general problems of the 1999 Mercedes Benz C230

1999 Mercedes Benz C230 instrument panel lights have gone out. I have not had this problem repaired due to the cost estimate quoted to me by the mb dealership. Instrument panel lights went out 2 weeks after vehicle warranty expired. Another problem probably associated with the electrical system is that I have had to replace headlamps, interior lamps, backup lamps (ie light bulbs) on a continual basis. At least every other month I have a warning light come on that I have lamp out. Presently I have to replace the backup lamps but have not done so. Just replaced a left headlamp two weeks ago. This has been ongoing since my mother purchased the car new in August of 1999. She gifted the mb to me and I have been the only driver since 2001 and it is a one owner mb (two family members).