This cheating heart...

The beloved 300E is getting a bit long in the tooth. Rust is coming on, and I have no interest in taking on a body restoration ever again. The cost/benefit ratio is just no good at this age.

I'm thinking about a newer Benz. My sense is that MB R&D really started to unravel after 1995. Seems like someone flipped a switch, and reliability went out the window. I'd appreciate any opinions on this matter.

So I have in mind either an E class or an S class, probably 93-95.

A few questions:

How are the S class sedans from this vintage?

Are the E class "4Matic" components reliable?

Should I consider a 400E/E420 (zoom)?

Any specific recommendations or warnings to help me out?

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1986 300E 5-Speed 240k mi.