You have chosen a fine automobile for purchase, it has the potential of crossing the 500,000 mile mark! Engine, body and suspension won't give you any problems but the components will require some attention.

My experience stems from a 94 E320. Interior and exterior is designed very well. Very good ride, low NVH and very good fit, finish and build quality, 50/50 weight distribution and RWD give it very good driving chracteristics. Again, time is required to deal with the eccentric nature of this car, but thats what gives it character and separates it from transportation devices like the Toyota Camry. Having said that, I am selling mine as I do not have the time to deal with the eccentric nature of this car and some of the engineering did not meet my expectations but an average consumer does not notice such things.

Plan on spending about $10,000 and a lot of time maintaining the Benz over the next 100,000 miles. Does not make any difference if the car has 60,000 miles or 120,000.

If you do not work on the car yourself, here are some costs at the dealership

Headgasket $2200
Wiring Harness $700
Brakes $1000
60, 000 mile service $800
AC evaporator $3500
Engine Control Module $2200

I would not consider a Lexus ES300; it is more or less a Camry. Their is no comparison. A BMW is a driver's car but you will find a lot of suspension problems and dated interior/exterior design. W124 is the timeless classic.

To summarize, I would recommend a W124 or a W140 MB, if you have the time and resources. You will be rewarded with a fine automobile.

If you are on a budget (college student), I would not recommend an MB, Lexus or Infinity. In that case, a Toyota Corolla will serve you better or if you like speed, the crude and primitive TransAM/ Firebird will take you to 150 MPH for the least amount of money.

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Zafar
94 E320 58000 Miles