Hello,
I think that continous ownership of Mercedes from a 1954 170DS(my father's second and only other car) to a 2000 ML320 *qualify* me to comment here.

1. 1953 170DS(W191): Used everyday from 1954 to 1981, about 780,000 miles. Only real failure was OM636 engine threw a rod in 1970 due to air leak in vacuum governor line, overreving engine.

2. 1976 200(W115): Current daily driver, apart from worn carb that has been rebuilt with new main body, runs like it can go on forever. True miles unknown, I guess it has covered at least 200,000.

3. 1989 260E(W124): Some minor a/c issues and an oil leak from front timing cover, all cured. Changed all 4 shoks in 2000 and needs the vacuum actuators replaced in the heater/ac unit, otherwise has given sterling service. About 160,000 miles on it right now.

4. 2000 ML320(W168): OK, here is the *black sheep* of the fleet.
Has needed wheel alignment twice, sunroof assembly, battery, 4 new tires, front brake pads, front center armrest/console cover, an intermittent vibration at idle and the latest *trick*, the BAS, ABS and ESP lights blinking at the driver randomly. Total mileage is 30,000 miles.

Feel free to draw your own conclusions.

I am currently looking for a W113 SL and if that falls thru, a original 250S W108 is a back up choice and a W126 300SE for daily driver use if my W115 expires.

Acquaintances who have W140, W210, W202 type cars always seem to be *fixing* something or the other on their cars. It seems to me that the 1990s generation of Mercedes have *planned obsolescence* so that owners buy/lease newer cars.

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Nachi11744