Love W124 Mercs! (This model). They're solid and built to last, very little ever goes wrong with these things if properly maintained...unlike the later, and even some current Benzes (quality plummeted like no one's business after Daimler-Chrysler buyout in 1998) and this car certainly looks nice and clean. I've never driven a manual W124 but I'm sure it does a little extra for fuel economy i suppose.
I AM looking to buy a W124, 230E or 300E at the moment...but unfortunately not in Pakistan...in London 