I agree with much of what the doc said. As anyone with any objectivity knows, an old MB is probably a bigger money pit than any other older mass-produced car, with the exception of an older Jaguar, which compares with the cost of restoring a Victorian house. Older MBs require religious maintenance, by competent techs, and the parts are very expensive, even compared to BMW/Audi/Volvo/etc. parts. The 300E was and is a wonderful car, and still seems pretty modern, which is saying a lot considering that the car debuted in 1986. That said, no 300E is a match for a Lexus ES300 (and don't even think about comparing it to a GS300) when it comes to user friendliness and general freedom from hassles. Or performance, for that matter. The Benz does have a more handmade look and feel compared to the monotonous perfection of the Lexus, but the vast majority of car buyers prefer monotonous perfection to character. And even Lexus owners admit that their cars have little character. I myself happen to like the older 124 body Benzes, but the hassles of owning a 15 year-old Mercedes are more than even I want to deal with, and my cars include an '82 Volvo (no oil burning, cold a/c, zero hassles except exhaust system every three years; 222,000 miles) a '72 BMW 2002 (too simple to have any expensive problems, great fun) and a '71 Triumph TR-6 (also very simple and consequently trouble free, and the sound of its stainless sport exhaust system is awesome). I'll have a Benz when I can afford a new one with an extended warranty. (should be before I'm 40) :-)
Colin