You picked a fine forum to ask this question

My $.02 - the W124 E320 was in it's last year of production so it's the best year to go if you like the W124. On the other hand, the platform was 10 years old at that point and it's going to give up something to the second year since redesign LS400. I think the LS400 is plain bigger.

Can't squeeze a 96 E320 into the budget?

Sixto
91 300SE
87 300SDL
83 300SD