I definitely agree that MB quality has improved with respect to mechanical and electrical reliability from, say, about 7-10 years ago. I had many issues with my 2002, which had less than 60K on it when traded, involving fundamental mechanical parts failing (e.g., control arms, coil springs, transmission). I almost swore to never purchase another MB. My 2006 CLK seems generally much better screwed together, although the dealer just replaced a leaking rear main seal and a sway bar link under the CPO warranty. As far as the quality of materials (e.g, leather, chrome and plastics), I think that the newer ones lag behind the older ones. By way of example, my cupholders and a lot of the interior trim has cheap plastic chrome that tends to flake off. I recently spent about $130 to have a cupholder replaced. In my opinion, the dashboard plastics and leather do not seem to be of the same high grade used in the older ones.

__________________
Brian
'94 E420 - 99K
'12 C300 4 Matic

Previously owned:
'06 CLK 500K Cabriolet
'85 300SD (Old Smokey)
2002 Boxster
2002 C320 (The five-pointed star Mercedes)
1993 300E 3.2 (Dealership's cash cow)
1979 300SD (Chrome beauty)
1983 300D (Old faithful)
1983 240D (Right lane cruiser)
1977 240D (Miracle of bondo)

Great thread and discussions. I was skulking about the Certified Pre-Owned lot recently: the Mercedes-Benz is about the only car I find attractive enough to actually buy right now, and even then only a used one. The E-Class cars, seem to be priced in the low to upper-mid 30s. I am researching not only quality in the 2006-2009 models, V-6 engine, 2-wheel drive. I want to know what are the suprisingly expensive repairs one might encounter as an unsuspecting owner. I will also research the cost of an extended warranty versus using that cost toward anticipated repairs. I would also like to know the typical transaction price vs their asking price.
Basically a car at my house is a garage queen toy: enjoyed once or twice a week and pretty-well cared for, stored indoors, etc. I understand there might be "issues" as I have owned a 420SEL for 6 years and performed all the maintenance and repair myself. I just want a newer car that is not sun-damaged, scratched, etc. I have a company car and a pickup truck for day-to-day use.