Faults:

A/C condenser (replaced with German-made aftermarket in 2012).

Driver's seat outer bolster has worn through, right at the spot a person wearing blue jeans would slide in and the jeans rivet would rub.

Driver's window regulator failed when it iced up and broke a few teeth. Still would work, but needed help to fully raise window.

Head gasket leaks oil at the front. Replaced it twice; it is leaking again. Common, frustrating, expensive problem. Best to just let it leak.

Outside temp sensor failed years ago. Replaced, and now it has failed again, along with the LCD display in the dash.

Radio LCD screen has failed, and some buttons have come loose off the radio. One dashboard speaker blew.

Rear suspension accumulators needed replacing in 2010.

Front struts replaced in 2012 - much improved handling and ride.

Coil spring broke in 2007 on the front.

Wheel bearing (front) needed replacing in 2011.

General Comments:

This car is now 17 years old, and we have owned it for almost a decade.

Despite being driven continuously in a snowy climate, and never garaged, the car has no rust, and has all original brake and fuel lines. Only one muffler has needed to be replaced.

The starter and alternator are original.

The pneumatically-operated door locks have never had any problems.

We have never replaced a headlamp or fog lamp bulb.

One window regulator had a problem due to operating when iced up. All other windows, plus the sunroof and mirrors, have never had a problem.

The self-closing tailgate still works fine.

The power seats have always operated perfectly.

The engine, despite having the common m104 engine oil leak, is as smooth today as it was almost 100k miles ago, and the transmission also shifts the same.

Despite it not being a 'perfect' car, I am amazed at how many things still work perfectly properly and do not need to be replaced. Mercedes quality and engineering, at least during this era, seems to be very good. The engine is quite powerful, although the transmission is not geared for performance driving.

Brakes are exceptionally powerful. Only one rear caliper has needed to be replaced - due to freezing up during a period of sitting. ABS has never, ever, had a fault. However, the brake pads are a soft material and wear quicker than some other cars. However, the brakes on this vehicle have never squealed or squeaked.

It is a safe car, handles fairly well, and gets relatively good fuel economy.

A great Mercedes.

Faults:

Some lightbulbs have been replaced, power headrests stopped working.

Sometimes, it doesn't start in Park, have to place in Neutral to start.

General Comments:

Great build, unbelievable quality and finish for a 15 yr old car, I have had used cars in the past, but this has to take the icing. Can still handle 190KPH without hesitation. Thank you Mercedes.

Faults:

Wiring harness disintegrated and shorted out other electrical components ($3400.00)

Heater motor failed ($1400.00)

Window actuator and motor failures ($800 each)

Numerous electrical faults.

General Comments:

This car is an extremely expensive car to keep on the road.

Every time you take a problem to a dealer, they tell you it is the first time they have heard of it. Every mechanic in town knows about the wiring harness failures and heater motors etc. except for the Mercedes Dealership.

Although this is a very comfortable car, and it handles beautifully, you can't help but resent the high cost of maintenance and the arrogance of the dealers. I have dealt with several dealerships and they are all the same. I have several friends with newer Mercedes and they all agree that when the warranty runs out.. sell it.

These cars are not designed with ease of maintenance in mind. The parts prices are ridiculous, and my mechanic hates it. Commonly replaced parts are buried.