I haven't been a big fan of either the W210's or the W203's.

Having said that, of all the W210's, I'd buy the exact model you have - the E420. I'm a big fan of the M119 engine.

The 2005 freshening of the W203's is said to be a big improvement in the quality of the interior.

My boss has a 2002 E320, and drove a C240 to the office as a loaner car when his was getting worked on at the dealer. The car felt nice, but it was small.

I don't know how you are going to be able to handle the smaller size of the the C-class, having owned an E420.

I'm of the opinion that your car has absorbed most of the depreciation it will incur, and the next several years won't see that much more in price declines.

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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".