Thanks for confirming the smoke at large throttle opening is a factory feature. Obviously the newer diesels have eliminated that behavior. I must confess that I enjoy stomping it and sending a bit of smoke back when some jerk is riding my rear bumper too closely (I do keep right except to pass, even though it's not in fashion around these parts).

Will look into testing glow plugs...will be a good first foray into DIYing this rig. I'm also trying to get in touch with the original owner to see about maintenance records. This person traded the car into an RV dealer as down payment on a new class C motor home, and I bought from the RV dealer. Someone babied this car. My 2nd MB purchase this year, first being 2000 SL500 that introduced me to the brand. Liked it so much decided I'd have another.