I've driven and taken good care of a 1995 W124 E280 for almost 4 years ( and counting) now. I'd say if you take care of the car well, which means oil change on time, never forget to change oil filter and use only fully synthetic, check water and other oils regularly and keep an eye on the temp, the car will run perfectly.

Although parts are abit pricey, I just got my front and back bushings along with front brake pads replaced for around 600 including workmanship, in the long run, I think it doesn't work out to be so much more than any japanese car like everyone else claims.