I have driven quite a few Mercedes in the past couple of years. performance wise, my vote points to 300E. although I would like to test drive the other 124's to compare.(400e and 500e) I do think engine weight is a factor for handling characteristics in these cars.
drive safely!
adam

__________________
Current Stable:
01 ML55 AMG
92 500E (a few mods)
87 300E (lots of mods)
00 Chevy 3500HD Diesel Box Truck
68 18' Donzi Marine
06 GT i-Drive7 1.0 Mountain Bike (with GPS!)

PREVIOUSLY OWNED:83 300SD, 87 420SEL, 88 420SEL, 90 420SEL, 86 560SEL, 86 190E 2.3-16V AMG, 94 E320

Mine is. --Mitch

1994 E420 80K

Mercedes made the W124, which really has the most nice shape for all the mercedes cars even the new ones.

It has an elegant shape and a very good reliablity, but has a small problem, it's a little bit heavy, which makes it fuel eater.

But as for me, I have E200 92, and I love it so much. I wish if mercedes is still manufacturing this type of cars.

W140 S-Class is hands down the best Mercedes built. Also, the last truly engineer driven design.

Yes, I think the W140 S-class is the best Mercedes or S-classes ever made as it is the highest cost one without any compromise at all .Although it definitely isn't the most reliable one, it just offered the most advanced engineering and best material at that era.

W140 was also GORGEOUS!!! (don't really like the new ones--too round, soft, Lexus-like--sorry!) Saw one last night driving home. Almost rear-ended the guy in front of me while I was staring at the S. --Mitch

I know there is no correct answer to this question because we are dealing with opinions here. I love the diesels but both parents have w123(D&CD both around 200k). They are slow and they stink after a while like diesel. The newer(97? up) have the turbo diesels pumping out 175+hp. Now that is a car but I can't afford one yet(too new). As far as reliabilty goes, this is why we have Benz's, reliability. Gas or diesel are both good for at least 250k. My bud's mom had a 85 500SEL with 330K before she sold it and the heads were never off.My uncle supposably put 800k on a 350SDL before it blew and he put a new motor in it. I only have 66k on mine and i plan on getting at least another 100k before I sell. Love that damn car! So what am I saying? They are all great!

as far as the ULTIMATE benz it would have to be a
600 limo w100 cars,1964-1981.

open air car 560sl late 107's

best overall would [IMHO}be w124

__________________
*92 400e 124.034, SOLD

*92 300e 124.030, SOLD

Your question was not broad enough.I have had six our seven mercedes over the years.the first was a 1952 300 sedan.This was the best made.It was really a work of art.Would it have lasted more than my later models.I cannott say.No other car has given me that special feeling that the 300 gave.But no matter.There is no make that gives you as fine a car as mercedes.Carpe Diem.Michael

I MUST SAY THAT THE BEST BENZ EVER BUILT HAS TO BE THE CL55 AMG. OH MY GOD, THAT THING IS ****ING AMAZING. MY POPS FRIEND HAS ONE HE CAME UP WITH THE CAR FROM FLORIDA. THE GUY LET ME DRIVE AND LET ME TELL YOU THAT THING BLOWS ANY BENZ OUT OF THE WATER, I DONT CARE WHAT ANYBODY SAYS. THE POWER UNDERNEATH THE HOOD, I CANT EVEN EXPLAIN. ITS WHITE WITH OYSTER INTERIOR, AND EVERY HEAD ON THE ROAD MUST HAVE TURNED. AND THAT THING IS A ***** MAGNET. ITS UNBELIEVABLE, THE SAD PART IS THAT HE IS GOING UP TO BOSTON AND IS ONLY STAYING THE NIGHT HERE. TOO BAD NOT AT MY HOUSE, BUT IT WAS DEFINATELY AN EXPERIENCE DRIVING THAT THING. IF ANY OF YOUR DEALERS HAVE THAT CAR, TAKE IT FOR A TEST DRIVE, EVEN THOUGH I DOUBT THEY HAVE THAT CAR FOR TEST DRIVING BECAUSE MY DEALER DOESN'T!

Nice Language. Grapes

Grapes,

Caps Lock on the keyboard = Shouting when writing a message on the Web.

My pick , W124 of course.

Best Mercedes... hmmm.....

Choice for "everyday" commuting type driving:

I'd have to vote for the W123 body 240D with manual trans. Slug-slow- yes.. but as rock solid, durable and absolutely most bulletproof a car as was ever- OR will ever be built.
Change the oil religiously every 3,000 miles and it WILL run forever!

Choice for "fun" driving:

The vote goes to the W210 E55 AMG. Porsche 911 "balls-out" performance PLUS carry the whole family and luggage comfortably cross-country on vacation. Doesn't get any better than that.

End of discussion!!!

J.G

Michael,
A friend of mine is restoring a 1952 300 sedan, and eventhough he has not touched the body, the doors, hood, and trunk, still close the way that I imagine they did back in '52. The engine still ran, although it did need some new valves ($127 ea.) and the wiring harness was replaced with a new one, as the old wires were starting to corrode. I went for a ride in it once, and I must say that the car definitly has a presence of its own, that can be matched by none. I don't know if it is the "best" Mercedes ever made, but it does belong in the top 10.
-Larry

__________________
It is a truism that almost any sect, cult, or religion will legislate its creed into law if it acquires the political power to do so. Robert A. Heinlein


09 Jetta TDI
1985 300D

I think the best Mercedes Benz ever, is yours. Hands down!

Donald
had three,
'87 300E my first new one
and still loving every mile.
170,600 miles today.24Jan01