Electrical system was a minor problem which caused bulbs to burn out frequently (at least once every 3-4 weeks).
The air conditioner blower unit went out at 90,000 miles. It was expensive to replace (about $1,000 USD)
The transmission completely failed at 105,000 miles. The repair was $5,700 USD.
This car was a dream the first few years of ownership, but quickly became a major problem. I took care of it properly and only took it to the dealer for service. I found out from the mechanic that the years 1997-2001 are starting to have major transmission issues. I was very disappointed. I would be very hesitant to purchase another Mercedes model unless I am certain that there will not be major mechanical problems.
I am starting to "enjoy" the faults that is now surfacing regularly and now budgeting about 2000 dollars per year towards the repair.
The next big repair would be fixing broken engine mounts, and the instrument panel starts displaying "Display Defective" notice. I just spent >$1000 in replacing the air mass sensor and broken rear electric window motor.
It is sad that a brand that has been perceived of being the peerless leader in innovations and over-engineering is now getting a lot of bad owners' reports. I have been used to the reliability of Japanese cars that frequent problems like these are not acceptable.
Have just disposed of this car in favour of a new Honda CRV. This is as a result of similar problems. Since 2004 when I purchased for $A57,490 3 electric windows failed $471.00 each, climate control fan speed regulator $846.00, 4 new engine mounts $284.00, 3 various oil seals including rocker cover $521.00 and automatic transmission work $3650.00 plus labour for all the above listed items totaling about $2800.00. This was all on a dealer serviced car from new, I bought it at 107,000km December 2004 sold it March 2007 at 144,000km for $22,000 trade in. NEVER AGAIN!
I had the same problem with my gear box at 110,000km, had to be completely rebuilt at a cost of $8,000AUD, the Mercedes Dealer had serviced it from new and said it was quite normal for a gearbox to go at 100,000km. I have never had a gearbox go on any car I have owned and they had done a lot more than 100,000km. I also have a 1990 300E with 170,000km and a 240D with 350,000km both still on the original gearbox?? The 5 speed auto feels fantastic and is silky smooth through gear changes even at red line, but is just too weak.
If the fluid/filter changes are performed at the specified intervals, the gearbox will last much longer than this.
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