I don't believe that the electronics of the 1997 E300D are cheap or crappy. I own two 1997's .... one with 180k and one with 245k on the odometer. What is different about these models and their electronics is that the computer communicates to the driver much more than eariler models ... for those owners that aren't technically inclined this increased communication can be worrysome. For me I like to know what is happening and appreciate the communication about intermittant faults since it gives me a "heads up" as to what may need attention. Plus with a realitively inexpensive code reader pluged in, and putting the A/C control unit in to diagonstic mode, I can easily retrieve problem codes and look them up, as well as check status of individual electronic systems and sensors, and quickly asertain and replace the offending part. In my opinion it is much easier to trouble shoot problems in the '97 than in older models. The only real troublesome part is the K40 relay, which is essentially a power distribution component. The K40 relay costs a little more than $100 and should be replaced should a series of intermittant issues pop-up all at once or the engine stumbles (usually under accelleration). I've replaced the K40 in both cars once .... so over 12 years the part isn't all that troublesome. What is a pain is the 30+ blubs in the instriument cluster and dash. It's my suggestion when one or two go out to just pull the instrument cluster out and the appropriate dash panels and replace them all at once.

I also feel that a low mileage 1997 E300D in excellent condition is worth at least $7,000 (probably a little more) even in todays uncertain times.

That's my two sense.

David Roseman
Long Beach, Ca