Gadgets are the enemy of reliability. I have had some problems lately with my 91 300E. But all stupid things. Nothing that would leave me by the side of the road. One was a new ac push button console and the other an overhead ac temperature sensor. Nothing major. Mechanically, all I have had to spend money on were a radiator a few years ago, a head gasket that had a slow leak when I bought the car but lasted years in that form and a serpentine belt tensioner. The transmission will soon need a rebuild, but it still working ok. All in all, these are just wear items considering it has been driven for over ten years. After all, what do I care. I picked it up for 14K back in 98. At that price I ended up with a bunch of money for incidentals. Beats the hell out of some other comparable Japanese vehicle with the same expenditure. At the time, my wilfe was driving a Honda Accord, which was reliable since new, but was starting to deteriorate. By deterioration, I don't mean just mechanical items. I mean paint and overall appearance also. The Mercedes, on the other hand, looks no more than two years old. I carry a Rottweiler in the back seat of the 300E and the leather does not show one flaw. After all, it's a German taxi cab. But one has to keep in mind that this is a W124. There are no power cup holders, heated seats and other frivolous stupidities to break down. My other two cars, an 80 Porsche 911SC and an 88 Carrera are probably the cheapest cars I have ever had in terms of maintenance and repair costs. It also helps that they don't depreciate. They are about as reliable as a concrete foundation. All they require are changes of wear items like tires, brake pads, oil and filters. The secret is a body that is built like a tank, sound and simple mechanical systems which are handcrafted and no unnecessary electronics. Sure, once in a while something will break and will cost a hefty sum. But as with any air cooled Porsche, once something is repaired, it will not break again for at least ten years. I know because the 80SC I have owned since 91 and goes to the track every other weekend. To my eyes, the W124 starts to approach these cars in simplicity and build quality. There is no mystery here folks. Keep it simple stupid. Go buy an old 240D and see. There is a reason why those cars are the taxi cabs of choice in third world countries. I want luxury in the appearance, materials, and solid feel. To me, power options are not luxury items. The sad part is that if one buys something built after 95, no matter what brand, they are in for it. Every time I go the track with my 80 Porsche, someone is amazed that the car is still going strong with over 220,000 miles without a rebuild. Then they mention, wow, I will go and get a Boxster or 996 then. I tell them good luck. Why? To think that a Boxster will even approach classic 911 reliability over the long term is the same as thinking a late model E320 will approach a 240D's reliability. Or even a 300E's. What is the key here? Buy a mint or close to mint Mercedes or Porsche that was built before computers and other junk came into play, save a bunch of money, and use the money that is left over to put whatever is wrong in good shape. It makes sense. Why get an E55 when you can get a 500E for less money, less depreciation, less to go wrong, far better build quality and far better looks in my opinion. And if something breaks, no matter what it costs, you have yours savings to pay for the repair. Besides, I refuse to support the recent lunacy in the design department of those two Stuttgart manufacturers.