Thanks for your guidance guys. It sounds like we really need to re-think the E500 before jumping in. I was hoping that it would be possible to "owner service" this car and avoid frequent dealership visits, but that does not sound like the case.

We did own a beautiful 2001 BMW 330ci and it was the most undependable car either of us had ever had the pleasure of driving. We loved the driving experience, but hated the almost continuous problems. In just two years of driving it required the replacement of 6 cam shaft position sensors, 4 electronic thermostats, complete suspension rebuild, oil pressure & level sensors, both doors locking linkage, both wiper arms, all interior wood trim pieces due to clouding & cracking, etc. Those items are just what I can remember, and could list many more if I looked at my copy of the records. It was under CPO warranty, and we do not wish to go down that road again, especially with an extremely undependable vehicle that has no warranty.