Those reasons are exactly why I opted for the W124 over the W210.
On pure visual design, I love the front of the W210, but it feels like the designers were too busy congratulating themselves on the front end that they didn't bother to come up with an inspired rear end. I've wondered at times what it might look like if someone really talented had a go at customizing the back. Maybe something inspired by a Ponton, or a Fintail.
I'd love to find 17" Monoblock II's but so far, haven't found anything genuine that isn't an arm and a leg. I could pay that price, but then wouldn't have any limbs to drive with.
In the meantime, I'll leave it without any body mods so this old guy with a sedate looking MB can still surprise the occasional rice rocket. No sense giving a 'spoiler alert'. Chuckling ....
Which reminds me. On my drive today, I was being pushed from behind by a guy in a ... wait for it ... Smart Car. I was keeping up with traffic, without being aggressive.
Please. As he pulled to the right to pass me, I only slightly depressed the accelerator, then moved into his lane. Just fast enough to stay ahead despite the look of determination on his face.
Nothing beats a kill story when the victim is a 3 cylinder diesel.
Sorry, no pics of the Smart Car, so you'll have to take my word on that happening, but here are a couple of pics of mine that the seller had taken. I'll take some of my own later.....