I would say the period of shit quality was between 1994 and 2007. Post W201 190e. Much better since then but not the company they used to be. Calling plastic Leather does not help their case one jot
Possibly more like 40-50, The 90s Mercs rusted like nothing else and the suspension was a nightmare. My father in law had a couple and they were crap. The 90s one was nice inside but ate suspensions bushes for fun and was heavy and slow. The 08 one was awful, felt like a Vauxhaul inside. Compared to the 70s and 80s ones they were so poor compared to other brands available at the time. Not messed about with any post 2015 ones, but if they are even worse now I shudder to think how bad they are.
It links to the tank so not easy to lose it either. My first thought was ditch that and it would be ok. But Ducati say noooooooo
