Just remember when someone starts talking about the reliability of cars
in Europe - Europeans do not expect as much as we do, nor do they
typically rack up miles like we No. Americans do.  That's one reason why
Japanese cars are more popular here than in Europe (I know there are
other, bigger, factors- tariffs, nationality, etc).

A co-worker of mine in France could not under stand why we do not have
Renaults (or Fiats, Ugh!) - I explained their reputation of going 32,406
miles and then both door handles off- he said "Really? Mine is quite
reliable." and then went on to explain how we don't maintain our cars.
Then he stated he had been through 3 exhaust manifolds.  He did not have
an answer when I asked how one is supposed to maintain an exhaust
manifold.

As to Mercedes - I admire them, but the modern ones are impressive in
terms of reliability - check out the M Class rating - very, very poor.
Between the 2 Benz's and BMW's that the pres and VP of my company had -
well, it was amusing to see the mechanics continually picking up their
cars while my Honda keep running and still is 226,000 miles and 12 years
later.

If only if all the 2002's had not rusted away right of California -
That's a BMW I would love to have.

John R