I have a 1979 300TD, non-turbo wagon, and a 1989 300SE. I have a special fondness for the Luddite qualities of the diesel.

On the other hand, the W126 is a very nice car. With the inline six, silky smooth, and the vault-like feel of it, it's a great car, especially on the road. I think it is on the cusp of MB's push toward more plastic and more electronics.

The old W123 wagon is more utilitarian, and in many ways, I trust it more. They both feel solid to me, but there are more annoying plastic things on the 89, for sure. Both still maintain the handsome MB look, especially the prominent grill. I thought, stylistically, that MB lost something when it inset the grill and positioned the star on the hood with no chrome under it.

Joe B.