My start with M-B cars was about 2 1/2 years ago with a rusty 1985 300D. I just bought a moderately-good 1986 300SDL.
However, I do want a gas M-B at some point because I want to try converting it to run on CNG. Unfortunately, all of the mechanical fuel-injected cars are pretty-much impossible; the CNG systems want electronic fuel injection. I've read a little about the mechanical fuel injection gas systems...OMG
There are TONS of 1980-1990s Bosch fuel injected cars for sale that are in very good shape that need a new fuel distributor...$2000! That makes people give up on these old cars.