My first drive was a 1959 220S. Took it from Atl to Savannah and back (around 1983), averaged around 75 mph and 25+ mpg. That sold me on MB's. I have noticed that all the later ones I have driven have pretty much felt the exact SAME way as that 220S as far as the way it drove/rides, etc... I had an opportunity to purchase it back then and now wish I had - it was a heckuva car with a 4 spd manual on the column.
Stephen - when you are in the area I will let you drive one of these diesels. You will never be the same.
The other reason I drive em is as follows:
http://www.macon.com/mld/macon/news/local/4408186.htm
not to say the same wouldn't have happened had he been in a Benz but it is my opinion that it would have turned out differently.