I have a '99 E320 4MATIC that almost has 100K miles on it. I bought it new, and have maintained it per the schedule. Other than brakes, tires and oil, no other major repairs have been needed.

I am now faced with some repairs for damage caused by bottoming out over a nasty speed bump. (I need a new motor mount arm, and a new front axle!). While looking under the car, the mechanic at the dealer noticed that the car has a transmission oil leak and a front differential leak. He couldn't tell me if the leaks were new -- if they were caused by the speed bump "incident". Fluid is not pouring out, so it is possible that the leaks are slow. There is gunk and dirt around the leaks -- so it is possible that they are slow and have existed for a while.

I also need new brakes (and balljoints, and rotors) -- I have no complaints here -- I know this is standard stuff -- and I got plenty of mileage out of them.

While I expect to use my insurance to pay for the damage from the accident, I am faced with the question -- "How much longer can I expect this car to last?" When I bought the car, I expected (and still do) that the car would last for much longer than 100K miles (after all, my previous Hondas did). But, I was wondering if the reliability of the E320 is expected to drop off sharply at some point near 100K.

What are your experiences?

Thanks!
Eric