As you can see from my signature, I have two new ones on order, so I can't be too unhappy. But...

The E280 has been trouble-free. It goes through two headlight bulbs a year (non-Xenon), and about one instrument panel bulb a year. The battery was replaced under warranty when the car was a year old and left me by the side of the road.

The SL had no faults when I bought it four years ago from the dealer. Since then, it has had a variety of small niggles, some of which are not yet fixed. It will be in for its 60k km/36k mile service on the 10th and 11th of September.

The faults:-
- Leaking hard top. Didn't leak last winter after I followed a tip here about applying vaseline along the seals before putting it on. Have changed employer, and will have outdoor parking this winter, so we will see.
- Driver-side headreast gear slips, so headrest does not go up and down.
- Driver-side orthopedic seat air currently not working. Can hear air leaking at valve.
- Two radio antenna masts so far, as they just seem to lock up.
- Tempremental remote locking. (Once a month, the lock lights stay on after operating, of course not while the dealer is checking it, and the passenger side receiver no longer seems to work.)
- Leaking radiator expansion chamber. Leaks where the metal part that supports the cap meets the plastic part.
- Bulb behind external temperature LCD has blown.
- Driver-side heated seat blows fuses regularly when I switch it straight to high position. Fine if I start off on low heat.

The car is still a pleasure to drive. Everything mechanical is wonderful! It's "character" (meaning the things above) irritates my wife. She spotted a 12-month old new SL at the local MB dealer, which is what ultimately led me to order the CLK500 convertible, as I need more than two seats. 9-month lead time. Delivery April. The new E should arrive in January.

Before these cars, I had three BMWs. An early 323i was full of problems. (Injection system, gearbox) A 320i was totally problem free over 200k km, and my 525i had two hydraulic fluid leaks. Had an early Accord at the same time, which rusted to death while I was living in Holland.

Momo

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1990 500SL 65k km - until May 11 2004
2004 E320 4-Matic wagon
2004 CLK500 Cabrio from May 11 2004