we have a 1999 E320 in the garage... bought it brand new.. no major problems at all...(80000 miles now) the merc. and bmw automatic tranny's are solid... i have a BMW 330Ci as well... there might be some bad apples..but all in all the powertrain is solid... the problems you might see are from supporting components, electrical components, window regulators, a/c displays and a host of uber-tech shit theyre throwing on these days...(i recommend getting an extended warranty, cause even small parts and labor are expensive) theyre not the same cars they were 10 years ago... but your dad is making the right decision... mercedes is a worldclass symbol of success... not to mention one of the safest cars on the road... refinement, luxury, prestige... and a bunch of things JD Power cant put a # on...

DaimlerChrysler is the German company that makes Mercedes... the US market sedans are all built in Germany, ever since Karl Benz made the first patented automobile on earth in 1885 (it had 3 wheels)