And here's an opinion from someone who actually drives a 380SE.

I've driven both a 380SE and a '91 420SEL (only other W126 that I've driven). Lessee...the 155 hp 380SE (stock) does 0-60 in around 10 seconds while the 201 hp 420SEL does 0-60 in 9.3 seconds (car and driver). A 300SD will pull 0-60 in 13 to 14 seconds.

Top speed: around 120 mph for a 380SE compared with 128 (Car and Driver, 1989) for a 420SEL. A turbodiesel will pull maybe 105 mph.

The 380SE that we own will get around 22 mpg on the highway, maybe 18 in the city. It has some of the best fuel economy for any W126 gasser. Aren't turbodiesels not much better?

Engine reliability is as good as any other V-8 W126. Might need some valve stem seal work at 150K plus miles. Oh yeah, replace the timing chain at the normal interval of 100K miles (or make sure it's been done!!) we found that out the hard way.

But other than that, our 380SE is a great machine, and we've experienced no other problems (beyond normal wear items like brakes, fuel pump, etc) with it. It's hauled sailboards, camping gear, been driven on gravel Forest Service roads, and it even towed a Saab 900 for a couple of miles once. In the Pacific NW, with all its mountain passes, I wouldn't want a 300SD with slower acceleration than an old non-turbo Volvo or Saab.

And the 380SE is the least expensive V-8 W126 car you can buy. Shouldn't that count for something?

-Sam