Hi, I am seeing some very nice E-class models on the dealers' previously enjoyed lots: circa 3 to 5 years old, with 65 to 80 or so thousand miles. I would like to understand better the expected life of the gasoline v-6 engine, and the common failure modes. Do they break the timing chain, or start using excessive amounts of oil, crack the head, or? I put about 10K a year on one, and I can save some real money buying used and absorbing a lot less depreciation, while enjoying a very nice car.
I have an '05 Diesel, 134000 miles and so far so good. I was just wondering about the gasoline cars. I have read that the v-6 Diesels (newer ones) are less desirable then the inline engine.

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Providing a home for these cars:
1951 Buick Special De Luxe
1977 Rolls-Royce Silver Wraith II
1970 Rolls-Royce Silver Shadow
1986 Mercedes-Benz 420 SEL
2005 Mercedes-Benz E 320 CDI
2012 GMC Sierra 1500 4X4
1927 Pierce-Arrow Series 80
1931 Pierce-Arrow Series 43
1926 Ford Model T coupe