Faults:

Replaced all seats bottoms, since they were worn out after 450,000km and 7 years on the road as a taxi.

Replaced fuel pump at 460,000km (never been changed before).

Some rust on the hood under the water sprinklers for the windshield.

Replaced radiator water pump at 500,000km (never been changed before).

Replaced rear axle shaft after the gears were only changing up to 2nd gear at 500,000km.

Replaced the Mercedes star sign at least a dozen times after being vandalized (for the front and rear).

General Comments:

The car would be better if it had just a little more power. I personally was servicing the car every 5,000km by changing the motor oil, air filter, fuel filter, and every 60,000km, the automatic transmission fluid.

Moving the car from 0-100km was pretty slow, but once on the highway and on a straight road, it would go well.

The car didn't like the heat very much, where on hot days it felt slower than usual, even if the A/C was off.

The car never left me hanging with no prior notice, as before the rear axle broke, an attention light came on in the car, and also the fuel pump and water pump also gave me warnings.

Faults:

I bought it while I was in UK. I brought it home (Malaysia) with a view to getting an advantage over the higher local price. Unfortunately, during that time (2005) Malaysia already committed to a bit more liberalised economy. I just got back to square one.

The car had air-conditioning fitted. But as predicted, Malaysian weather is just too hot for such a rarely used unit to work well. A replacement was required twice, with exorbitant costs, thanks to my ignorance and lack of the right mechanic.

The differential was also replaced twice, with costs.

The wiper does work the way it should, which makes me frustrated when raining (this is Malaysia)

Some rust I brought from UK. Just leave it for the moment.

General Comments:

Besides the problems above, the car is fairly reliable, still feels tight, no apparent squeaks or rattles.

The fuel consumption is generally acceptable. More economical than my other car, a NAZA Citra (Malaysia's Kia Caren)

But this car is far from being a driver's car. In fact it is a passenger's car instead. Relatively quiet, comfortable etc. etc.

But with the lack of steering feedback, soft suspension, no engine noise until it is pushed hard - but even then it is a rough and unpleasant - the car is indeed a boring companion; especially after a hard day's work.

Driving should be fun and pleasurable. Not everybody can afford the service of a loyal chauffeur. At least I learned that the new C class does give attention to this aspect. But I just cannot afford it at the moment. Buying a a new car is not an option during this time around. The resale value is so unfavourable.

I already swapped the car with my wife. I found driving a tall, less charismatic MPV Citra gives me a little bit more fun than that Merc

Faults:

Nothing yet, but I've only had it for a month!

General Comments:

This is a really solid well built car. I bought it because it was cheap, had a full service history, and because it was a Mercedes! Feels very safe inside when driving it. I love how everything is so well made and does not have a cheap feel to it.

The engine is sluggish, but if you put your foot down it really moves. Not bad for a 2.3L with a heavy body. On the maintenance side: Parts can be expensive. Eg. Battery costs $215. The best thing is to shop around, if you don't desperately need the part. (Ebay etc).You will save a ton of money if you avoid dealerships, and can do the basic maintenance yourself. A very comfortable car to drive.