Thanks OZ.
As I said earlier, my W124 has been bullet proof. Like many others, I had a oil burning problem at approx 200,000Km which was cured by replacing the valve guides/seals. At 445,000km, it only burns a quart/2,500Km. Nothing else major had to be done on the car. (no transmission, differential, fuel injection, A/C (still have the original freon). Only normal maintenance with oil change every 7,000Km with 15W40 dino. oil.
I had the W210 all day today for an extended road test. I drove about 400Km. My impressions:
Much more power than my 260E (that's easy)
More sqeaks and rattles than my much older 124
Quieter mechanicals.
Not as sure footed (solid feeling) on the road at high speed than my 124.
I am asking myself if I should not put $5-$6,000. on my old 124 (rear crank oil leak, engine and transmission supports, front engine cover/valve cover gaskets, 2 rear shocks, paint job) and keep it for another 5 years.
jackD