I am the original owner of a 2006 Mercedes E 350 which has been serviced on time by Mercedes dealers exclusively.
December 2010 at 80, 000 miles the transmission failed and the repair was $6, 550.00.
No explanation was given for the failure and to add insult to injury when I asked for the failed parts the answer was that these were available at an additional $1, 000.00 charge only.
Phone calls to MBUSA headquarters remain unanswered. A call made to MB Stuttgart Germany resulted in "there is nothing we can do" Emails to Mr. Veig the service manager at MBUSA remain unanswered.
Conclusion: Mercedes is no longer the quality that it used to be. Save yourself money and aggravation. Buy BMW instead.