The tick is probably a blown-out oil "bridge." The top could be anything from a fuse to a micro switch to a control unit. You could get someone to pull the codes and find out. It's true there are parts that can eat you alive, but they are great cars.

If it drives OK and the CEL isn't on, try a 5K offer. 8.5K is too much.

__________________
Chuck Taylor
Falls Church VA
'66 200, '66 230SL, '96 SL500. Sold: '81 380SL, '86 300E, '72 250C, '95 C220, 3 '84 280SL's '90 420SEL, '72 280SE, '73 280C, '78 280SE, '70 280SL, '77 450SL, '85 380SL, '87 560SL, '85 380SL, '72 350SL, '96 S500 Coupe