My 97 with 128k miles gets 28-31 mpg depending on temp/humidity/ACon-off/driving conditions. It has been this way since I bought the car new in July 96! We drive it hard and long (16 hour trips) but keep it highly maintained ie syn motor oil, trans fluid changes, other MB recommended maintenance. Most of the idiosyncracies and failures described by the members of this forum have been experienced by my car except for rust and perch problems. I live in a "corrosion free zone"

This forum has all the answers one needs. Good Luck