The PPI idea is a must, period. Also do some research on balance shaft issues in the early 3.5 litre motors and be wary of valve body issues on the 722.9, 7-speed transmissions. Ball joints, rear airmatic (or full airmatic, if so equipped), and intake flap issues are common as well, and expensive if out of warranty. Lots of info on the W211 page at BenzWorld on these issues...

My wife has a 2006 E350 wagon. It's not a bad car, but it's the weakest Benz I've owned.

Note that the 3.5L motor and 7-speed tranny were, I believe, first available in '06, so an '05 might be better.

Honestly, I don't think you gain much stepping up from a W210 to a W211, although I'm sure others may disagree.

I've often thought about selling ours and getting the best W210 wagon I can find...

__________________
Christopher
'06 Mercedes E350 station wagon (silver/black)
'85 Mercedes 300D (black pearl/palomino)
'85 Mercedes 300SD (smoke silver/burgundy)
'79 Cadillac Sedan DeVille

'05 Toyota Camry (because always running is nice)

'85 Mercedes 300D sold back to orig. owner 8-1-06
'84 Volvo 264GL Diesel, owned 2000-2013