I owned a 1991 190E 2.6 Good car. A little slow on the uptake when the A/C was running. If you're entering high speed traffic, kill the compressor while merging in traffic. Always wondered how the 2.3 4-banger was on accelleration with or without the A/C on?
From a dad's perspective, my daughter totaled it when she T-boned a little foreign pos sedan. She & her passenger opened the doors and got out unharmed. Crumpled to the wheel wells & that was it. MB safety.

Compared to my 88 W124 300CE, the 190 was nimbler,smaller and, imo, a better kid's car.Bonus: My girls both liked it.

The 300E is a bigger car. For better or worse.
Good luck.