Jcyuhn: I have always respected your insightful & knowledgeable posts on the forum, and I DO acknowledge that you are bringing up very good points. Conversely, I am coming from a place of ignorance, and trying to educate myself in short order.

One of my favorite sayings:
Ignorance is a lack of information.
Stupidity is the lack of ability to utilize or understand (known) information

I was not aware that the V6 diesels have been in production that long, and they (apparently) have built up a good reputation. (???) The 7-G transmission remains a big question mark in my mind however. I’ll do some more reading.

Regarding SBC: if MBZ is replacing the pumps under an extended warranty (without undue denials of the warranty), then it isn’t as big of a problem as earlier perceived.

Perhaps prices for the later w211’s will drop a bit more after the 2014 E class has been on sale for a few months…

__________________
Current rolling stock:
2001 E55 183,000+ Newest member of the fleet.
2002 E320 83,000 - The "cream-puff"!
1992 500E 217,000+
1995 E300D 412,000+
1998 E300D 155,000+
2001 E320 227,000+
2001 E320 Wagon, 177,000+

Prior MBZ’s:
1952 220 Cab A
1966 300SE
1971 280SE
1973 350SLC (euro)
1980 450SLC
1980 450SLC (#2)
1978 450SLC 5.0
1984 300D ~243,000 & fondly remembered
1993 500E - sorely missed.
1975 VW Scirocco w/ slightly de-tuned Super-Vee engine - Sold after 30+ years.