I was advised by a Mercedes Tech a few years back not to purchase newer than 2002 if I still wanted to "tinker" with maintenance. Maybe upgrading your 1996 five years or so is an acceptable compromise? An SLK might be nice for the wife....

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2001 E320
1991 350SD 265,000 - SOLD
2000 VW Beetle 1.8Turbo - restored
1997 E320 - SOLD
1988 190E - SOLD
1969 Mustang - SOLD