I have a Volvo 240 and a couple of Benzes. The Volvo feels like the shocks are full of concrete - It is not comfortble, especially hopping from the Volvo to the 300D. No comparison for comfort. But the Volvo has loads of power and starts the same at -10 as it does at 95. Well engineered, but if you drive a similar year Benz, you'll see why they cost twice as much when new.

I prefer working on the MB, but the Volvo is not hard (well, consider the climate control fan replacement on each - 20 minutes for the MB and all day for the Volvo). If you know the Volvo and like it, stick with it. But if you make the jump to the MB, you have a great resource on this forum.

By the way, my daughter is graduating from college and is buying a Volvo 240. If the 300D came as a manual, I'm sure she'd prefer that.

__________________
1984 300Sd 210k

Former cars:
1984 300D 445k (!!) (Strider) Original (and not rebuilt) engine and transmission. Currently running on V80 ( 80% vegetable oil, 20% petroleum products). Actually not, taking a WVO break.
1993 300d 2.5 275k. Current 120/day commuter
1981 300SD 188k (Hans) Killed by a deer