Well, Its been a fast 5 weeks and so far a flawless 1200 miles on my 04 e500 and the smile on my face has not diminished one bit.
This is my first Mercedes and can not compare it to any previous model or year (for what ever thats worth)... Everything in the car is doing what it was designed to do, and very well I might add. The engine is very strong and quiet. The 7 speed transmission has provided very smooth shifts for an excellent ride and so far has been trouble free. The airmatic suspension is just what the doctor ordered on the twisty back roads we drive on as there is vurtually no sway or body roll no matter how hard I hit the corners (in sport 2 mode). I think the active headlights (truely incredible) and the dynamic seats are my favorite features...I'm really impressed with the build quality of this machine. I mean everywhere I look no matter how difficult to see, the way its put together from an extra bolt here to addtional sound deadening material there its easy to see why these cars cost so much.
If I had to find a flaw, then I would say the "bonding Factor" of this machine was zero... You know guys, you take your new car home and open the hood to bond with your brand new machine and all I was greeted with was a huge piece of plastic staring me in the face.... Hell, I didn't even have a dipstick to pull out and feel some of that synthetic oil between my figers...lol Seems the only thing I've bonded with is the damn owners and comand manuals
Anyway, thought I'd post something positive for you all to read... As of today, I would absolutly recommend this car to anyone who is thinking about purchasing one. I may sound a bit biased, but I really have no complaints and truely love this car....

 

Same situation for me. 1st MB, 1st non "American" (formerly known as Domestic brand).

The car is a hell of a vessel, a hell of a crowd pleaser. A little tough to follow the logic of the designers on some of the technical stuff, but once you get used to it, all is OK. So far worth every penny. Delivered 12/23/2003, 3500 miles.

 

That's great to hear H ona H. I couldn't agree with you more. With just the static on the radio that was resolved by a software update.....my car has run flawless with 2,500 miles and 4+ months. I guess we're the exception on having no problems with our cars (and I run my car hard once in awhile). Keep us updated as the miles roll on!

 

So you can actually open the hood?

Glad to hear your having fun!

 

2100 miles and 8 weeks!!

I couldnt agree more..

I love my car

 

It's good to know that you enjoy your car. I got my car for almost 3 weeks (20 days). Have it for 4 days, the other 16 days, it's at the dealer (still is).

Apparently, they're looking to replace the computer module (cause SRS malfunction).

I've been driving the loaner ML350 for the last 2 weeks.

Best part is: the part is back ordered all the way to Germany, and dealer have no idea when it'll arrive.

Service advisor & dealer have been very professional (Fletcher Jones, CA), but I'm pretty disappointed w/ the car quality.

98 miles on my 04 E320 !!!. I hope when (???) I get it back, it'll be reliable. It's a nice & classy car, but so far, I've not gotten chance to drive it much.