My MB experience has been with the C-Class. The 220 is sluggish but I still love it. I'd recommend the 280. Although I've heard the new little "Kompressor" 230 runs like a rocket.

My friend paid $22 K for a 92 300E a year ago.. I paid $22 K for a 95 C220 2.5 yrs ago. He's had LOTS more hassles with his, although he still really likes it. Locks problem, a/c problem, needs new tires. Plus, the darn thing is OLDER and it seems like it, too.

As for mine, I've never had a problem with it. Had it for near 3 years now.

No matter which Benz you buy, if you're like me, you will never drive anything else.

Have fun.


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W124s seem to have better quality materials than the current C-Class. I've had many problems with my C-Class. The dealer has given up with some of them and now claim they are normal. Why did they have to change a lot of parts to reach that conclusion? The quality of the materials and the solid feel just doesn't seem to be as good as the W124s. Recent quality and customer satisfaction surveys are going in the wrong direction for MB. Oh well, I will have to buy a 92 500E then.

The C-class also piloted some different engine managment. It adopted tougher standards and I have heard the car (esp the early ones) had a problem with recurrent engine warning lights. Some were benign, some more serious... Annoying under warranty, damned expensive after that.

Lee

My wife had a 96 C280 with approx 80k miles on it. It was fine except for the Speedometer at 40k. They replaced the whole unit. We never had any other problems with the car. It was still running great when we bought a ML430 to replace it. I gave it to my brother.
My friend has a 91 300E. It looks great as well. Unfortunately at 120k miles it runs a bit rough and the dealer has never been able to fix the problem.