I always felt mercs were the rollies of the road. Nothing like a beautiful vintage merc. I've had the opportunity to own/drive 3 mercs prior to my most recent one. A 2003 CLK230. The previous 3 were stellar and felt like they were built to last.
However, my 2003 CLK 230 is a stinking steaming POS too! Bought from a dealer with star-class warranty in May. Was supposed to be almost NOS (shame on me for believing that crap). Has broken down twice already, and the mOFOs made me pay both times!
Sigh, thing is, it still looks so beautiful from the outside...all that glitters is not gold and all that...