Dave - I've learned a lot reading your posts. You venture where some of us DIY'ers won't dare to go... I'm about to do all the rear links on the E300D.

Well, what's NOT to like on a 500E? It's the gold standard, so to speak. And quite a contrast to the E300D, which I've only had for a couple weeks or so. I think the 500E is the ultimate sleeper. The "public" doesn't register this car as anything special, so you don't own one for the wow factor. But it goes like a bat outta hell, and is as solid as a bank vault.

These days there are many cars, especially MB cars, with better statistics - more power, better handling, more gizmos, but they cost a fortune and to me they don't have the agressive look of the 500E, or the cachet of the Porsche connection and limited, "hand built" production.

Most 500E's seem to be pearl black - mine is, but there are other colors out there. A red one is really neat looking. C'mon - for 25K you can get an Accord or a Camry, or a very nice 500E! They are out there, you just have to keep an eye out.

Oh yeah, on a recent road trip of about 1200 miles, I averaged about 23 mpg on the 500E. Lots of high speed cruising, but some slow stuff too.

Best,
Chris W.