I purchased my 1998 E300 last September. It had 31,000 miles when purchased and now has 48,000. That is about 17,000 miles in 6 months. I have not had any issues with the motor. I do 130 miles rounds trip 5 days a week and a lot of kid shuffling in the evenings and weekends. I have run AMSOIL for the first two oil changes and am about to try the Mobil Delvac 1 when I reach 50,000.

Like JimSmith, I also have the seat creaking which drives me nuts, but the car is out of warranty and I do not have to time or know how to fix.

I love the car and would now like to find an older SD or SDL to drive. Time and money will tell.