Faults:

Thankfully, no serious issues until now.

- Rear left wheel speed sensor gave up after 140000 km. Caused ABS, ESP and BAS errors. Found it quite cheap and easy to change DIY.

- Brake light switch wore out and caused the brake lights not to come on when the brake pedal was pressed. Also cheap and easy to change DIY.

- One faulty Parktronic sensor will shut off the entire system.

- Common problem on the W210 and W208.. the time and temp displays from the dash are broken. Again, an easy DIY job.

General Comments:

- Elegant describes it perfectly. The design and looks of the car are beautiful. Still a head turner even after 13 years. Makes its presence felt without showing off.

- Great touring car.

- Wouldn't exactly call it slow. Will give you a good kick in the back and won't get overtaken too often on the motorway. Will do 160 mph.

- Great handling at high speeds. Sticks great to the asphalt in the bends. The steering rack should have been a bit sharper; you do get a bit of oversteer in tighter bends. Doesn't roll though, even with stock suspension and shocks.

- Great brakes. Fading is an issue though.

- Stock exhaust... great engine and exhaust noise.

- Good torque at low RPM.

- Good gas mileage if you're the type of person that would buy a car like this for good MPG.

- The seats are very comfortable and the car is well equipped in the Elegance category. The interior is a great place to be. Never buy one without leather and a sunroof.

- Service it properly and at about every 10000 km, and you shouldn't have an issue with it. After 150000 km, I still use Mobil 1 0W40.