The early ones had some definate quality (reliability) issues. I purchased a 99 and every known problem surfaced, fuel pumps, seat belts, locking system, alarm board, rattles. It was the worst car I have ever had, traded it on E wagon, the guys at MB think I dont love them any more. As with most MBs you can not get any service manuals, parts are expensive and many things are controlled by the body computer that only MB can access.