first, I don't have the Marklin version of this loco, but I do have the Saxon IVk (and the historical coach set) and the quality is great, equal to the old, and the paint, as noted, is better. To nit pick, they DONT have the full color box end stickers, nor brochures, both of which I liked and are conspicuous in their absence.
secondly, I have the original LGB of this loco in blue, and, I too have been fortunate to have zero issues on R1 points, and, the loco runs beautifully, in sync, and crawls too. It is one of my favorites, period.
Other than price, and servicing parts issues, I have no hesitation about the Marklin products.