Mercedes Benz repair: Mercedes serviceability, 300sd, domestic vehicles

Question
Do mercedes in general have good serviceability?

Are they difficult to repair? compared to a ford or chevy?

Are part replacements and mechanic labor costs high? compared to a ford or chevy?

Answer
Personal opinion:
1985 and earlier are as easy to maintain as most domestic vehicles made in the 1960's, some special tools may be needed if you do all your own work, but tools pay for themselves after a couple of uses.
The newer ones have massive electronic systems, with equally large diagnostics or special $2000.00+ USD scan tools needed, modules are high price, but many sensors are comparable to domestic cost.
Like any vehicle made, some have flaws.
If you are looking at a specific year, make, model, join: http://www.mercedesshop.com/shopforum/
ask around the forum, do your own research and see what fits into your lifestyle/budget/interest.
I am in the Diesel forum, easy to find whunter, my daily driver is a 1985 300SD with 258,000 miles on the original powertrain.