Being Dutch, I an very aware of the conditions you describe. Same stuff. Thought it may sound a bit gloomy to the Noob at hand.

Yes, another car would be a better daily driver in the long run, but a W123, or a W124 just ain't the same thing. From my viewpoint, if I had to change from W116 to another car, I would probably not even go for a 80's Mercedes. Maybe a W126, at best, but I would have a long look at other classics, other brands, to see if there's anything with the W116 charm out there that may hold up better in nordic weather.
Someone mentioned the need for a second car, by definition, if one drives a W116 daily. Stuff WILL break down. I think that is essential advice. I need 3 cars daily, in order to have at least one of them drivable at any given time. They are under 20 yrs old. Now imagine a 40 year car. In that light, have 2 cars, and drive the second one in bad weather.