I believe most of the 5 speed electronic trans issues were ironed out by late 98-early 99. After the Stealership rebuilt my early 98 trans 3 times under warranty, it seems they finally got it right with the updated parts - no troubles in over 90k miles, but I change the fluid every 30 k as well.

I had all the original electronic keys and valet key as well. When the ignition switch failed, it required - no choice - the updated switch, and none of the keys could work with the new switch. Neither the keys nor the switch were cheap!!!

The brakes on my 98 C230 are un-vented disks. They stop quite well, especially after I put on Konis to tame the front end dive on braking. But the 87 300E brakes feel better. I have experienced a panic stop (ABS actuation) in each of these cars, and I feel that they stop about the same in a panic situation, despite the un-vented rotors on a C230 car which outweighs my 124.

The 124 is more traditional MB with the sound of closing doors and Hood, the C230 is about 1 step up from Toyota, and several steps below older MBs in that department.

My son's 92 300E doesn't handle as well as the C230 but the 1987 124, equiped with Sportline parts, is a go cart on corners - I feel the fold down rear seats on the 230 lets in a bit of flex - and with the 330 lb lighter weight (compared to later 124s) and the lower rear axle, the 300E accelerates like a demon. The 'Featured Cars' tab at the top of the page links to reviews on the 124, and quotes: "The 1986 300E outperformed the 380 and 500 engined S-Class cars plus the contemporary Porsche 944 and IROC Z28 Camaro...." Illustrated Mercedes-Benz Buyer's Guide by Frank Barrett. Of course, my 98 C230 doesn't have a Kompressor, so....

But again, the older the car, the more age related part failures regardless of mileage. OTOH, the newer cars have more bits, and more costly bits, that can go wrong. Like the huge price on the electronic ignition, the MAS, and the AC controller that are either non-existant, or much less expensive parts on the old car.

I have had 3 techs familiar with Lexus, MB, and Acura tell me that if I insist on buying something new, plan on trading it in well before end of warranty, and certainly before 100k miles.

__________________
John

2003 Firemist Red/grey leather SL 500
2015 Palladium Silver/black mbtex GLK 350
1987 Smoke Silver/burgundy mbtex 300E Sportline (SOLD)

Click to see 87 300E