After nine nearly trouble-free years with a W123 240 recently bought a (cosmetically) very nice 300 CD (coupe). It's turning out to have LOTS of problems although in many ways a very nice car.

I think the last series of 240's were about as perfect as a car can be..."mature" technology, overbuilt, styling that doesn't get old. Don't really see much difference between MBTEX and leather...especially after nearly 20 years.

As to the earlier 240s, I believe Mercedes based a long-wheelbase "limousine" on the 240...'nuff said.