Alain - good question...

To all of you - need opinions (experienced or otherwise):

What model of E-class (excluding anything with round headlights because I think they're too common these days) offers the best combo of performance/reliability. 1990-1993 (1994? - or was that first year of new model?) 300E, E320, etc etc. I can't keep the W12??? numbers straight anymore.

I personally think the last year before the model change is the best-looking example (headlight change, grille change, etc).

And yes, I think the world of the 400/420 but still VERY pricey in bay area (~$32-$38k for *mint* low-mile example).

I figure with anything this old you have to go mint.

Opinions?