Dema

MB offers some unique features as panoramic sunroof, keyless go, cooling cabin using energy of sun, bluetooth.

LexFather

INdeed. THe LS 430 has been recognized by some as the FINEST luxury sedan money can buy. I'd get the LS 430 (cause I cannot imagine buying a basically 70k E class including tax) and add the Tom's aero kit.

Don't get me wrong, I am a fan of the current E430, the new E500 is AWESOME. But against the LS, I dunno.

LS>E-class.

lex400sc

Boy can I vouch for that! Spending some time there, I found out that the majority of the regulars over there are in the age range of 14 - 19 years old :eek:.

Funny how they start up all kinds of threads at MBWorld about the poor reliability of their brand new Mercedes, yet at the same time they remain in such a blind state of denial, or is that brand loyalty??? They just pass it off as "normal quirks that come with new models", LOL! I guess if you own a German car long enough, you get adjusted, or rather "jaded", to the build quality. Do a search for issues with the S-class. There are some really humorous threads pertaining to their reliability. Not surprisingly, those issues do carry over to different platforms....

My mother drives a 1996 E320 and it's FULL of recurring problems. I always see my mom coming home in Mercedes' fleet cars because hers in the shop for two days, three days at a time (major service). It's been in service overnight at least three times in the last two months. Now compare that '96 E320 to an '02 E500. Think about the larger engine size, the shift to a V-type block (more wear, more parts to break), the countless additions of advanced electronics in the engine, transmission, and all around the car, then tell me what you anticipate the reliability of such a car will be? Personally, I'd rather avoid the years of headache and strife and stick with a solid car that'll never let you down...