Agreed, the w124's drive like dream. However with the cost of the wiring harness, the threat of the evaporator going and the annoying leaks of the head gasket, you are taking a crap shoot. BTW, the trannys are also suspect. My 93 BMW 525iT Wagon has been more trouble free than the Mercedes Benzs that I have owned. I bought it with 132K miles 2 years ago and now it has 176K with only the radiator going. My 95 E320 with 78K drove great but the tranny went at 85K, the front suspension went at 125K. My 95 E320 Wagon with 125K, the radiator and water pump went at 138K and the dreaded evaporated went with 145K. My 97 E420 with 122K, the tranny went at 140K and the A/C condensor and aux fan went at 145K. Yes they ride smoother and more powerful than my BMW but they cost much more to maintain.

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85 300CD Signal Red/Tan sold
83 300D Manganese Brown 109K
97 E420 Midnight Blue 197K sold
98 BMW 328i Vert White 100K, sold
95 BMW 525i White 125K, sold
93 BMW 525iT Red 193K, sold
95 E320 Green Wagon 125K, sold
94 E320 White 127K, sold
85 300SD 156K Grey (Annie), sold
84 300D Lapis Blue 170K (Judy), sold
99 ML 320 Black (lease), 1998 C230 White (lease)
00 Honda S2000 Red (lease)
86 Mercedes 300E (sold)
84 Porsche 911 Red (sold), 1965 Porsche 911 White (sold)