I had been made aware of the leaking head gasket problem with the '96 E 320 (sorry, I'm not conversant with engine #'s, etc.) prior to buying this car. I verified that it had already been replaced ($1200 proposition, apparently) prior to making my offer.

One further observation: I employ cruise control when at freeway speeds and with my prior vehicles have always exceeded EPA mileage estimates by 3 to 5 mpg. Not so with the E 320, at least prior to 60k servicing, which included new plugs: 25 mpg hwy is IT (73 - 75 mph) and 20 around town. The prior owner had apparently been using middle grade gas for her (very) limited town driving. I'm using premium per the owner's manual.

Thoughts?