Back to OP: Options for less tech stuff.

yes cosworth was a built engine.I used to run a milling machine alot,with aluminum never used coolant cause tool wear was good,like brass.Now iron and steel was another thing.

Naturally aspirated inline 6, and turbo inline 4's with manual transmissions, modest dimensions (less width, less height, less bulk). Don't make them look like fat old people. Greater visibility all around looking out, analog gauges, oil pressure gauge...For the diesels...Inline 6 engine...Single turbo VNT (dual at most with low pressure/high pressure variance) with CGI cylinder block, or simply regular cast iron if necessary. High pressure common rail...But with high redline...If not possible, go back to IDI, and refine that. I don't know how just do it. Make it work for fun. GET RID OF PARTICULATE FILTERS! REFINE PCV SYSTEMS. Improve build quality. Charge more, give more. Throw out all the useless junk. Lose weight and get closer to 3100 lbs for the C-Class and 3400 lbs for the E-Class. Make them handle. More aluminum suspension bits. Keep that heavy electrical junky stuff for the S-Class.

I'm with most of the above, except that I'd be ok with four or five cylinders in a diesel. And leave the particulate filter. It's easy to get rid of once you buy the car.

Less electronic crap and keep that smooth glide-ride on the older S-Class...

A real EV that that can compete directly with Tesla in terms are range, power, self driving and price. I really don't care for ICEs going forward especially ones covered in plastic components that only a dealer can maintain. I've owned my fair share of diesel and gasoline powered vehicles in my life, I'm moving on.

I'm not a fan of EVs.I have seen where cities go thry blackouts do to peak demand.The owners of these utilities reap the profitts and hardly never invest on making things better for expanding populations.We need under ground utilties to save money on storm repair,and CME's from the sun.We even need more resevoirs to hold more water for expanding towns.No one is doing anything.Garbage which is filling landfills can be converted to a different alcohol that cars can burn without conversion.Diesel can be grown in high yeilds.But as long as powerful rich men think of todays pleasures,and not the future.No progress will be made.Remember May 2015? Audi made diesel fuel from Carbon dioxide and water? What happened they were making 50 gals a day with small process.No news since.

Guess what powers the fuel pumps at your local gas station? Electricity

Guess how much electricity is used to refine a gallon of crude oil into fuel? 6kwh. On a per mile basis its about the same as an EV, except you're not burning gasoline.
The 6 kWh electricity to refine gasoline would drive an electric car the same distance as a gasser? | The Long Tail Pipe

Guess what powers Audi's CO2 to diesel plant? A LOT of electricity.
https://fortunedotcom.files.wordpress.com/2015/04/audi-e-diesel-production-graphic.jpg?quality=80

Drive an EV and skip the middle man.

SirNik purchased my 05 C230k which has a 6 speed!

It's a lovely transmission, as well as a lovely car to drive.

I think when you buy a German expensive brand,it should be all German.No Mexico,China,or India made.

Even older MBs has parts sourced from other countries.

I actually really like the OM642 that's in my ML320 CDI - silky smooth with a butt-load of power! I also really like the column mounted shifter as well. Having the center console open for stuff is actually really convenient. The 7 speed auto is pretty nifty too - cruising down the freeway with very little NVH from that diesel is awesome.

Talk about the 642 brings something else to mind--inline engines, gas and diesel. Has there been any more info about the rumored gasser I6 I read about here a while ago?

Chevy built the block and Cosworth provided the heads. I think that the displacement of the Cosworth was a little smaller than the standard Vega engine.

Yeah not needing coolant for milling.I thought the cosworth's had cylinder liners.