tivoliman, all is well. Our 1998 E320, which we bought new, has a plastic ashtray. That vintage E-class was when the accountants started ruling the roost, and the emphasis was on cost cutting so MB vehicles were more competitively priced. I would expect the plastic ashtray is also lighter than a metal version. In combination with many other lighter components fuel economy increases, as does the CAFE.

__________________
Fred Hoelzle