If you do a search on this topic, there has been discussion of this before. That said, I will vouch for the 300E's reliability.

Mine has 280,000 Km on the original engine - still no oil consumption/leaking. The AC evaporator went some time ago (common problem with this car). Other than that, the car's performance has been rock-solid. It has never left me stranded and it drives beautifully even after all this time and mileage. The interior has preserved perfectly and there is no significant body rust despite weathering over 10 Canadian salt-strewn winters. People frequently guess the car is a '94-96 model, not an '89.

If the 300E you are looking at is in mint condition, has been thoroughly inspected and you maintain it well, it should deliver plenty of great driving in return! I truly believe it is one of the best all-around used cars you could purchase.

That's my $0.02.

Good luck!

__________________
Chris
2007 E550 4Matic - 61,000 Km - Iridium Silver, black leather, Sport package, Premium 2 package
2007 GL450 4Matic - 62,000 Km - Obsidian Black Metallic, black leather, all options
1998 E430 - sold
1989 300E - 333,000 Km - sold
1977 280E - sold
1971 250 - retired

"And a frign hat. They gave me a hat at the annual benefits meeting. I said. how does this benefit me. I dont have anything from the company.. So they gave me a hat." - TheDon