On the 420SEL vs. 560SEL, you wrote:

>> 560SEL
I know this is the top of the line, but I understand that it is very complicated and there are therefore a lot of things that can go wrong. On the other hand, I love creature comforts, and I think this is the only model with reclining rear seats. <<

A slight correction: the reclining rear power seat was either an option or was standard on the 560SEL. It was an option on the 420; my '86 420SEL had it. If you don't use the back seat for passengers, you'll never miss it.

My W126 (201 hp) got about 19 mpg combined, about 50% highway, when I lived in Colorado. When I moved back down to The Swamp, aka New Orleans, I ran only about 30% highway, and my mileage dropped to 17.5. Premium gas only, be warned; these cars don't have the modern sensors that will adjust your timing to prevent detonation if you run mid-grade or less.

On the other hand, there is nothing like the King of the Road feeling of piloting an S-Class. I still miss mine.

__________________
* *
-- Paul W. (The Benzadmiral)
('03 Buick Park Avenue, charcoal/cream)
Formerly:
'97 C230, smoke silver/parchment; '86 420SEL, anthracite/light grey; '84 280CE (W123), dark blue/palomino