Glad to read your words of encouragement, downeyjc. Guess that was what I was trying to find out all along--what is normal for these cars and what may indicate a potential problem. I have no experience with Mercedes Benz outside of 300 miles in this car, so have no base line to draw from. Couldn't agree with you more re the power and class. Don't feel bad about missing this car when you were in No VA. It was in the family and I acquired it thru very unfortunate circumstances. As for the gas sloshing, I'll watch for that if the tank ever gets low. I keep it filled all the time because I've heard of rust and condensation in tanks that sit a lot.
Thanks for your input and if any other nuisances come to mind, I'd appreciate a note. harcar