A 201 rides pretty much like an S-class, but handles in a much more sporting manner. The five-link rear suspension was state-of-the-art when the 201 was introduced and still is, 35 years later, and the Mercedes engineers really knew how to select spring and damping rates. The front has about the same room as a 124, but the backseat is a bit tight for adults and the trunk is smaller.

I've always thought that the 201 is the best looking Merc sedan, but I'm probably biased because I owned both an '84 2.3 and my current '88 2.6 five-speed, and I've always driven only sports cars and small sport sedans.

You definitely want the 2.6. It's still a little torque shy, but is silky-smooth and loves to rev. After removing the R16/1 resistor to make the spark advance map more aggressive for more low end torque, fifth is useable down to about 35 MPH vs. 45 with the original 750K ohm resistor. Also, fuel economy around town improved from low twenties to mid twenties because I can upshift at about 2000 and highway mileage is improved from high 20s to about 30 in the 65-70 MPH range.

You should check one out, but good ones with low mileage are tough to find. Most have been beat into the ground at this point in time.

I've attached a recent photo. It has Euro headlamps and 6.5" wide 300E wheels with 205/55ZR-15 Dunlop Sport 2000 tires. Since they are about 18 years old, my plan is to replace them with 205/60s, specifically the Vredestein Sportrac 5 summer high performance tire, but am having a helluva time finding any.

Virtually all current 205/60R-15 tires are "all-season" with a lot of tread siping (for snow traction) and wear ratings of 500 or more. The Sportrac 5 has a wear rating of only 300, so it's stickier, and since I live in CA and rarely even drive in rain, a summer high performance tire that offers best performance in mild temperatures, both dry and wet, is the best choice for my driving conditions.

Duke

http://www.peachparts.com/shopforum/attachments/tech-help/149800d1541695377-odd-starting-issue-88-190e-2-6-mbz-6-18.jpg