I've heard not such good things about the 190 cars. Lots of nit-picky problems. I've heard, in particular, that the plastic radiator parts are a nuisance.

I have, currently, a 1979 300TD (non turbo wagon) and a 1989 300SE. The 123 cars are durable and workmanlike; the 126 is a real pleasure on the road, and the M103 inline 6 is a sweet engine. Still, in terms of repairs, the diesel is definitely a cheapter date. The problem these days is finding a 123 that is in reasonably good shape. I was lucky with mine--the previous owner had installed a factory rebuilt engine. He got fed up when the rear hydraulic suspension system failed, so I got the car and fixed it myself. It's been a fine car since, and I drive it as my primary car around town, primarily because it is much cheaper to run than the 300 SE.

Joe B.