When I mentioned weak A/C I did not mean it's ability to cool air - it does this just fine. Just that the North American systems had what I feel to be a rather limited interface as far as fan speed is concerned. Also the thermostat is in comparison, slow to change air temp. The interior fans are REALLY noisy when compared to the Lexus. The W124s the expense of replacing the AC evaporator is what really hurts. Now that it's warming up I see quite a few W124s (and there are A LOT of them in my neck of the woods) driving with the windows down.

I find the seat cushion abnormally short, especially for a car that comes from a country with so many people over 6 feet. I'm short and lack of thigh support is uncomfortable.

As far as NHV goes, it's more about road noise/wind noise (I drive a 92 400e everyday).

Anyhow I chose the W124 more for character than anything else. Though the LS 400 is a competent car, it's just far to generic for my tastes. I just wish the W124 had a bit more refinement.

A W124 is still a Benz, don't know about the W211!