The W202 cars have almost as much legroom up front as the W124's. The C280 through 1997 will have the same M104 as your 300E 3.2, so they can have the same head gasket oil leak issues.

The 1998-2000 C280's have the V6.

As you've read, the C230's get better gas mileage, but the engines have less power and less refinement.

__________________
Paul S.

2001 E430, Bourdeaux Red, Oyster interior.
79,200 miles.

1973 280SE 4.5, 170,000 miles. 568 Signal Red, Black MB Tex. "The Red Baron".