I'd like to share my opinions on these vehicles, I'll keep it short, kind of.

Advantages of 300SDL.


Gas pedal feel - Much more precise and tactile feeling gas pedal, the minute control is extremely satisfing. Your foot is cruise control, stop and go acceleration is smooth, adding on power is predictable. The 2000 E320 Wagon's gas pedal feels numb, stop and go acceleration is "surgy" and "on/off", I absolutely hate it.


The OM603 has a smoother lower power band, than the M112.


Steering feel - The 300SDL has far more road feel and tension, as a result I can stay centered in the lane much easier. The huge steering wheel and heavy steering makes it far more engaging.. The E320 feels numb even though it's more sensitive.


Brake feel - 300SDL has slightly softer brakes but they're FAR more engaging, responsive, and precise. The E320's brakes are firmer but feel more " vague" in terms of feel.


Ergonomics - The 300SDL imo is overall better, the steering wheel is a little higher, the gauge cluster seems a little higher (or maybe I'm positioned a little lower). The overall driving experience is better.
The E320 has far easier accessible accessories (AC, Head Lights, Radio etc ), but the overall driving position is worse imo.


Comfort - I think the W126 is honestly smoother riding, and the seats on the 300SDL are LEAGUES ahead of the seats on the E320. I don't mind long rides in the W126, it's actually relaxing.

Advantages of E320 wagon


Handling - HOLY MOLY this thing can WEAVE! You can be a menace on the highway with lane changes, (I did once, just to see what it could do, traffic ahead was cleatr), I've gone around the bends at terrible speeds lets just say that and it showed no signs of "loosing it".


The 300SDL's tires screech constantly when pushed hard onto the highway onramp, the E320 eats it up.
Pot hole dodging is a BREEZE, and best of all, NO BODY ROLL.

Power/Engines - It's peppy, you can drive fast if you so choose, passing power is POTENT.( Even still I grandma the car with 1,700rpm - 1,800rpm upshifts to save fuel)
Toss up - E320 has a whisper quite M112 engine - The M112 is a gasser so it's quieter by default, but at the same time I love the OM603 diesel clatter. Also, the M112 sounds cool at start up, something about the sound is satisfing. If I had to choose one, it would be the OM603.

To long didn't read - Call me crazy, but I think the Gen 2 W210 feels less refined than the Gen W126 2. So much so I'm contemplating flipping the wagon, and buying either one CLEAN W124's or 2 W126's. I don't like modern cars at all.

How do you guys feel?

__________________
1998 Ford Escort ZX2 5 speed - 279,000 miles My Daily

1992 Mercedes 300D 2.5 202,000 - Pure junk
2000 Mercedes E320 Black - 136,000 miles - Needs repair

Don't forget to grease the screw and threads on the spring compressor.