I like my bumpers for safety but I think they would have yielded more damage from a hit in the same location. I think the bumper bracket on the US version bumpers would have transferred more damage to the lower quarter into the wheel well. The damage on the ebay wagon looks like a fairly easy repair.
I would do a road trip from Texas for a mint 300D or 300CD once I sell our Acura. My wife is "just" about ready to go with a classic MB, but one wagon is enough. She's even pointing out w123s on TV and the road and commenting on their good looks.
Her only criteria is that everything must work and she wants to know how to do oil changes and filter changes.
I think the MB addiction is contagious.