I have found the quality of my 1999 E430 to be very poor for a car of its supposed class. I have had continual ABS/BAS problems, a catalytic convert issue, ignition key actuation problems, a gear shifter shift gate issue, very poor AM/FM reception, power windows and moon roof which occasionally decide not to open or close fully and finally the specter of a spring perch collapse while my family is in the car doing 65mph on the highway, which happened to my brother in his '98 E420 due to the under-reinforced sheet metal frame the front springs rest on; Luckily he was doing 4mph in a parking lot when his front end dropped to the ground. Those complaints aside the car has been a dream. I have owned many cars in my life some as new most as used and I can say without hesitation this car has had more problems than any other car I have ever owned. If I didn't have so much repair money "invested" I would trade it in tomorrow. We had a 1960 220S which was driven for 21 years before we junked it due to rust and over 400k miles on the gas 6 cylinder. This car is not nearly as reliable. For those "nuts" who need everything to be in perfect working order at all times, I cannot image how much time and money they must spend at the dealership. It is no wonder the Japanese cars have overtaken MB in customer loyalty. MB is a shadow of its former self. They seem to be concentrating on marketing more than quality and it shows. Judging by the posts, they have a long way to go to win me back. BTW, anyone want to buy a '99 E430? Write me.