Once again, I appreciate your input & sentiment. It is absolutely NOT my intention to disparage newer models, nor cover them with any blanket statement, i.e., “their all junk”. I wouldn’t be considering purchasing one if I felt that was true. (A Luddite mentality would have caused me to keep my W107’s and my W123, - and I would never have bought a W124.)

I am trying to make an informed decision, and it really is a matter of it being a calculated risk. I would like that risk assessment to be based upon a foundation of actual facts versus perception, speculation, or assumption; therefore I opened this thread.

I tend to keep my cars a long LONG time. And indeed, on older models, it is typically the ancillary systems that become problematic with age, not necessarily the major drivetrain components. That being said, there is SO much more (and complex) “stuff” that could *potentially* go wrong on the newer cars. That’s simply the “cost” of an improved (modern) overall experience.

Would I rather drive a BlueTec on a cross-country road trip, or drive my W123 or one of my W124’s? The choice is obvious – I’d love to cruise in the W211. I *know* the W123 would get there without a hiccup. I’m *pretty darn sure* the W124 would make it too. I just want to be comfortable feeling that after 200,000+ miles the W211 won’t have a propensity to need a tow truck when I’m in the middle of nowhere.

You once again bring up very good points. It would probably be wise to spend lots more money up front for a CPO car and paying extra for a LONG warranty. I would then try to have *everything* possible done prior to expiration of the warranty. At that point, I surmise that my experience would have me either sell the car if it has been problematic, or keep it if it’s been reliable. I guess that only time will tell us about longevity…


PS – there is a thread at that “other” forum about “how many miles are on your E-class” – that thread IS a bit scary when you see the repairs necessary at relatively low mileages. I also recognize that people tend to complain when things go wrong, but are silent when all is well. Therefore, there is a disproportionate population of problems reported.

Thanks Again!

__________________
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.