If you are correct on all those issues, then assume that people are praising the fact that those more advanced features (such as the 5 speed electronically controlled transmission, the V6, etc) can be obtained on most W210 models (1998 - 2002 if you're correct) and can't simply be obtained on ANY W124.

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1999 Mercedes-Benz S600, 103K miles - garage queen
1988 Mercedes-Benz 560SEL, 89K miles - daily driver
2007 Hyundai Sonata Limited, 31K - daily driver