Faults:

Power steering replaced at 34K miles.

I complained about my car pulling for over a year. Once the warranty ran out, they told me I needed new ball joints.

The computer dash panel went out at 28K miles.

The service center put lifters on the engine at 28K miles as the engine was rattling.

Catalytic converter was replaced at 39K.

At 43K miles the power steering needs to be replaced again.

General Comments:

I have been extremely frustrated with my first gently used vehicle purchased from Mercedes. I have been buying cars for 30 years now and I haven't experienced such problems on cars since the days of driving the Chevy, and Oldsmobile.

I switched to Nissan and then Lexus, and had no problems. Unfortunately, I didn't care for the 04 Lexus ES300 body style, and chose to buy a used Mercedes and what a mistake. It is unfortunate that little to no action is taken against Mercedes for these poor recurring quality problems. I have spoken to a lot of people who feel the same as I. This car has been dealer serviced, gently driven and cared for as all of my previous vehicles, and as soon as I can get it into the service center and get the power steering repaired once again, I will be purchasing another car. I am either going back to Lexus or purchase an Infiniti.

Faults:

Cup holder door persistently refuses to work properly even after several trips to repair.

Passenger Front Window requires above average maintence and repair - faulty fuse.

A/C needed recharging a little early.

General Comments:

Smooth as silk and nicely powered. One of the most comfortable cars I've ever driven.

Very comfortable and controls are nicely placed, with the exception of traction control on/off switch.

Visibility excellent for all passengers, spacious, plenty of headroom, easy to clean, Solid Road feel.

Surprisingly good fuel efficiency.

Very impressive suspension.

Faults:

Thus far there have been no defects in 14 months of ownership. I have had to replace the windscreen due to a stone chip.

General Comments:

Very well thought out car. Excellent suspension and transmission. The engine is clearly blue blooded, but not quite as turbine-like as previously owned in-line 6 cylinder BMWs. Most surprisingly is the excellent fuel economy. I achieve 18 mpg is solid city driving and approach 30 mpg on the highway... at 80 mph! This compares to 16 in the city and 27 on the highway to my 1999 BMW 328i. Remarkable.