Originally Posted by Jim B.

Astute observations. The missing decals (and the perhaps also, the original radiator are gone) because either there has been a wreck, OR an overzealous detailer accidently scrubbed them off.


I lost a decal that way, (due to overzealous detailing in 2002) and then years later saw the same one on a wrecked W126 at a junkyard, on there, and so I wrote down its part number, then ordered the decal for $7 from the Mercedes Benz parts department at the dealer. Fixed that.



As for the Nissens, maybe the old radiator got clogged up, or it had the unreinforced upper hose neck crumble and needed replaced, it is over a 22 y o car after all.



I note the 2002 service sticker on the door from the Mercedes Benz dealer in San Francisco, (I was just there several weeks ago)
which suggests the car may have been possibly garaged from new there, little used cause so many people walk and use public transit there, and the car would be totally rust free if that is so.


The reason the car sold for $28k is that when bidding hit $18,100, a furious bidding war erupted between two bidders, the eventual winner a brand new ebayer with zero feedback (who the seller better hope has the money to pay!) wanting the car at ANY price started.


Perfect storm for the seller.



The perfect and detailed closeups of the car also really helped a lot to sell it.


It looked like an immaculate car.