I politely backed out of the sale and am currently looking at an 87 300SDL... but that's another story.

A few days later, this seller contacted me and wants to know what it's worth and if I'd consider $3600. I hate to tell him that $2grand is about it (to a Benz person, anyway).

But I do have two follow up questions: One: Is the rust at the passenger B pillar grommet hole a bonafide structural concern? IE, is that alone a deal killer?

Two: The car does have a ringy sounding rattle under load. I thought it would be a loose heat shield, but I found none when under the car. I talked to a friend (who's a diesel Benz guy) and he suspects the timing chain and/or tensioners. Anyone here agree?