...certainly the used car market is very soft and new cars offer an increased performance capacity to the appropriately skilled operators in those precious moments

however, the 124.036 is what it is
...it appeals and satisifies on a broader level (imho- reverently different) ......'of a time when MB didn't build to a price point, when engineers did run the company, coinciding when the goal became to build the safest most robust sport/touring sedan in the world...surely no Maxima or G35 in sight will ever claim such a platform

I have concurrently owned more current, less current, and various other makes of automobiles....and will continue to do so (life offers many splendid choices)

however the 124.036 is quite a special piece of machinery that wasn't born for the masses in its production run from '90-'95 ...and today- such a vehicle still isn't for the masses

In any case, the 124.036 does not appear to be alone in being affected by the effects of time (depreciation), use (wear and tear), advances in tech and manufacturing (more robust vehicles).....ie M3, M6, M5, 928, 930, 935, 959, Carrera's, Rolls, Bently, Italian Exotics....the list goes on and on ...heck- even the '94-'95 W124 Cabriolet's, W140's w-V12's asking prices are on the basement floor!

Great discussion- keep it up!
-fad