Faults:

Mainly electrical problems. Expensive to service.

Very thirsty on fuel.

General Comments:

I have not owned this vehicle for well over 10 years now. But nostalgia and the fact that no one has provided a review for this magnificent vehicle prompted me contribute.

I have owned a number of luxury cars since then, but none have been as imposing or impressive.

The car had awesome performance and probably still outperforms all current Mercedes on the market (AMG excluded).

But this really was a self indulgence purchase back then. Mercedes has now gone even more overboard with their $1 million Maybach. Mercedes (and the people buying such vehicles) really really should re-evaluate their priorities. An S or even an E class is more than enough, even if you're a snob.

If you can buy a (now) classic 6.9 in good shape (check for rust, mechanical and electrical problems) and intend to use it only occasionally (and can afford to maintain it), then please do. You probably won't regret it. You'll shame all those smug C and E owners of newer Mercedes vehicles (with less space, inferior build and performance) while smiling at the thought that people such as me missed out on lucrative investment opportunities buying them new (or near new).