, drum nonassisted brakes, to work. His Lincoln Town Car died, so he just hopped in and started it up. Another guy on the team has a '76 Chevy stepside pickup with 500k miles on it. Never been opened. The only major service has been an R-134 conversion.

Yup, simpler is better, but they won't be making those types of cars again. Think about ANY modern car in 20-ish years when the wiring harnesses get brittle and the grounds start to corrode. Ouch.

Sholin

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What else, '73 MB 280 SEL (Lt Blue)
Daily driver: '84 190D 2.2 5 spd.