LexusLooker - I sold my 2003 E500 and am now driving an 04 Ultra Lux package LS430. 2003 E500 stickered at $65K, I sold it for about $44K with 28,000 miles on it. 8 different unscheduled visits to the dealer plus two scheduled visits in 22 months. My Audi S4 before that saw the shop about three times. That plus the depreciation hit I was taking on the new E class - I got out. The reliability issues were almost all electronic ones. I just think MB was trying to incorporate too many cool things all at once.
There are trade-offs - the E500 with the sport package will outhandle just about any Lexus sedan out there. Stiffer ride, though. My LS with the air suspension set to SPORT give me 85% of the E500. Good enough for me.
MB Keyless Go is a better implementation than Lexus. MB implementation of the sequential shift mode is better - just move the lever left or right from the "D" position - no need to move over to a separate gate.
My LS is almost as quick, way quieter, and so far has not skipped a beat in 4,000 miles. Dealer experience so far has been great. Wife went and got herself a 2005 RX330 in the same damn color combo! Good luck with your search!
Bruce