Mercedes v6 @ 4200 hrs and just one water pump for engine repairs .Similar history with three other mercedes powered machines. Sad to see some of the failures with some of the new product.
Have you had any troubles with the support bearing in the bell housing just off the motor (V6). We have had two 106's, this bearing has gone on both of them. Overall the motor's are great, I think the inline six on newer 8460's was a better motor.
We also had to replace the bearing and the big rubber flange in our engine, a mercedes from a cs112, I believe it is the same engine as the 106. That was at about 3000 hrs. 3400 hours on it now. Also one water pump, and a rebuilt starter. This thing tends to turn over hard, Other than that, I like the machine.