The post 85 W126's are an improvment over the pre 85 ones. Then newer engines have more power and parts are seem to be a little cheaper and more common.

Try looking for a W126 like this:
Private party, avoid used car dealers.
Full service hsitory
no rust or accidents
overall the car is in very nice shape with eveidence that the owner has been putting money into it updating stuff.

Nice W126's in my area seem to go for $5k-$10k.

Mint ones can fetch mid teens to even close to twenty.

Anything is going to need work but under $5k cars at used car lots will probably need more.

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2006 CL500
2009 C300 4matic
1969 280SE
2023 Ram 1500
2007 Tiara 3200