I copied the following from alt.auto.mercedes news group today -

"A couple of months ago I posted about the vibration damper
going bad on our 2000 E320 (40K miles) and damaging the
oil pans, which resulted in a 1400 dollar repair. Our mechanic
suggested we send a certified letter to MB USA suggesting
that a part that had gone through six changes should have been
recalled & that we would like some response. I did just that
and yesterday received (from MB USA though dispensed
through our local dealership--who BTW did not do the repair
work) a check for the entire amount.

I must say I'm surprised and very pleased."

Maybe some of you folks out there that had the problem also could do the same!