Where are you?

The car is worth fixing if the body is straight, ... fixing.

It is not a particularly valuable car though, so unless the car looks and operates generally like it has 78,000 miles (odometers are known for failure, ... is the trip odometer at zero?) then be careful how deep you get into repairs.

If it's actual miles, interior and exterior are cleanable to excellent condition, you have a fairly rare find and the value of it will be unusually high for the car. Then it's worth more than just fixing, it's worth throwing money at it to make it really right. It was the "fastest production diesel car" when it was new, and can be a grin to drive (especially with a little tuning). IMO a high point for Mercedes diesels, and Mercedes cars in general.

As mentioned, cooling system maintenance is important on this car, moreso than on your other diesels, think 2-stroke DD important. Further, the head is prone to cracking if it's the original head (search #14 head for more info), probably due to pressures in the combustion chamber at high outputs but many here feel that it's exclusively an overheating issue, can certainly be a fatal mistake.

The rear suspension bushings, rear subframe bushings, and differential mount/bushings are a substantial investment, but if you have inner-edge tire wear it is possible that you have some of them sloppy. The most common are the top and bottom arms facing forward from the wheel carrier. They could also be front tires rotated rearward after a severe toe-out has toasted them, the front will ride low when driven forward if toe-out is the problem.

Normal car stuff, window motors, transmission leaks, etc. will cause issues. It's an old car.

The turbo on your car might not give up much at this point, it is extremely common to have power issues due to switchover valve problems and alda problems, search both here. Should give 0-60 times in the 9second range when healthy/stock. Also search trap-oxidizer as this needs to be removed if you have one.

Common also are failing vacuum pods which control the flaps in your HVAC system.

This ought to give you a place to start, post a picture and your location and you'll get even more attention. Hopefully one of us lives near you.

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Gone to the dark side

- Jeff