Probably has to do with the availablity of additional factory warranty. I think 1996 is the last year applicable.

Hope the 2001- C-Class is as well sorted out this early in it's run, as we're going to buy a 2003 this fall...

__________________
My car: 2003 SL500 - Silver/Black, delivery July 11, 2002.

Me: Daniel McKeon, retired anthropologist/school teacher. Also silver on top...delivery November 13, 1939.

Other cars at our home:
1991 Toyota Camry - 350,000 kilometers, still a good car.
1994 Honda Accord - 150,000 kilometers, my wife's "Little Honda..."