Bill, I just responded and had the same PM line limitation problem so I sent it via email...

But, I'll make some additional comments here too.

About the mechanic thing...I do have a 2nd MB specialist shop here that I trust that can do an 'independant' inspection. For this kind of money, I'd be dumb not to spend another $150 for a full inspection.

I did forget to mention one fairly important detail; this guy's a retired 'having fun golfing' guy that buys and sells MBs on the side...small numbers, ie. not making a living off of it.

I have it through several sources that his new asking price is pretty much what he's 'got' in the car. He's bought himself a 300SD and needs to get rid of the smaller car. The 300D was orignally a keeper for himself; hence the reason it was restored so well.

Bottom line, I'm not sure if or how much lower he's willing to go...it looks like he'd be losing money going any cheaper.