 I currently own a 1983 380SL and a 2001 S430. I have owned a 280SE and a 380SEL.  My S430 radio will not receive AM anymore; a $1200 estimate by Mercedes to fix.  The fob does not unlock, nor will it lock the doors; a $2400 estimate from Mercedes dealer to fix.  The trunk will not open, only by the key in the fob; $1200 estimate to fix.  This S430 is fragile in many places, like the seat frames and center console ash trays (doors) plastic grill, and over 100 switches between the front door buttons.  The AC controls are fickle, and the "check engine" light comes on for no good reason.  This S430 will be my last Mercedes Benz.  I feel as though I have been snookered.  Quality is fleeting.  Given the multitude of buttons and the lack intuition with most of them, it is nearly impossible to make a selection without taking your eyes from road.  In times of heavy traffic, it's dangerous - so you end -up tolerating the auto selections set by the "technologies designed in", until you get to your own driveway where you can spend the rest of the evening in the vain attempt to reset every damn button.  Simplicity and safety are synonymous.  I look forward to the self driving cars, so you just say the name of your psychiatrist and bingo, if you're lucky you'll get there before he takes his own life - found dead, sitting in HIS Mercedes Benz with the owners manual in his lap; handwritten notes all around, engine still running, and a flashing light saying "start again"!