John,

Considering his height and breadth in the shoulders, I don't think he'd be too happy in a C class.

I would suggest he consider, in my order of preference:

1. 1992-1994 W124 chassis 500E / E500
2. 1997 E420 (same M119 engine). Like I said, I don't know if this was offered in a Sport model, but with the amount of money he'd be saving in the purchases price, he could put together his own sport model.
4. 1994-1995 E420 (same M119 engine as 1997 E420 and 500E) - (see note above about customizing to create "sport" model with Eibach shocks / springs, swaybars, etc.
3. 1998-2002 E430 sport.

__________________
Paul S.

2001 E430, Bourdeaux Red, Oyster interior.
79,200 miles.

1973 280SE 4.5, 170,000 miles. 568 Signal Red, Black MB Tex. "The Red Baron".