- thread with all the listed mechanical issues, that are so well known.

I would like to hear some design arguments to some of them.
For instance, why would MB use plastic pieces inside a V8 in the 126 bodies of the late 80's. Surely weight and cost considerations couldn't be the reason.

As to the question of MB's being quality cars I do believe they are generally good cars but with their fair share of issues.

One ting I gog tired of with the S500 -96 that we had from 2000 to this spring, was the continuing front wheel vibration issue.

MB even bought us new tires on the starmarked warranty after some 6 months of complaining/wheel balancing etc. It never went totally away and I have to admit that if I had paid the original 100000+ dollars in -96, I would probably have feel really taken, if plagued by the issues surrounding the 140 bodies. We sold it a year before the warranty expired. I do miss the s500 alot but the 560 sel we have now does make up for it somewhat!

Another issue I have heard of again and again is smells and fumes inside the cabin. It amazes me that such an expensive car can have such basic problems associated with it?

Does anyone know of any of the design decisions resulting in these problem areas? That would be interesting to hear!

Jari