E320 Wagon - which year to buy?

[findude]

I'm considering getting an E320 wagon up to the 2003 model year. I do not like the later ones, and I want to avoid anything older than about 1999. I am biased toward a 4MATIC, but interested in opinions about whether it is worth it or not.

I have heard that the early E320 wagons had problems, particularly with the transmissions. In my mind I have pretty much decided to focus on 2002 and 2003 models, with a bias toward 2003. Any opinions?

While we're at it, I'm interested in thoughts on the Bose sound system--I do appreciate a good audio system, so I'm wondering if I should put this on my "must have" list when I actually start shopping seriously.

Thanks.