I do alot of highway and rural driving for school, and I was getting tired of driving an old car. I bought the 3 series, but can't help to notice what I miss about my Mercedes (very good example of a 84 300D). In a little less than a year, I hope to purchase another MB when I graduate from school. I was thinking along the lines of a 350SD because any older MB must be a diesel, but the engine problems of the 350 scare me away.

On the other end of things, I really love the little things the newer car does. One touch windows, heated seats, keyless entry, better brakes, handling and other electrical accessories.

I was thinking of chosing a pre-86 W126 or a 240D, but I want something more refined than the 240, and I'm afraid even the W126 will not offer the technology I want. What kind of improvments were made on the late model W126 cars over the pre-85 models? Are they essentially mechanically the same? I understand they had power seats and adjustable steering colums, but how about the small things beyond that? When did MB introduce keyless entry? Does the W126 drive have much better driving dynamics than the W123? The 123 is great but it gets blown around alot on the highway, and even with good suspesnion, it doesn't track with the kind of accuracy of a newer car.

I don't know much about Mercedes post 1985

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1976 BMW 2002- 100k
1995 BMW 325i 175k
1984 Mercedes Benz 300D Turbo Diesel- 270,000 mi

1981 Mercedes Benz 240D- Estimated 300,000+ mi Returned to the earth

Get a W-210. 1996 or 1997 will be the lowest cost. If you want some serious power and can afford it, get the 1998 or 1999 which are turbocharged.

The W-126 won't satisfy your needs.

For a quick year-by-year rundown on the 1986+ 560SEC (coupe version) of the W126, look here:
http://www.mbcoupes.com/buyersguide/buyersguide.htm

Airbags, and ABS the most important changes. Avoid any 1991 models that had the ASR or the 350 Diesel engine with the sunlight seeking connecting rods.

Pretty good bet that the W126 cars will need less repairs than W140 and W210 models, generally.

The W126 is faster, heavier, and thirstier than the W123.

The 1992-1993 W140 600SEL V12 is a joy, but owning it will make you feel like a pack of rabid wolves is at your wallet.

Whatever you get, buy the one in the bestg condition possible, Neglected ones cost a mint to fix, and can eat up the money saved buying them cheap, really quick.

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1991 560 SEC AMG, 199k <---- 300 hp 10:1 ECE euro HV ...

1995 E 420, 170k "The Red Plum" (sold)

2015 BMW 535i xdrive awd Stage 1 DINAN, 6k, <----364 hp

1967 Mercury Cougar, 49k

2013 Jaguar XF, 20k <----340 hp Supercharged, All Wheel Drive (sold)

The W-126 with the 617 engine is heavier and a tad slower, but it has a lower Cd for the body and it more fuel efficient than the W-123

The W-126 with the 603 engine is even heavier and is significantly faster. However, the aluminum crossflow head offers significant efficiency when compared to the 617 and it definitely achieves notable higher fuel economy.