why not consider a lexus? no maintenance to speak of. i have had one since 95. other than oil change this car just wont die. with merc you just pay for the logo.. there is nothing innovative about anything they do anymore in my opinion. if you need to do radiator repairs on this crap within a year what does that tell you about its engineering? bmw is just now getting around to putting some decent gadgets in their cars. i owned one a few years ago and sold it within a year.
Nothing against Lexus (or Acura for that matter) just a preferred drivability. I think BMW owners can back me up on this - driving is uniquely amazing in BMWs. I am not taking anything against Lexus but I feel very comfortable in a BMW expically on long road trips.
Why did you sell the BMW? Was it a 3 series?