Wow, wake up to lots of good advice. Thanks much!

Some points I want to touch on and questions.

* What is that grille with the MB badge large and centered versus the hood ornament? I love that grille design but have not seen it on many. Is it an AMG addition or specific to certain later years, models? Or only to the SEC?
* Maintenance is obviously a concern when a MB is not well maintained. But really its not a huge concern of mine. As a Mark VIII owner I spent plenty of money replacing ABS systems, air-ride compressors, controllers and struts. And any number of other thing including the engine!
* And when it comes to working on the vehicle I plan to do everything myself. But if I come to a major issue I can not deal with there happens to be an incredibly recommended euro garage in my town. They guy is probably a 100 years only, but he works exclusively on Porsche and MB cars.
* Gas milage is not a huge concern. My other vehicles are 73 and 79 Mark Series Lincolns. The 73 might have gotten 12mpg on highway. What I am used to and really want is power and luxury. I was hoping for better milage than reported, but I accept it if thats the case.
* The 300s I looked over and over. Diesels were really hard to come by and if I did, they were a total wreck. I will still keep my eye out. I wish there was some powerplant variant of the 5.0 that was diesel, but I assume there is not?
* I am certainly not in a hurry to buy. But a Mercedes for sure it will be. I plan to spend a good month looking. So I may disappear for a while as I hunt. I will certainly post info and pics when I have her in my garage.