Thanks for all the good answers. To answer some of the questions.
I am in NC. Been looking for a 96-99 for a couple of years. I had a 95 e300d. Gave it to my son at 375000. He is at 400,000 and still going strong. Original motor and transmission. He also has a lead foot.
My wife drives the 97 to work now. She loves the wider tires.
And yes 4 shifts means 5 gears, what was I thinking?(wasn't).