I thought I would share my long term repair history. The car now has 118,000 miles.
The repair history is as follows.
93k miles-new water pump and transmission electrical connector plug.
117k miles new alternator.
Thats it other then normal wear parts re: tires, bulbs, oil and brakes. Not bad I think.

 

One thing you might think about......the tranny fluid in these cars doesn't last forever contrary to what you may have been led to believe. If you want the tranny to last, change the fluid and filter NOW. I have 167,000 mi. on my '05 and have done it twice. Spend the money and do it. Pay a little now, or a LOT later. This advice comes from my friend, a service writer at MB and also from the owner of an independent MB shop.