Best MB 4 season commuter

[TTaM]

I am hoping to secure a new job very soon. The outlook is good, and that is good, except for the commute I would be facing. Roughly 130 miles round trip. My current commuter won't cut it, as it is getting old, and only gets 20mpg. What would you recommend? i'd like to keep it under $5k and am unsure of diesel in winter and performance. I have a '76 240D, but it stays in the garage except for nice sunny days. I am looking towards the advice of the internet. Any recommendations would be greatly appreciated.

Models I am currently considering:

300E
260E
190E 2.6
190D 2.5
300SD
300SDL

[nglitz]

I have an '87 260E, essentially the same as a 300E with a few less frills. Decent car, surprisingly easy to break loose the rear end in the rain with what I'd consider normal acceleration. A very low number rear axle ratio but a lot of torque. It starts out in second gear unless you floor it. Then, again, I don't have the greatest tires in the world on it. The engine has a terriffic sound when you wind it up.

If you like rear wheel drive, a slightly newer 300E with a set of good winter tires would be hard to beat.

I grew up in the Chicago area, and spent 22 years in snowy upstate NY. I can't imagine a 130 mile round trip commute in Chicago. blecch. That would have to be one heck of a great paying job. That commute is going to add at least three irritating hours to your workday. Four or five hours in bad weather.

Best of luck,