I think this is the first year for this body style, so I am wondering about the 1st year problems. What trouble spots do these cars have? I have located one of these at a local car lot. Actually- it is the same carlot I bought my Lexus at. It is a light gold color and it is in like new conditions. They are asking $12,995 for it. One of my main concerns is that according to the IIHS crash tests- this car did not fair as good a most Mercedes- which is disappointing. The safety cage is still reported as good, but there is more roof buckling than I would like to see. The later E-Class was greatly improved.
Here is the IIHS test on this car. Compare it with the new 01-04 C-Class and 03 Lexus LS430. Note how much better others car.
The C-Class was very impressive. Hardly ANY damage.

96-00 E-Class:
http://www.hwysafety.org/vehicle_ratings/ce/html/97005.htm#4

03 E-Class:
http://www.hwysafety.org/vehicle_ratings/ce/html/0308.htm

01-04 C-Class: (EXCELLENT)
http://www.hwysafety.org/vehicle_ratings/ce/html/00033.htm

01-04 LS430 (Lexus)
http://www.hwysafety.org/vehicle_ratings/ce/html/0101.htm

03 ES300 (Lexus)
http://www.hwysafety.org/vehicle_ratings/ce/html/0207.htm


Any info appreciated.

__________________
2004 Toyota Sequoia Limited 4wd
1991 Lincoln Town Car Executive
1991 Cadillac Sedan DeVille
1988 Mercedes 300SEL
1972 Chevrolet Caprice Kingswood Estate 9-passenger wagon
1973 Pontiac Grand Ville
(Prior MB's: 1974 240D, 1985 380SE, 1984 190D, 1993 400SEL)