Isn't the 96 320 and the 94-95 E320 basically the same car but with different exteriors?

I plan on buying a 96 or 97 E320 some time early next year. Currently I'm driving a 86 300E and I'll probably keep it so I'd like to get the newer body style for my next car. I want to stay with the in-line 6 engine because all the "bugs" seemed to be worked out. I always read about owners of the 94 and 95 not having too much problems. I did some research and I now know the 96 has the same engine and transmission as the 94-95 E320, only difference is the exterior styling. What are some common problems in the 96' 320E?

In 97 the transmission was changed. Should I avoid this model since that was the first year the new transmission was used or is the transmission just as good (or better) than the old one?

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JR
1986 Gold 300E 4Dr automatic