The only Benz I have ever been truly disappointed with the handling of is the 1960's to early 1970's 230-280SL with the pagoda hard top. The cowl shake and just crudeness of the sedan hardware in the smaller body was actually alarming.

The recirculating ball steering system is sensitive to wear, and wear is a function of power steering fluid condition. Drive one with either a new box or a well maintained one without a lot of play - the W114/5 was a very well set up recirculating ball system. With the 18" wheels and low profile tires though, the W210 handles and has great steering feel. With the stock 16 wheels it is considerably more vague and unresponsive. Just my observations, typically reinforced this time of year when I put the winter sized all season tires on the car. Jim

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Own:
1986 Euro 190E 2.3-16 (291,000 miles),
1998 E300D TurboDiesel, 231,000 miles -purchased with 45,000,
1988 300E 5-speed 252,000 miles,
1983 240D 4-speed, purchased w/136,000, now with 222,000 miles.
2009 ML320CDI Bluetec, 89,000 miles

Owned:
1971 220D (250,000 miles plus, sold to father-in-law),
1975 240D (245,000 miles - died of body rot),
1991 350SD (176,560 miles, weakest Benz I have owned),
1999 C230 Sport (45,400 miles),
1982 240D (321,000 miles, put to sleep)