Diesel Dude,

I have owned a 90 300SEL and currently own a 90 300E. They are almost I dentical mechanical wise. The w126 doesn't have leveling suspension, but however drives and handles great. To be 100 percent honest if the 300SEL would have been in half the shape my 300E is in I would have kept it. The PO didn't take very good care of it. Your mom would probably love the size and comfort the w126 offers. And as we all know the M103 is a nearly bullet-proof motor. As some one else mentioned it maybe cheaper do to size of engine bay and accessabilty reasons. The only higher cost I can think of are : a few extra bucks in gas ( not much) because of weight and size, tires will wear faster.. If it is in good shape go for it. It's a great car..

__________________
Brandon



2008 S550
1957 Dodge D100
1967 VW Microbus 21 Window
2001 Suburban
2004 Beach cruiser bicycle
-----------------GO DUKE!-----------------

"It cannot be emphasized too strongly or too often that this great nation was founded not by religionists, but by Christians; not on religion, but on the Gospel of Jesus Christ. For that reason alone, people of other faiths have been afforded freedom of worship here." Patrick Henry 1776