I had a 08 r350 which i traded in for my 996.

Only had the 996 as month but it seems parts were more expensive on the merc.

I do most of my own DIY and the thermostat was 120 bucks on its own. I think they are about 50 for the Porsche. It had a lot go wrong with it.

The m272 engine, which sits in a lot of mercedes e350 ml350 r350 etc had its own imsb kinda issue as well. The balance shaft sprocket would wear on the pre 08 models which would mean an engine out repair to fix it it to the cost of around 7k.

 

almost every model porsche or mercedes i've owned has/had specific issue's for it's model run whether mechanical or cosmetic.

porsche:
1953-1963 356's: rust, lowsy oil cooling
77 911s: head studs, cooling issues - head needs rebuilding at young age
78-83 911sc: head studs, transmission syncros, chain tensioners head studs replaced-tranny rebuild at young age
84-86 911 carrera: valve guide issues - head needs rebuilt at 30K miles
90-92 964: rust at windshield/rear windshield corners, dash christmas tree lights, severe oil leaks - engine reseal, metal work on body to repair rust
993's: CEL - air passage clogging - head needs rebuilt
996 - IMS

mercedes:
81-83 380sl: chain guide breakage, timing chain failure - must be changed to dual row timing chain OR motor damaged beyond repair
92-93 300sd turbo diesel: problem with #2 cylinder"egg shaped" causing drastic oil consumption - complete engine rebuild
98-99 300 turbo diesel: glow plugs become welded to head - rebuild head
2000-2001 e320: transmission problems, pulley problems, electrical issues - $4000 transmission replacement at young age
2003 e320: brake module failures, tranny issues, radio faults $1500 repair tranny $4000

 

I had :
1984 MB 190D (No issues, diesel engines are like thanks, also besides the radio no other electronic gadgets, not even power doors or windows)
2003 Bimmer 328i (e46) (Just had it for 3 years; engine die suddenly, no explanation from the dealer, they just change it for a new one)
2006 Bimmer 335i (e90) (Just 3 years of ownership some problems with the electric windows and serpentine belt)

The more electronics you have the more problems you can expect, this is the reason the 996 and 997 are going to be the most reliable water cooled Porsches, the 991 has plenty of electronic gadgets and the way volskwagen group are handling business, a 911, 4 cylinder bi-turbo is coming soon.

 

Yep, I just bought all the parts for the 65k maintenance on my wife's audi Q7 and just the fuel pump filter is more than $200..

 

My 2018 GLC is due it’s first service in a couple of weeks , main dealer is asking £363 for what amounts to an oil change . I have local specialist who can service and update the star system to record the service at half the cost . The question is has anyone used an independent for a service and was the record on the DSR . Also do independent service appear different on the mercedes me versus a main dealer. Any help would be great