I like the w140s, and I don't think they're as bad as most people think they are. There are good ones and there are bad ones. As you're running your figures, however, you have to include depreciation. The 300SE, if priced high enough, will lose value quickly as you drive it; the 300D and 300SD are probably at the bottom. Does it have to be big? What about a w124? Too small? The diesel variant gets better mpg than 24 - that's for sure.

I don't know what you want to pay, but you could move up to an '98-'99 w210. They're quite big and quite comfy, cheap, reliable, and the I-6 gets 27 highway. Should also be more reliable than the w140. You should check a w210 out.

__________________
- Brian


1989 500SEL Euro
1966 250SE Cabriolet
1958 BMW Isetta 600