 The E350 is chintzy.  It manfiests the dreadful consequences of the abominable decision MB made in the early 1990's consciously to debase the quality of the fine automobiles on whose splendid engineering and construction MB's century-old reputation had been built.  Those of us who knew the quality that once epitomized MB can tell the difference with but a moment's inpsection.  The car has 2 batteries to support needless electronic junk; one battery has already failed.  There is a bicycle spare tire.  The barely used radio produces an echo sounding like crows cawing in the background.  Just touching the "bumper" to a sleeping cat can cost $300.  The Mercedes Benz we knew belongs to the ages.