If you find a otherwise great condition car go for it. Replacement for the wood is available from many sources. I had to replace a piece of wood trim in my 98 E430 that cracked in two places. I beleive it cracked from very cold weather (Wash DC) and it gets way colder in your area.

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<UL TYPE=SQUARE>
<LI>1998 MERCEDES-BENZ E430
<LI>OBSIDIAN BLACK METALLIC/BLACK LEATHER
<LI>XENON H.I.D. LOW BEAMS
<LI>DEBADGED (E430 REAR)
<LI>AMG CHROMED TIP DUAL EXHAUST
<LI>CARLSSON 1/6 CHROME (PLUS 1) WHEELS
<LI>SLK "WREATH" WHEEL CENTER CAPS
<LI>ALPINE CHM-S611 CD CHANGER
</UL>