I think i read an article that the 7g gearbox did actually arrive in 2003. It was first made available in the V8 engined cars like the E500 and CL500. Then it filtered down to the 6 cylinder cars. It was on wikipedia though...
That does look like a great car just a shame it has beige interior! Silver on black with always sell on better and look better for longer. Beige looks lovely the day you pick it up from the dealer but I'm sure shows marks and age a lot sooner than black. Just my opinion.