I paid 4k a year ago for my 83 300SD. The car had only one owner and 137K miles. The interior is in top condition, however, I just spend 2,800 on a new paint job and expecting to spend an additional $700-$800 in front end repairs. The car looks like new but I have the "post-purchase blues". I feel that I could just put all that money together and buy a much newer model perhaps an 89 or 90. If you're buying and old Benz, figure out the total cost of getting the car in good condition and determine if you can get a newer model with that money.