i totally agree with you.
the first merc i ever drove and sat in was a w202 99model C class. i didnt know much about the E and S class back then. after using/sitting in the others, i now know why germans call the C class, poor man's merc.
as far as the S w140 is concerned, it is an elephant. looks, ride, road presence, durability.
i got rid of w203 coz of the same reason. the newer models are way too complicated.
i am always short of time sadly. cant give much to family as well. i do get them detailed. white is almost sold. now its time to attend to silver 140. u will see her on the roads next week.
posting some pics of the other w140 shortly here and another w210 beauty that was with me for just 2 days and is now in your city