Drove my 300SE to San Diego yesterday and
all went well. It has 88K + miles and
consistent maintainance.
Trans good and original timing chain as well.
only prob is an unsteady idle.
No major mechanical incidents so far.
So in this case it seems like a good example.
The others are correct in choosing the size
for your needs. An SEL may be bigger and better for shuttling but parking may be an
issue. My SE is the travel car and does fine
with a full load of adults.
good luck

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1979 300D
133K miles
1989 300SE
1995 C280