I'm about to purchase a "starmarked" 2001 E320 with 35K miles. It seems like a terrific car, compared to some of the alternatives I looked at (no I didn't look at the lexus). As the owner of an '87 560sl I've gotten to know local independent mechanics very well, too well maybe. Independent sources like consumer reports say the E class has a lot of reliability problems, but I'd really appreciate the comments of those of you on the board who really know. I plan to check the service records of this car to see what of the many reported issues it may have experienced in the past, but I have to admit that I am not looking forward to spending one month out of 12 per year with my car in the shop. Are these cars disasters waiting to happen? Or were the problems solved towards the end of the last E class design cycle? Thanks!

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John C
1987 560SL 109,000 miles
2001 E320 103,000 miles
2007 E350 32,000 miles

I have e E01 Wagon, 30K mi. only problem was a defective high beam switch. I was in monthly with my 99 ML, and the mechanics think I dont like them any more. Quality has suffered at MB lately I think the 210 is pretty good, they should have resoved most issues. Of course "starmark " is always an atvantage. I purchased the 4 year extended warranty which was available during the first year!

My 2001 E320 wagon (120k) eats bulbs (tail light, brake light, driving light) constantly - has since ~ 35k. Dealer got sick of seeing my wife when she came in for replacements, but never was able to find the root cause.

Power seats needed "rewiring," COMAND unit replaced 3 times, CD changer replaced, climate control brain replaced 3 times, Timeport brain replaced 2 times.

Other than now needing a new harmonic balancer (more info and photo here), its been solid.