I've never regretted going for a 500: the fuel economy is no worse than my previous C240 believe it or not and the prices on the used market are often the same as or lower than equivalent 320s because of perceptions about fuel economy and insurance. The 500 has much higher gearing and the engine does not have to work very hard to drag around what is a very heavy car. There is often more kit on a 500, too.

My only advice is: take a great deal of time to look at as many cars as possible. These cars are very well built, probably the best ever Mercedes-Benz, development having started in the 1970s (there were spy shots in some 1979 car magazines!) the car not being deemed ready until 1989. As far as I am aware there are no dud years, although if you do your own maintenance, electronic diagnostics were enhanced at some stage.

There is a very thorough discussion which you will find on a search of Learoy's name. Good luck. Now's the time to buy, too, as winter approaches.

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JJ Rodger
2013 G350 Bluetec
1999 SL 500
1993 E300 diesel T
1990 190