The 1989 Mercedes Benz W124-Series 300D would have to be overall the world best car. Ever. I have owned about 35 cars, including a 300E W124 I have read countless reviews on the W124, aquired club knowledge and spoken to MB mechanics who used to service them. In terms of engineering excellence, practicality, nimbleness, ecomony and super-longivity and not to forget class and character the W124 300D rates supreme. All of the comments here on the rferred to 300E are applicable to the 300D, yet the 300D is not a fast car. 0-100km/h takes 13.7s, 9.8 for 300E 2.6 and 8.8 for 300E 3.0L (all SOHC engines- see text). Next would be the 1991 300E W124 3.0L 1991 SOHC, followed by the 1992 300E 2.6 W124. Despite what you might be hearing it is a fact that MB overengineered cars ceased in 1992, not the mid 90's. While the W140 and W124 still retained much of the overengineereing in the compenentry and structure it is in the engine and gearbox department that quality was lacking post 1992. According to the average of opions of MB mechanics I have spoken to DOHC units used in the W124 series cars created higher underbonnet temperatures, were not as smooth or quiet as the earlier SOHC engined cars. From personal experience their acceleration and torque while linear is not as enjoyable nor designed where you need it. The 300E 1986-1991 (1991-1992 for the 2.6 litre car ) are simply facsinating in their drivability and engineering. And I make this statement objective of any obsessed enthusisatic opinion. Aside from my learned and aquired knowledge is my own personal experienc with the W124. I brought a 300E 2.6 in 2008. It was run down, had oil leaks and collant leaks yet I drove it from Adelaide South Australia to Darwin Northern Territory, (then I have the leaks fixed) then onto Alice Springs where I lived for 2 years driving the car about in near 47 degree celcius weather during the summer months and minus 4 degree celcius weather in winter. It would happily sit on speeds of 180km/h, on remote undulating desert roads, like it wasnt even happening- and this is the smaller of the two engines (125kW 2.6 135kW 3.0L)! I then drove the car to Sydney via Adelaide and victoria. The car has done 238,000kms now, yet still drive like new. You can thrash it in th city yet everytime I get in it it was like th day I brought it. Yet I respect the car now as it is just so beautiful. To give you some sort of comparison about the cars quality, drivability and ecomony I recently brought a 2003 BMW 750iL, after owning it for 6 months I am selling it to aquire an immaculate 300D or 300E. My 300E is quieter at speed that my 750iL and the latter has double glazed windows! When I used to get out of my 750iL and into the 300E it was amazing. Its just beatiful to drive. It is also a perfect size being easy to park and manouver, yet big enough for long distance trips. To give you some sort of comparison my dream car used to be a 2002 BMW M3, now it is a 300E. Most of my friens do not understand why I dont buy a new car, but they have either 1.) Never owned a 300E or 2.) Are genetically resistent to the identification, feel and appreciation of the engineering possessed in the 300E. You couldnt ask for better steering, and the multilink independent rear suspension is facinating, amazingly comfortable and it cant half go around a corner. Another point to mention are the seats people say they are too hard. Crap! I think that the seats are designed to integrate in with the beautiful suspension and after driving for 6 days in my 300E from Darwin to Sydney (4,500kms) I had no discomforting neck or back pain. I drove my bosses new 2010 Toyota Camry Hybrid and the 300E had better steering, balance and ride. It is so comfortable yet handles really well indeed. The 2.6 litre car is very economical- I reckon 9litre/ 100 km on the highway and 11 in the city. When you drive it hard it seems to kick down to first as if it realised you want to get moving, yet it dosent when your taking it easy- I didnt think Benz had adaptive transmissions till the mid 1990's! I should note I brought a run down example for $5000, but I liked the colour Gunmetal grey and have now spent $12,000 on thcar in 12 months. My next W124 will be the 1989-1992 diesel SOHC Non-turbo (Turbos did not come to Australia in W124 series). I located a white one with 350,000kms but it has been resprayed looks as new and has all the options I insist on save leather, including cruise control, power windows, sun roof, outside temperature guage- dont know about power seat or factory alarm. Standard features on all W124's from 1988-1991 were ABS, central locking, power steering, air conditioning (primitive version of climate control, but arguably better as you can save fuel stting it yourself and you dont have that annoying high powered fan comming in when your trying to concentrate on the road or converse with occupants). The diesel is capable of 5.8L/100km and nearly 2 million miles, requiring the oil is changed every 5000kms and coolant every 2 years. These cars are 20+ years old now and are getting scarce. People complain about parts but they are readily available and as cheap or cheaper than a commodire or your chevrolette, toyota or VW. What I have found to be a bug bear are mechanics and the cost of servicing- they rip you off because of the mark, but once you have found a good mechanic, who knows about them it can be very reasonable and worth it. If you want one after reading this honest and objective as possible. I recommend get one if this review interests you, you wont regret it. As a guide dont pay more that $8000 for sedans (petrol or diesel) and $15,000 for the 300CE if you want the same experience in a coupe with the increase in value. Me I like the sedans for their usefullness and yes looks :/ ! '300E... Long Live the Legend!' Mark, Sydney, Australia Aug/ 2010. (Disclaimer-This review does not seek to promote sales and is a based on personal opinion)