Faults:

Rubber pull tag that opens the bonnet snapped.

Did not start once.

Odometer never worked.

One power window stopped working.

General Comments:

I paid $4000 for this car, and it was in immaculate condition. An outback car that had no rust, had been perfectly maintained with log books, a minor oil leak and slightly saggy driver's seat.

I use it as a daily drive, and drive to Sydney (900km return) about once a month.

Once every two months I drive to Grafton (800km return) and also around other country towns on weekends.

I've worn out a set of tyres, brake pads, and also had it serviced regularly.

I hit a Kangaroo one night, smashed the left headlight, and no other damage. Cost me 90 bucks on Ebay to replace.

Got hit by a hailstorm; every other car in the car park was dented badly, and I had one minor ding.

This has been a pleasure to drive; economical, plenty of power and a great outback car. It does not rattle!!! Every other car I've owned rattles (comes from driving on corrugated roads). This thing is an antique, and is as solid as a rock.

In handling, comfort, economy, and running costs, this is the best car I have ever owned, BUT it has been well looked after and I have done the same.

A fabulous car.

Faults:

Nothing has gone wrong with this car so far, only some minor things.

Had to change my glow plugs at 350000km, and a bushing in the steering rack.

General Comments:

This is probably one of the most reliable cars you can buy; build quality is excellent. This car is 20 years old and is very comfortable.

The handling is not really the strong side of this car, but with the Sportline pack the handling is a bit better.

The 2.5 liter normally aspirated diesel is very slow, maybe a bit dangerous when overtaking other cars. It requires thorough and full planning.

The interior is top notch, well almost. The seats are very soft and remind me of a sofa; they wear out very fast too (textile).

Maintenance on these cars is easy, I run Castrol magnatec 5-40W and I change oil and filter every 8000km. This is the most important about these old Benz engines; quality oil and it will run forever.

Too bad Benz build quality is fading...

Faults:

Normal wear and tear, mostly under the car as expected for mileage and age. Always serviced by a specialist european cars mechanics who are very dedicated in Wellington, New Zealand called Page European (2003) Ltd.

Highly recommended as they service BMW's, Audis, Mercedes and Volvos (I used to take my BMW there too)

Wheel bearings, brake pads/disk, tyres.

Shaft drive rubber coupling, rear and front.

Power steering (2) hoses (leaked).

General Comments:

Very extremely reliable car as it still drives like a new vehicle, considering it's 20 years old.

The engine and transmission has never been reconditioned and still runs extremely well. Very roomy for luggage.

My one has the lovely burgundy leather seats/interior, and I fitted the later model wooden trims from another 300E on the doors and dashboard, as mine missed out on them as being the earlier model looks great too, and also fitted the clear front indicators and chrome fender trim around the guards.

I'm very impressed with this station wagon Mercedes.