First of all, the SAAB is FWD, and the BMW is RWD. If you want a AWD wagon, that leaves the MB E320 4Matic, the Volvo CC, the Audi Quattro, or a Subaru.

Depending on where you live, you may not need AWD. Four good snow tires on a FWD car works very well. However, if you live in a place like Buffalo, Aspen, Burlington, or near Crater Lake, (or if you ski), AWD is worth it.

From what I have read on the boards, the 98-99 E320s have some harmonic balancer problems. Also expect AC evaporator problems. I have also heard the transmissions were weaker. The car should be okay if you can get an extended warranty. If you can afford a 2001, some of these problems were fixed. 2000 and later models had side curtain airbags. The 4Matics may weep oil but I'm not sure this is a big problem.

The Volvo CC is nice, but will cost even more than the MB. Volvos have very high used values. (I have seen 3 year old models selling for only a couple of thousand less than a new one after rebates). Make sure you only look at 2001 or newer. They are very different from the earlier cars which were terrible. (I think the pre-2001 models are on most of the lists of cars to avoid). Volvos are expensive to maintain, (think Jag).

The Subaru is also nice but it is somewhat smaller. The Subaru is fantastic in the snow. I owned one when I lived in upstate NY and I didn't even have to shovel my driveway (except for the neighbors dirty looks). The new Subaru Legacy looks very nice and you could buy one new for about 10k more than the other cars mentioned here. But 10k is a lot of money, and you will lose that in depreciation the first two years. They are boringly reliable. If you like working on your own cars, you'll have to wait a long time to do anything. The older ones used to go through auto transmissions after about 125k, but that problem may be fixed by now. They also made a fancy model with leather and a 3.0 flat 6. Most of the crash tests have been quite good. Subarus depreciate faster than other Japanese cars.

The Audi Quattro drive system is the best. But Audis seem to have head gasket problems. They also seem to have transmission problems, both manual and auto versions. They use a unique and very expensive transmission. They also have evaporator problems. If you buy the Audi, get an extended warranty. Audi resale values are somewhat poor. Plan on keeping the car a long time.

Personally, I think the SAAB 95 wagon is a great car. But you should only get a 2002 or later. They did quite a few updates. Look for an Aero (250 hp)with either trans. Avoid the V6 like the plague. A 2002 95 wagon should cost about the same as the other cars you mentioned. (mid-teens). I own a 97 SAAB 9000CSE, which has been great. It's fast, reliable, safe and well-built. The 95 is an evolution of the 9000. The SAAB is not as much fun to drive in the dry as the BMW or MB because it is FWD. But it is very fast and the turbo is fun to play with. Note that the SAAB will not keep its value and will plummet quickly. Parts are expensive, maintence is cheaper than Volvo. SAAB provides 4 years free maintenance so the used ones should be in good shape. Get a warranty, if possible.

I don't know much about the BMW 528i wagon except that it uses a (sealed) GM automatic trans which seems to give lots of people grief. My cousin went through 3 transmissions on his 97 528i before 50k. Two people I work with have had auto transmission problems on their 3 series. If you could find a manual trans BMW that should be fine. The engine/suspension is great. But I don't think BMWs are good in the snow. I personally think the wagon is beautiful. They used to make one with a second (huge) sunroof. BMWs keep their value well.

Good luck,

Charles