w211 not worth 50K, period
#1
w211 not worth 50K, period
wanting to replace my dying black on black sportline w124, I really wanted the w211 to be this replacement, as its made by the same people who made my car.... I went to the dealer to get a comparable w211 black and black.. .
Although I didn't drive it , somethings really nagged me.. ...its not as spacious as my w124, it felt really TIGHT. Cramped. The low seating position reminded me of Civics...however my w124 is comparable to the w220 in front interior space ..And still has limo-like space in the back.
I mean, it doesn't look like a 50K car, the entire front half looks like it came off the w203 c-class, when I measured with my eyes, dashboard to bumper looked about the same size. I kept getting it mixed up with the c-class because they had the same dimensions... It just didn't have that presence.
I still will test drive an e500 on Monday, but unless its really stellar. .. got to perhaps look into an s55 or s500 sport...but guess we'll see then
Although I didn't drive it , somethings really nagged me.. ...its not as spacious as my w124, it felt really TIGHT. Cramped. The low seating position reminded me of Civics...however my w124 is comparable to the w220 in front interior space ..And still has limo-like space in the back.
I mean, it doesn't look like a 50K car, the entire front half looks like it came off the w203 c-class, when I measured with my eyes, dashboard to bumper looked about the same size. I kept getting it mixed up with the c-class because they had the same dimensions... It just didn't have that presence.
I still will test drive an e500 on Monday, but unless its really stellar. .. got to perhaps look into an s55 or s500 sport...but guess we'll see then
Last edited by sklasse; 03-26-2006 at 11:48 PM.
#3
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Build date 2-04 E500
Originally Posted by sklasse
I still will test drive an e500 on Monday, but unless its really stellar. .. got to perhaps look into an s55 or s500 sport...but guess we'll see then
You should buy an S, then you can biatch about your 80K car not being worth it......
#4
Originally Posted by 2manytoys
Not trying to be an *** but If you dont like it, then dont buy it.
I am just curious, if any of you also think the same about about its size and style ?
Last edited by sklasse; 03-26-2006 at 02:41 PM.
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2013 650i Coupe, 2010 IS250 AWD, 1999 S500
And you still wouldn't have the equal of an E-Class. Those cars are defined by their reliability/features which can be had on many cars, there is nothing special about either of them.
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M
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sold - w211 e320, f250, rx7 race car
Remember your post on 2/25/06?
sklasse
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When do you think used W211 will hit 20 ?
20 Grand as in the value of th e320 ??
This is the range, when my trade-in and cash value met so I don't have to finance anything...
https://mbworld.org/forums/e-class-w211/138605-when-do-you-think-used-w211-will-hit-20-a.html
sklasse
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When do you think used W211 will hit 20 ?
20 Grand as in the value of th e320 ??
This is the range, when my trade-in and cash value met so I don't have to finance anything...
https://mbworld.org/forums/e-class-w211/138605-when-do-you-think-used-w211-will-hit-20-a.html
Last edited by mbuskuhl; 03-26-2006 at 03:00 PM.
#7
yup thats me... .. as you can tell, you know what I think its worth
. but I should keep my mouth shut, until I drive it and actually get a decent idea bout this car. Those were just my initial impressions.
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#9
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Its big and Grey!
Originally Posted by W211 Ryda
If you really feel this pessimistic towards the W211, why don't you just invest the 50k into restoring your W124?
So tell us what $50,000 dollar car should look like.
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#10
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'03 ML350IE, '07 S550, '08 ML350CDI
I really enjoy my '05 E320. Compared to a C, it's legions above. It's really quite close to my father in-law's '05 S500 in terms of interior quality, etc.
Contrary to some opinions, it's a Mercedes E-class, and it IS a $50K car. The Audi A-6 doesn't look like a $50K car either, but that's what they sticker for. Interior lighting, etc. on them is budget-looking compared to the understated elegance in MB. A $50K BMW is pretty plastiky inside.
If you need a car that "looks" like it's expensive, pick up one of the remaining S classes. There's $10K in trunk money on these, to you can have a big MB and spend a little more than the E costs. However, I've driven tham all, and the S drives big. The E is a very comfortable tourer, has more room than it appears, and shouldn't disappoint.
Contrary to some opinions, it's a Mercedes E-class, and it IS a $50K car. The Audi A-6 doesn't look like a $50K car either, but that's what they sticker for. Interior lighting, etc. on them is budget-looking compared to the understated elegance in MB. A $50K BMW is pretty plastiky inside.
If you need a car that "looks" like it's expensive, pick up one of the remaining S classes. There's $10K in trunk money on these, to you can have a big MB and spend a little more than the E costs. However, I've driven tham all, and the S drives big. The E is a very comfortable tourer, has more room than it appears, and shouldn't disappoint.
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W203 slightly modified
Originally Posted by sklasse
wanting to replace my dying black on black sportline w124, I really wanted the w211 to be this replacement, as its made by the same people who made my car.... I went to the dealer to get a comparable 2006 w211 black and black.. .
Although I didn't drive it , somethings really nagged me.. ...its not as spacious as my w124, it felt really TIGHT. Cramped. The low seating position reminded me of Civics...however my w124 is comparable to the w220 in front interior space ..And still has limo-like space in the back.
I mean, it doesn't look like a 50K car, the entire front half looks like it came off the w203 c-class, when I measured with my eyes, dashboard to bump looked about the same size. I kept getting it mixed up with the c-class because they had the same dimensions... It just didn't have that presence.
I still will test drive an e500 on Monday, but unless its really stellar. .. got to perhaps look into an s55 or s500 sport...but guess we'll see then
Although I didn't drive it , somethings really nagged me.. ...its not as spacious as my w124, it felt really TIGHT. Cramped. The low seating position reminded me of Civics...however my w124 is comparable to the w220 in front interior space ..And still has limo-like space in the back.
I mean, it doesn't look like a 50K car, the entire front half looks like it came off the w203 c-class, when I measured with my eyes, dashboard to bump looked about the same size. I kept getting it mixed up with the c-class because they had the same dimensions... It just didn't have that presence.
I still will test drive an e500 on Monday, but unless its really stellar. .. got to perhaps look into an s55 or s500 sport...but guess we'll see then
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BMW E60 M5 - '08
The E-class is very distinguishable from the C-class. Any MB owner can tell it apart even at a glance. If you kept getting it mixed up then....
get your eyes checked out maybe??
There is this button on the door which can lift your seat position, if you think you are too low
My wife is 5'2" and she can raise the chair even for her to drive comfortably so unless you are shorter than 5 feet I don't see how you can complain about this.
![nix](https://mbworld.org/forums/images/smilies/nixweiss.gif)
There is this button on the door which can lift your seat position, if you think you are too low
![thumbs](https://mbworld.org/forums/images/smilies/thumbsup.gif)
#13
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'99 C230 K
dude, heres a tip, take a ride down to caddy, lexus, bmw, and every other car in the same price range, drive them, then drive the benz, and I bet you will change you mind.
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2008 Aspen, 1970 Corvette, 2000 Corvette and 2009 Legacy Limited
Originally Posted by Evil Duffman
dude, heres a tip, take a ride down to caddy, lexus, bmw, and every other car in the same price range, drive them, then drive the benz, and I bet you will change you mind.
I ended up getting another Benz to replace my 02 E320 SE. The E350 is nice. It may not be the fastest... it isn't. It may not be the sportiest... it isn't... but it does everything well enough that I grin when I drive spirited or when I am just sitting in Atlanta traffic on PIB or 85 Northbound.... The E500 has a noticable kick over the E350 and the E55 is just incredible. When it comes down to it... I don't think you could go wrong with any current Mercedes model... including the C-class!
Good luck with your search and hope you find a car that suites your needs... after all... it's only $50K
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Last edited by Mr.Gearhead; 03-26-2006 at 07:46 PM.
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sold - w211 e320, f250, rx7 race car
this guy is a joke, he can't afford a W211 so he decides to bash it...why try and justify the car to him?
Look at his previous posts, that will tell you all you need to know....
03-15-2006, 11:38 PM
sklasse
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Join Date: Sep 2004
Posts: 86
well,
thank GOODNESS for depreciation, now I can afford a Benz !
by the of this end year ( when the 2007 models come out ) the price of the current e500 will drop by another 3-4K.. at this point,
I would probably find a really nice color combination, low mileage, well-maintained car with all the features I want for about 25-30K, and I'd probably end up keeping that car for several years ( ~5yrs) , so in the end
it would probably end up barely 500 a month in the long run. That is if I decide that E-class is the car I like and want as a longterm car.
Here is another post... (he is an expert here on buying preowned, but his post today says he has never driven the W211)
03-01-2006, 04:21 PM
sklasse
Member
Join Date: Sep 2004
Posts: 86
BUYing a PRe-OWNed Car check-list:
What things should one to check when buying a 40-60K 03-04 E-class ?
Let me explain how I am screening as I am in the market :
I check how the engine sounds on startup, if you have a well-maintained engine you can tell because its got good pickup, smooth, and quiet. If you get a used car with a weak engine, it will only go downhill from there. Made that mistake already.
Next is the steering. Make sure its handling is sharp.
Next, try to go through the records, carfax, or dealer records, there are service checkups and corresponding documentation.
And to contradict todays post...
sklasse
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Posts: 86
How to make more Sporty?
test drove a w220 at the dealership...its spacious and has style , but it drives like a boat.
Look at his previous posts, that will tell you all you need to know....
03-15-2006, 11:38 PM
sklasse
Member
Join Date: Sep 2004
Posts: 86
well,
thank GOODNESS for depreciation, now I can afford a Benz !
by the of this end year ( when the 2007 models come out ) the price of the current e500 will drop by another 3-4K.. at this point,
I would probably find a really nice color combination, low mileage, well-maintained car with all the features I want for about 25-30K, and I'd probably end up keeping that car for several years ( ~5yrs) , so in the end
it would probably end up barely 500 a month in the long run. That is if I decide that E-class is the car I like and want as a longterm car.
Here is another post... (he is an expert here on buying preowned, but his post today says he has never driven the W211)
03-01-2006, 04:21 PM
sklasse
Member
Join Date: Sep 2004
Posts: 86
BUYing a PRe-OWNed Car check-list:
What things should one to check when buying a 40-60K 03-04 E-class ?
Let me explain how I am screening as I am in the market :
I check how the engine sounds on startup, if you have a well-maintained engine you can tell because its got good pickup, smooth, and quiet. If you get a used car with a weak engine, it will only go downhill from there. Made that mistake already.
Next is the steering. Make sure its handling is sharp.
Next, try to go through the records, carfax, or dealer records, there are service checkups and corresponding documentation.
And to contradict todays post...
.. got to perhaps look into an s55 or s500 sport...but guess we'll see then
Member
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How to make more Sporty?
test drove a w220 at the dealership...its spacious and has style , but it drives like a boat.
#16
Originally Posted by mbuskuhl
this guy is a joke, he can't afford a W211 so he decides to bash it...why try and justify the car to him?
Look at his previous posts, that will tell you all you need to know....
03-15-2006, 11:38 PM
sklasse
Member
Join Date: Sep 2004
Posts: 86
well,
thank GOODNESS for depreciation, now I can afford a Benz !
by the of this end year ( when the 2007 models come out ) the price of the current e500 will drop by another 3-4K.. at this point,
I would probably find a really nice color combination, low mileage, well-maintained car with all the features I want for about 25-30K, and I'd probably end up keeping that car for several years ( ~5yrs) , so in the end
it would probably end up barely 500 a month in the long run. That is if I decide that E-class is the car I like and want as a longterm car.
Here is another post... (he is an expert here on buying preowned, but his post today says he has never driven the W211)
03-01-2006, 04:21 PM
sklasse
Member
Join Date: Sep 2004
Posts: 86
BUYing a PRe-OWNed Car check-list:
What things should one to check when buying a 40-60K 03-04 E-class ?
Let me explain how I am screening as I am in the market :
I check how the engine sounds on startup, if you have a well-maintained engine you can tell because its got good pickup, smooth, and quiet. If you get a used car with a weak engine, it will only go downhill from there. Made that mistake already.
Next is the steering. Make sure its handling is sharp.
Next, try to go through the records, carfax, or dealer records, there are service checkups and corresponding documentation.
And to contradict todays post...
sklasse
Member
Join Date: Sep 2004
Posts: 86
How to make more Sporty?
test drove a w220 at the dealership...its spacious and has style , but it drives like a boat.
Look at his previous posts, that will tell you all you need to know....
03-15-2006, 11:38 PM
sklasse
Member
Join Date: Sep 2004
Posts: 86
well,
thank GOODNESS for depreciation, now I can afford a Benz !
by the of this end year ( when the 2007 models come out ) the price of the current e500 will drop by another 3-4K.. at this point,
I would probably find a really nice color combination, low mileage, well-maintained car with all the features I want for about 25-30K, and I'd probably end up keeping that car for several years ( ~5yrs) , so in the end
it would probably end up barely 500 a month in the long run. That is if I decide that E-class is the car I like and want as a longterm car.
Here is another post... (he is an expert here on buying preowned, but his post today says he has never driven the W211)
03-01-2006, 04:21 PM
sklasse
Member
Join Date: Sep 2004
Posts: 86
BUYing a PRe-OWNed Car check-list:
What things should one to check when buying a 40-60K 03-04 E-class ?
Let me explain how I am screening as I am in the market :
I check how the engine sounds on startup, if you have a well-maintained engine you can tell because its got good pickup, smooth, and quiet. If you get a used car with a weak engine, it will only go downhill from there. Made that mistake already.
Next is the steering. Make sure its handling is sharp.
Next, try to go through the records, carfax, or dealer records, there are service checkups and corresponding documentation.
And to contradict todays post...
sklasse
Member
Join Date: Sep 2004
Posts: 86
How to make more Sporty?
test drove a w220 at the dealership...its spacious and has style , but it drives like a boat.
Even a 1 - 2 year old e-class still costs like anywhere from 35 to 45 grand....whether I show you a depreciation chart or pre-own check-list, you would still need to be to afford a big amount.
About me not be able to afford one a brand new one, I would almost have said "yes" had I not just remembed that I drive a 56K mercedes ML500 www.geocities.com/evrclear00 .You can call me up in the Advert,
![Smilie](https://mbworld.org/forums/images/smilies/smile.gif)
you don't have to justify anything for me, I want the best car for me, the e-class is too small inside and out, no presence bland styling , and a ridiculous price tag for what you are essentially getting is a basic looking car. Autmobile magazine says the same thing ...look at my sig
Last edited by sklasse; 03-26-2006 at 11:41 PM.
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BMW E60 M5 - '08
If you are a prospective buyer, not a reviewer or critic, then it is pointless to compare cars and then decide if the differences are positives or negatives. You should be looking at what will fullfill your needs and wants, simple as that. IMHO, an MB driver loves the MB handling and will most likely find the BMW too rough. A BMW driver would find the MB 'boaty', 'spongy' and 'detached'. An MB type driver would describe their MB ride as 'refined', 'luxuriously smooth', 'well balanced'. A BMW type driver would describe their BMW ride as 'very reactive', 'close feel of the road', 'aggressive'. Both cars have distinctive design difference, and these differences are there for a reason.
Define who you are and then find a car that suits. The E-class is a fantastic car and I have no regrets with it. It's spacious, and I'm 6'3" and I have 2 kids. It's comfy. It also offers a good balance between sportyness and smoothness. Aspects of which I sought when I bought my car.
I'm now looking for something 'punchy', 'aggressively responsive' and 'spacious'. The 540i with the M Sports Pack and 19" wheels fits into that category and my price bracket. Does that mean MB's now suck? No, it just means my tastes have changed.
If you think the W211 is cramped then go for an S-class, 7-series or A8. The 5-series or A6 are not 'roomier'.
Whether it's an MB, BMW or Audi, they are all fine German cars. Define what you are, then find the car which suits that definition.
Define who you are and then find a car that suits. The E-class is a fantastic car and I have no regrets with it. It's spacious, and I'm 6'3" and I have 2 kids. It's comfy. It also offers a good balance between sportyness and smoothness. Aspects of which I sought when I bought my car.
I'm now looking for something 'punchy', 'aggressively responsive' and 'spacious'. The 540i with the M Sports Pack and 19" wheels fits into that category and my price bracket. Does that mean MB's now suck? No, it just means my tastes have changed.
If you think the W211 is cramped then go for an S-class, 7-series or A8. The 5-series or A6 are not 'roomier'.
Whether it's an MB, BMW or Audi, they are all fine German cars. Define what you are, then find the car which suits that definition.
Last edited by Le Burpor; 03-27-2006 at 12:03 AM.
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Build date 2-04 E500
Originally Posted by Le Burpor
Whether it's an MB, BMW or Audi, they are all fine German cars. Define what you are, then find the car which suits that definition.
Nice choices, but for his 20K price limit???? L.O.L....
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BMW E60 M5 - '08
Originally Posted by HELL ONA HARLEY
Nice choices, but for his 20K price limit???? L.O.L....
![nix](https://mbworld.org/forums/images/smilies/nixweiss.gif)
![Roll Eyes (Sarcastic)](https://mbworld.org/forums/images/smilies/rolleyes.gif)
For USD20,000 I could buy a 1993 W140 S430L...he did say he was considering an S-class right??
![thumbs](https://mbworld.org/forums/images/smilies/thumbsup.gif)
This one even has a rear spoiler which could possible give it more bhp??!!
![](http://images.carsales.com.au/private/723898.jpg)
#20
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'05 e320 cdi, '05 lexus rx330
Originally Posted by sklasse
wanting to replace my dying black on black sportline w124, I really wanted the w211 to be this replacement, as its made by the same people who made my car.... I went to the dealer to get a comparable w211 black and black.. .
Although I didn't drive it , somethings really nagged me.. ...its not as spacious as my w124, it felt really TIGHT. Cramped. The low seating position reminded me of Civics...however my w124 is comparable to the w220 in front interior space ..And still has limo-like space in the back.
Although I didn't drive it , somethings really nagged me.. ...its not as spacious as my w124, it felt really TIGHT. Cramped. The low seating position reminded me of Civics...however my w124 is comparable to the w220 in front interior space ..And still has limo-like space in the back.
I don't know what car you drove but my e320 cdi has much more room in the passenger compartment and the trunk is twice as large. The car was light years ahead of the 124 and I bought it the day after I test drove it.
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'05 e320 cdi, '05 lexus rx330
Originally Posted by Le Burpor
The E-class is very distinguishable from the C-class. Any MB owner can tell it apart even at a glance. If you kept getting it mixed up then....
get your eyes checked out maybe??
There is this button on the door which can lift your seat position, if you think you are too low
My wife is 5'2" and she can raise the chair even for her to drive comfortably so unless you are shorter than 5 feet I don't see how you can complain about this.
![nix](https://mbworld.org/forums/images/smilies/nixweiss.gif)
There is this button on the door which can lift your seat position, if you think you are too low
![thumbs](https://mbworld.org/forums/images/smilies/thumbsup.gif)
the 2000+ c classes were just slightly smaller than the 124 and they closely resembled on another
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2008 Aspen, 1970 Corvette, 2000 Corvette and 2009 Legacy Limited
Originally Posted by Le Burpor
LOL...yes I should have also stated that after you've defined who you are you should define how much you can afford then bring yourself back to reality. Then again, maybe cars are cheaper over there
For USD20,000 I could buy a 1993 W140 S430L...he did say he was considering an S-class right??
This one even has a rear spoiler which could possible give it more bhp??!!
![](http://images.carsales.com.au/private/723898.jpg)
![nix](https://mbworld.org/forums/images/smilies/nixweiss.gif)
![Roll Eyes (Sarcastic)](https://mbworld.org/forums/images/smilies/rolleyes.gif)
For USD20,000 I could buy a 1993 W140 S430L...he did say he was considering an S-class right??
![thumbs](https://mbworld.org/forums/images/smilies/thumbsup.gif)
This one even has a rear spoiler which could possible give it more bhp??!!
![](http://images.carsales.com.au/private/723898.jpg)
Hee hee... HP from a wing... good one. Hey add some exhaust tips and then this car will really be flying...
![drive](https://mbworld.org/forums/images/smilies/driving.gif)
#24
Super Member
For a 65K car (my sticker price ), I wish the rear seating room could be a lot bigger! But I guess MB wants you to buy the "S" if you want more space.
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04 E320 4 Matic, 95 Audi S6, 99 Carrera 4 Cabrio, 12 Fiat 500 Sport, 00 BMW R1200C 10, BMW R1200R
Originally Posted by sklasse
wanting to replace my dying black on black sportline w124, I really wanted the w211 to be this replacement, as its made by the same people who made my car.... I went to the dealer to get a comparable w211 black and black.. .
Although I didn't drive it , somethings really nagged me.. ...its not as spacious as my w124, it felt really TIGHT. Cramped. The low seating position reminded me of Civics...however my w124 is comparable to the w220 in front interior space ..And still has limo-like space in the back.
I mean, it doesn't look like a 50K car, the entire front half looks like it came off the w203 c-class, when I measured with my eyes, dashboard to bumper looked about the same size. I kept getting it mixed up with the c-class because they had the same dimensions... It just didn't have that presence.
I still will test drive an e500 on Monday, but unless its really stellar. .. got to perhaps look into an s55 or s500 sport...but guess we'll see then
Although I didn't drive it , somethings really nagged me.. ...its not as spacious as my w124, it felt really TIGHT. Cramped. The low seating position reminded me of Civics...however my w124 is comparable to the w220 in front interior space ..And still has limo-like space in the back.
I mean, it doesn't look like a 50K car, the entire front half looks like it came off the w203 c-class, when I measured with my eyes, dashboard to bumper looked about the same size. I kept getting it mixed up with the c-class because they had the same dimensions... It just didn't have that presence.
I still will test drive an e500 on Monday, but unless its really stellar. .. got to perhaps look into an s55 or s500 sport...but guess we'll see then
Sometimes, if you really can’t afford something, your mind will activate a self defense mechanism that will make you forget that you might really like something. I see that this is obviously what is going on here.
I owned a 1991 300E for 13 years and 135,000 miles. I think that this makes me experienced with the W124’s internal dimensions. I can simply tell you that there is no way that the W124 is bigger.
I loved my W124 and I would still have it to this day if had not been hit by a Jeep Grand Cherokee, but now that I have had my W211 for 1.5 years and 16,000 miles and there is nothing that I miss about the W124.
As per the price of the W211, who cares! You either like it and can afford it or you can not swing the money and your mind will play tricks on you. As I recall, I paid about $47,000 for my fully loaded 1991 300E (rear window shade, ASR, heated seats, dual airbags . .. ) That was much more money back then than a fully loaded E500 today would cost! So I really don’t see where you are coming from.
Like you stated before, you have not driven the W211. Drive one and you might like it, the feel and handling is light-years ahead of the W124 (which I still loved btw). However, getting a nice W211 for 20K will be very hard.
Steve