Faults:

The head gasket had failed when I bought the car though I didn't know it.

Both engine mounts had lost fluid causing severe vibration, but this was quickly and easily remedied.

General Comments:

The automatic gearbox changes are not as smooth as I would have expected, particularly when accelerating hard.

Smoothness and general noise levels are a little disappointing.

Handling is excellent.

Performance is what one should expect from a 4 cylinder pulling a heavy car, but is very good if the revs are above say 3000.

Fuel economy is very good for a car of this size.

The cabin is wonderful and very comfortable.

The level of equipment and engineering is exceptional.

Faults:

Coolant loss.

Nearside wing corrosion.

Suspension levelling pipe corrosion.

Automatic aerial seizure.

Wheel tracking.

Track rod end seizure.

Driver's seat wear at lumbar support on the door side.

General Comments:

Serious load lugger, 7 seats and they all do their job. Highly adaptable and Mercedes enough to be noticed. Higher gauge metal than current models. Described as 'Bulletproof' by almost every Merc fan I know.

Faults:

The only problems had with the vehicle were due to normal wear and old age.

However there were a few issues not customary in a motorcar with a $57K price tag. Front crank seal (major oil leak), leaky power steering box (had to replace), and the worst one being a bad slide valve (throttle body), and main wiring harness ($1,000 for the harness alone). Aside from these problems, I can still say that this car never left me stranded on the roadside..

General Comments:

I am simply amazed with the manner in which this motorcar picks up speed on the highway. This is a heavy 4 door saloon, yet I still see speeds in excess of 145mph regularly. 152 was the most I have seen, that is pretty much max-ed out.

This car was made for long distance high speed touring and it shows in near silent cabin at speeds up to about 135mph. After that, the sunroof and mirrors start making a light whistling sound.

The vehicle is stock (no modifications) except for a different control unit which came from a European E420, which has slightly different fuel and spark curves. Anyhow, top speed was not affected with the new box (mine was damaged during repair).

Stopping ability is also phenomenal with brakes having been borrowed from the SL model. They are the same 4 piston fronts and twin piston rears (calipers) as on the 500E. Fabulous motorcar!!!

Faults:

The car has been kind to me except for the head gasket. It blew at 145000km. Not too expensive, but I didn't expect it from a Mercedes. That's all.

General Comments:

Great car, the best I have owned so far, but I have tried the new ones, and they aren't much better!

The car is a very good driving machine.

The space is good enough, and the seats keep you relaxed on longer trips.

The engine is strong and sounds like a cultivated Porsche.

Perfect automatic transmission!

The car is very quiet and has a soft suspension.

The 4-matic acts perfectly at the times when you really need a 4WD. But use it carefully!

The car is perfect if you want a highway cruiser with a little extra power, and if you don't like trouble. But do not buy the tyres too wide!

Faults:

The car is rested during the winter period. This year, a micro switch activating the passenger belt feeder didn't survive the lay up.

General Comments:

The engine is exceptionally smooth.

A short warm-up period is needed. Then the car is very quick, if you don't mind using the higher rev ranges.

Very good transmission.

Air conditioning automatic control is sometimes "stubborn".

Can travel fast and far quite relaxed.

Not cheap, but worth the money.

Faults:

Exhaust, tires, rattle on the passenger seat when empty.

General Comments:

I have had the car serviced on time every time, and there are no problems.

Performance is as you would expect, it will go if you push it.

Handles much better than you think.

Eats up miles without a glitch.