I recently bought a 1999 E300 Turbodiesel after having tried out a 1996 E300. The difference between the two is striking, to be sure. My new used car (108k miles) seems to have certain issues to resolve (tired shocks, leaking diesel, sagging motor mounts), but it is very powerful. The suspension does not seem to be rusting off, thank God. I do miss the Panzerkampfwagen/Lastkraftwagen ambience and durability of my former 1979 240D, however. Many thanks to colleagues here for the useful information on these cars.