i currently drive a 2006 e320 cdi. i bought it a year ago with 42k on the clock, and have ~65k on it now. drive it to work every day, rain or shine. i highly recommend them. i've had to do fluids/filters/other maintenance items, plus a wheel bearing replacement, and a replacement electrical connector on the transmission. i also had to replace the oe batteries, but i consider that maintenance, to be honest. i drive an ~45 mile one-way commute daily, which is about one-third stop-and-go and two-thirds interstate. i average about 38.5 mpg doing this.

it's an easy car to service - i do the simple stuff myself - fluids, filters, etc. for non-engine related stuff, there are so many e-series machines around that parts are easy to get and independent mechanics are familiar with them.

anyway - just some data for you. hope it helps.