[flipper35]

Originally Posted by slow&rusty

This is not a true statement.

MB did not buy Chrysler it was a JV to share technology and developmental ideas. As part of that agreement, MB also platform shared with Chrysler the W210 chassis as the design basis to develop the 300C, Magnum/ Charger/Challenger platforms.

The MB reliability issue that you reference actually is mostly part of the new generation of ABC (and I guess Airmatic) suspensions that MB employed in the E-Class and S-Class. If you followed MB's recommended service, you did not have issues, but owners thought they were smarter than the manufacturer and pushed their cars ignoring the service intervals. This led to sometimes catastrophic failures and VERY costly repairs which were sensationalized online on forums and YouTubers looking for "clicks", and owners with a "woe is me" attitude.

Simple if you cannot afford a new S-Class for $150k new in the early 2000s, what makes you think that buying a 15-year old one for $10k is not going to nickel and dime you?

During this time, MB did not have any engine issues except a few cases with their odd 5.8L V12 that replaced the bullet proof M120 V12, but again mostly sensationalized. Transmissions have always been bullet proof even when neglected.

On paper it was a joint venture but in reality MB sucked the $4+ billion from Chrysler and stifled any new products from them including the ME412 then dropped them when the money ran out.