And I thought my '01 C320 at 43000 miles hadn't been driven much.

A friend has a '99 CLK430 and it has been uncharacteristically reliable, for an MB of any year. Good thing, since it's price new was over $60K. The only repair of significance in nearly 50K miles was a mass airflow sensor. In any case, that's a different engine, but I only mention it because my car has had a lot more dealer "warranty attention".

First, the engine and trans have been around since the first MLs and have been quite reliable, particularly compared to engines like the M103 and M104, just as two examples. And keep in mind that the car in question is based on the W202 and so has none of the electronic hiccups that have plagued the W203, W211 and W220. The main thing to know about the V-6 is that it has had the MB mandated approved synthetic oil in it since day one. And at 22000 miles, the minimum number of changes would be three, but since this car looks like a short-trip car, it should have had four, at each 5000 mile point. I also think I heard last week the the formerly permanent trans fluid idea has been backed off to about 50K miles by MB but I have yet to verify that. Won't effect you.

You will not be thrilled by the fuel mileage. My own C320, which has a lower drag number, gets about 19mpg around town and it's highest highway mileage was 26.1. Premium fuel.

I hope it isn't silver with a black interior.

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Roger E.