Let me put it to you in no uncertain terms. My 2000 ownership has put me off to the brand entirely. Don't get me wrong. I love my 85 380SE and intend to hold on to it for as long as it is feasibly possible.

To MB's credit, we have been well taken care of, however, the list of problems we have experienced makes me cringe at ownership sans warranty. We typically own a vehicle for 5-7 years. This is the first vehicle I have ever owned that I have purchased an extended warranty for.

I understand that parts wear out and am willing and able to afford those experiences, but we have not reached that point at all. In purchasing the extended warranty, I felt like I was paying for MB's mistakes. Within 4 years, the only work that we have done that I felt was not related to a design flaw or poor quality has been normal brake wear.

Here's my list.