The reason MB's great , long term parts support is it's own worst enemy

I just read this thread

https://www.peachparts.com/shopforum/diesel-discussion/378833-aftermarket-options-w123-sls-struts-mb-parts-no-longer-available.html

and have figured out why the great parts support MB offers actually makes those with 35 + year old cars irate when a part goes NLA decades after the car was last produced.

With any other car, parts support starts to fade about 7 years after the model was last produced however, if a part is used on a newer model it still stays in the system. By 12 ish years it is accepted that parts support will be drying up at a rapid rate.

Since MB offers support for even 20 year old cars, some unrealistically have become accustomed to expect the ride to last forever. See the OP in the referenced link and the voice of reason in post 4 .

Having parts go NLA at the factory / dealer level is further advanced by those that think the factory / dealers are evil / greedy and refuse to buy parts from them. If these groups are actually greedy, then why are they not still producing replacement parts allegedly in demand?

Some may say that making parts NLA for a 35 + year old car a tactic to force these car owners into the showroom to buy a brand new car. I really doubt the number of people that buy a new MB every 35 years is of any significance.

There is a reason that a not so old MB will take a dramatic loss in resale value. The new / 4 year old buyer - leaser is the primary market and after than it is limited to enthusiasts / those willing to take the risk of an expensive failure.