Personally my decision to purchase a W124 was a bit more emotional. I wanted a car that would keep my family safe that was no expense spared when engineered.

.10 a mile sounds a lot like my old Honda Civic. 200k, and barely anything ever except a used transmission for 500.00. However, it was seriously like driving a refrigerator.

Some folks, including myself, buy these for their intangibles. I never understood what "motoring" meant until i got behind the wheel of this 95 E300d. Coming from a really rare BMW 540iT sport package (until slammed by meth head trucker), it was a real change.

I'd just say if price or cost per mile is the preeminent factor, I'd buy a used Honda, etc, etc. Of course, you wont feel that tiny bit of pride knowing you fixed this or that whilst motoring down the road amongst the smooth diesel clatter of your old W124, a design that was truly ahead of its time.

Jeremy was dead on. Hang the cost, enjoy your decision.