Yes, the E420 is a great car. I drove a 97 with 64k miles, and at wide-open throttle it sounded and performced great.

I was concerned with the fuel mileage and reliability and maintenece. With a diesel, you don't have sensors or catalyitic converters or any of that nonsense. I generally like to maintain my cars myself, and I'm afraid the E420 may have too many sensors or electronics to do that.

Currently I drive about 45k-50k miles a year.. may be alot more soon as I may be getting a store 55 miles away from home.. so these issues are very important to me.