I share your doubts about this model. It's really a roll of the dice, depends on the individual one you get. They could be a really nice and safe car, but a bad one could eat you alive. With the electronics and spring perch problem, I would be really careful.

I'd insist on a PPI for it, and FULL books and records. A good one would be roomy safe and comfortable. To me, they are like a spaceship compared to the W124. And the W124 4matic is to be avoided at ALL costs, anyhow, just don't get one, they have an awful reputation.

Perhaps you could look further and wider, for a good example of one?

Not as safe as a Mercedes (and safety is such a compelling reason to get one) but what about one of those AWD Subaru Outbacks, a few years old? They seem to be anvil reliable and economical. I have one for the snow (and it's old - '95) and it gets the job done.

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1991 560 SEC AMG, 199k <---- 300 hp 10:1 ECE euro HV ...

1995 E 420, 170k "The Red Plum" (sold)

2015 BMW 535i xdrive awd Stage 1 DINAN, 6k, <----364 hp

1967 Mercury Cougar, 49k

2013 Jaguar XF, 20k <----340 hp Supercharged, All Wheel Drive (sold)