Tell us more about your needs, and ability to do-it-yourself, or your ability to pay others to do-it-for-you. I bought a 94 E320 in November 03 with 86,000 miles for uner $10K. Had some records, but not complete. Drove it home 1300 miles and was pleasantly surprised to average 28 mpg. Since, have replaced front rotors and pads, rear shock absorbers, spark plugs, thermostat, antifreeze, fuel fliter, steering shock absorber, changed trans fluid, and oil changes every 3K miles. Now at 97,000 miles and no problems whatever. Slight headgasket leak in the expected area, but dealer's mechanic at a DIY clinic sponsored by the Washington, DC chapter of MBCCA says watch it but don't fix it at this time. Took a trip to Vermont and New hampshire and loved every minute in the car even when creeping along the NJ Turnpike. In short, find a good E Class, be prepared to maintain it, and you will not be sorry. But if you want a 'bulletproof' car, then stay with Japanese. My wife's 96 Nissan Maxima has 125,000 miles and we have never put a dime into anything but consumables.

Hope this helps.

regards,

Mark