Faults:

Front ball joints replaced twice.

Water pump replaced (leaking)

General Comments:

This car has been the most relaible automobile you could ever hope to own.

The build quality is outstanding no rattles or squeaks even with 200,000 plus km on the clock.

Service and parts supply are first class.

This car will easily see 500,000km, I would highly recommend a Mercedes to anyone.

Faults:

LCD clock back light has been out for as long as I've had it.

SRS light comes on for 2 minutes upon starting, but doesn't affect anything.

Wood covering on center console is showing minor cracking from age.

General Comments:

First of all, don't buy this car expecting a sports car. It's not designed to take corners fast and hug curves in the road. It was designed to be a cruiser, get it out at 75-90 mph (120-145km/h) and relax; that's what it's made for.

Acceleration is good, however with rear wheel drive, you will experience slight loss of traction on slippery days if you give it too much gas.

Steering is smooth and solid, not sporty.

Cabin layout is great. Elegant yet user-friendly at the same time.

Air conditioning cannot keep up with 5 people in the car on a very hot day.

Don't let the price fool you, I bought the car for 2/3 the price of my 2000 Toyota Camry, and I love the Benz ten times as much.

It's a Mercedes-Benz, expensive to maintain, only drinks premium fuel, but is also the safest car on the road. If you can look past the few negatives you will find a vehicle containing luxury, elegance, safety, power, simplicity, all in a refined package.

By the way - this car takes about 2 weeks to fully appreciate, don't expect to fall in love with the feel the second you step inside, it comes with time.

Faults:

The cylinder head gasket was blown when I bought the car. This was caused by a faulty viscous fan coupling. This cost, no joking, £1300 to fix at the only place to go, a Merc dealership.

Watch out for overheating by allowing the car to idle after a test run, and if it runs at about 120 degrees, there's something terribly wrong, so walk away!

I have to say that after the major 72000 service when I bought it, absolutely nothing, not even a bulb!

General Comments:

I have given it a high performance rating, as if you drop it into 3rd (auto box) gear at around 60mph, it accelerates so hard it's almost uncontrollable. It has bags of torque, and is great at traffic lights, as I only have to use the brake pedal.

Getting the seat adjustment wrong is back breaking, but other that that, it's very comfortable. Looks absolutely fantastic. Mine's dark blue and hasn't a scratch, love the looks, its such a brilliant shape, have no idea why they don't still make them.

Engine sounds a tad rough, but is silky smooth and is incredibly reliable. I have to admit that sometimes I thrash the car big time, but it takes it without a noise or using oil etc etc.

Overall a very reliable car, which will never age. I can't understand how other people call these models unreliable. I almost know in most cases it's because they haven't kept it serviced, which I must stress is incredibly important, and only use Merc dealerships, as a so called specialist incorrectly fitted a timing chain to my W124 200, instantly demolishing the engine. Still have the 200 though, as it's a tough as nails. Am hoping to never ever have to sell either car, seriously!