 My 2000 E-430 4-matic is a piece of 
garabage.  It has only 7,500 mi. Every 
6 months it goes in for some major 
repair.I've had the radidiator, fuel 
tank, entire instrument cluster and 
major AC components replaced and 
repeated problems with the steering 
column, among others.  
Mercedes says "that is why they 
have warranties". When I mention my 
warrranty is about up, they tell me 
don't worry everything is fixed.  I 
have zero confidence in that statement. 
Unfortunately, I purchased the car.  
When I inquired about some type of 
accomodation on a trade in, they 
refused.  I guess they no longer build 
a decent car nor care about customer 
satisfaction.  