I have a 1976, Thats right I said '76 300D with well over 200K on it and an 89 190E with 115K on it. Neither one has ever failed to start and get my wife or myself to work. I bought the '76 from a young couple who had driven it to college and generally neglected the car for years. It looks a little rough right now, but starts every time and runs like a watch. They thought it was going to need serious electrical system work and was told so by their "mechanic". It was not charging and they had to put the battery on the charger every three days or so to get it started. The first day I had it home, I noticed that the bottom pivot bolt was missing from the alternator. I replaced that, tightened the belt and have had no electrical problems since. I guess my point is that yes, MB's do need some maintenance occasionally, but when you do fix something and USE THE RIGHT PARTS, it usually stays fixed. The only problem I have had with the '89 was replacing the water pump at 110K.

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83 W123 240D
76 300D, "Lil Yellow Car"
1978 Cessna 172N 180 HP Mod

"If life ain't fun, I'm not interested"

The important things are those that you learn after you know it all.
Chip Foose

Build a better mousetrap and you will REALLY infuriate corporate america.