Color me optomistic >> but my [relatively new] experience with my C230 has been one of JOY. I mean the car is fun to drive...

As far as Mercedes engineering >> from what I've seen >> Mercedes engineering is top notch...

I bought my 97 C230 from an auction > so I was unsure of the cars previous maintenence history > so the first hting I did was to pull a major service on it

Front brake pads > easiest brake job I've ever done
Fuel filter > superb engineering mounting it on the rubber shock isolation..
pollen filter > piece of cake
oil change > once I had the correct tool > piece of cake
air filter > couldn't be easier
coolant flush > very clean... nice touch with the spigot where you can add a piece of hose to direct the coolant into a container
brake bleed > no problem

From the looks of alternator and water pump > both are accessible >> unlike some cars...

Just note the fact that the hood can be raised to a 90 degree up position>>> you know how much more room that give you to the engine compartment ??

Note that jack points / jackstand points are so straightforward...

I've done my fair share of "brain surgery inside a phone booth" with my BMW 2002, Porshe 911, 87 Toyota Corolla beater, Dodge Durango.... and the Benz has been the easiest vehicle to work on..

nah>> from my crawling around my benz >> things are laid out pretty good...

My only criticism is lack of tech manuals... the best I have is a haynes... wish Bentleys had a C230 manual..