The interiors are open for a bit more debate but in my opinion the exterior paint has really gone downhill since about MY 95. Look at a well cared for 91 300E vs say...a showroom fresh car and look at the difference in orange peel, minor paint flaws, etc. Sit those two cars side by side (say in 040 paint color) and the early car will look like it has a show-car paintjob. Conversely, the new/showroom car will look like it has had a repaint. Don't get me wrong, not all the new car's paint jobs are that bad. I'm just seeing more new cars with paint that I sincerely doubt would of made it out of the factory 7-10 years ago.

Just my opinion...Lee